How to get codes

[daproducer]

I am running a CEL, and wanted to know how to check my codes. When I have time I plan on going to Autozone, but isn't there a way to check them with the clock/settings buttons. I think certain ones have to be held down for a time period or something. Any help is appreciated.

[01blkcat]

Hold units and reset when starting the car... then release units then reset, IIRC.

[daproducer]

Awesome, I will try it on my way out, thanks a lot.

[FastCougar]

That will not tell you OBD-II codes ... you need a scanner for that.

[Fett]

Originally posted by: 01blkcat
Hold units and reset when starting the car... then release units then reset, IIRC.

To add to what Trevor said.....

The units+reset button trick has nothing to do with your CEL. You can have a CEL and show no errors on your DCT, yet have no CEL and show codes on your DCT. That is not a real diagnostic set up anyway, it only shows errors, which can come and go. Fill up with too much gas, or have to little gas, you might pull a "fuel sender circuit failure" code, but it will go away in no time. Those codes mean nothing, ignore them.

Your PCM reads and stores codes, there are hundreds of codes. Bad O2 sensor, bad cat, bad IMRC, too much air, too little air, too much fuel, too little fuel, gas cap not venting, bad crank sensor, bad cam sensor, ect ect ect. Your CEL will only be triggered when your PCM reads the same code three times. That is so you do not get a CEL every time a little condensation gets on an O2 sensor.

Another myth is that your CEL is ONLY for emissions problems, that is NOT the case. Your camshaft position sensor is not an emissions issue...yet it will trigger a CEL. So just because you have a CEL, do not assume it is something in your exhaust..it could be one of hundreds of things. Go have the code pulled by your dealer, or any local auto parts store that has a true OBD-II. A Rotunda scanner will give you the code AND what it means, most everyone else can give you the code, which you can easily find out what it means.

Find out what is bad, buy one and replace it yourself.

[daproducer]

Thanks for the information FastCougar and Fett. I appreciate the detailed explanation Fett, it really clarifies things. I have aftermarket headers on there (MSDS), and I am hoping it is just my MIL eliminators that need replacing.

Hopefully the snow sticks around, my college gets closed tomorrow, and Autzone stays open.

[DNNYBOY33]

I installed a diablo chip and 4 or 5 days later I got a cel. When I go to find out what the cel is, do I need to have the chip out of the ECU?

[B3NN3TT]

Originally posted by: daproducer
I have aftermarket headers on there (MSDS), and I am hoping it is just my MIL eliminators that need replacing.

I'd bet money that's what the problem is.

As soon as RiverRojo gets back on the horse, we'll have to start sending him LOTS OF CASH for MIL eliminators (hint, hint...)

By the way, if anyone else knows how to make these things and can get me a set sharpish, I'll pay up to $20 for a pair!

Hurry up, Jeff!

[OoWastedoO420]

dose anyone know what code (9318)????

[blackcatv699]

That means your battery voltage is low (less than 10volts)


I get that one more or less everytime I do the diagnostic thing, especially if I do it without the engine running!

[yssupkat]

be careful with the battery low voltage code... that's what mine did before my alternator went :(

[Fett]

Originally posted by: OoWastedoO420
dose anyone know what code (9318)????

As answered already.....

The "DCT" codes...that you get.....when you hold down.....reset and units while starting the car.....mean absolutly NOTHING.

Let me explain the difference, again.

True diagnostic codes are stored in the PCM (Power Control Module), which some people mistakenly call the ECU. The PCM reads the codes when a problem occurs, the O2 sensor gets a bad read, the TPS sends a bad signal, the CPS picks up a bad read, ect ect. The PCM stores these codes, they are stored into the PCM until they are flashed out by an OBD-II. Disconnecting the battery does NOT remove the codes stored in the PCM. Now, when the PCM reads the same code three times, it will trigger a CEL, thus warning you that something is wrong.

Ok...

The codes you can find in the cluster, have NOTHING to do with the PCM codes...nothing at all. Those codes are something that is read right then and there. If you check those codes and your battery is sending low voltage at the very instant that you "reset, units, start car", then you will get the "low voltage code". Say for instance, there is an air bubble in the fuel line at that moment, then you will get a fuel sender failure code. However, that does not mean you have a problem.

Have people had a low voltage code and their alt died....yes. However, my car showed that code from day one...and three years later the alt died. I have had the fuel sender code since day one...and I have YET to have a problem with my fuel system.

Just because you see the code does NOT mean you have a problem. And just because you see NoNe...does not mean you DON'T have a problem.

If you suspect a problem, or you have a CEL....take your car to someone who can check your PCM codes.