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Fault Codes come in 2 flavours – Generic and Manufacturer specific. Generic codes are the same across all manufacturers. Manufacturer specific is as stated. Manufacturer codes will typically be down to manufacturers having their own unique equipment as obviously not all manufacturers share the same technology.

A budget fault code reader will simply read the codes which you will then need to reference in a supplied manual for a definition. More advanced readers will show you the code and the definition on-screen.

A code will normally begin with a letter followed by 4 numbers. The most common codes read from an OBD2 code reader are P codes. P standing for powertrain. Others include B (Body) and C (Chassis) codes

Understanding the code definitions: Let’s take an example. Say you read code P0301. The definition is as follows:

P0301 -Cylinder 1 – Misfire Detected

The problem here is pretty obvious. Action would include looking at spark plug firing and fuel injection first. So first check spark plug wiring – is it tightly connected to the spark plug and the distributor? Is there moisture in the distributor cap or at the spark plug connection? Is the spark plug cable defective? Then move onto removing the spark plug and checking if it is defective. If all that proves fine move into checking the wiring for fuel injection – are all connections sound? So and so forth.

The problem may be intermittent or consistent and should be apparent from a lumpy or poorly running engine. If the vehicle doesn’t appear to have these issues yet the code has been read, it may be that the code was registered when someone in the past ran the engine without the spark plug lead connected properly. In the case of no obvious problems, note all codes you have read, erase them and then check back a couple of weeks later to see if they have been logged again.

You may have heard this title OBD2 being banded around. Is my car OBD2 compatible? Where is my OBD2 diagnostic socket? etc.

OBD stands for On-Board Diagnostics. When vehicle manufacturers started including computers (ECUs) into their vehicles, they had their own systems and diagnostic connectors. Because engine electronics play a large role in the efficient operation of the engine and therefore the environmental impact, co-operation between US states and the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) began to start standardising On-Board Diagnostics. OBD2 was created in 1989 as a set standard by the California Air Resources Board. US govt law dictated that every car made for sale in the United States had to be OBD2 compatible. This standard included a 16 pin diagnostic socket, also called Data Link Connector (DLC).

What does OBD2 cover? It covers all systems covered under the Check Engine Light, also called Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL). These include engine systems such as fuel injection, air intake systems and emissions. It can also include automatic transmission and other chassis parts.

Engine Check Light MIL Indicator

What is EOBD and JOBD? EOBD is the European equivalent to OBD2 and JOBD the Japanese equivalent. They are effectively the same.

Okay, you’ve heard about fault code readers and how wonderful they are but how easy are they to use and if you know nothing about cars what is the point?

Let’s break this down into different categories of customer:

No knowledge Owner: The car owner who only knows where the fuel goes and absolutely nothing else. If you’re someone who fits in this category then a fault code reader will still be beneficial. Firstly, if you read the codes and present them to your local garage, this will likely cost you less in repair bills. It also helps convince the garage that you have some clue about your vehicle – that’s not to say all garages are out there to pull the wool over your eyes but it does happen.

Faults can get logged quite easily without any apparent problem. In many cases garages will just erase the codes and make no repairs. If you can do this yourself without even lifting the bonnet, you’ve saved money right there.

Home DIY Mechanic: The car owner who likes to try and solve problems themself and will only take a vehicle to a garage as a last resort. If you fall into this category then there’s not much needed to convince you of the benefits of having your own fault code reader. All of the previous applies as well as you being able to pinpoint the area of the problem.

Small Garage Owner: If you’re still using old school methods to track down problems in modern vehicles or contracting out work to auto electricians then it’s an absolute no brainer. You don’t have to spend thousands of pounds to enter into the world of Car Diagnostics.

Fleet/Hire Car Operators: Another customer that will save money and time from using a Fault Code Reader are those that operate fleets or hire cars. You will save garage bills and more importantly keep vehicles on the road for longer.

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Why do you need a fault code reader?

Fault code readers make life much simpler for the home mechanic and anyone wanting to get a better idea of what may be wrong with their vehicle, even if they use a garage. When you book your car into the garage for repairs, more often than not the mechanic will plug a diagnostic system into the vehicle’s diagnostic socket to read out any fault codes which may be present. And they will charge you for it.

A good handheld fault code reader will typically be cheaper to buy than minimum charge at a garage to read codes for you. Plus it allows you to get the information first hand.

For the modern motorist having a fault code reader is as essential as a car jack.

See www.lonelec.co.uk for Fault Code Readers & Diagnostic Equipment