subject: What Are The Diagnostic Codes On A Vehicle [print this page] There are certain devices built into a car in order to monitor the fluids, the capacity of the engine, and how to check when both of those things aren't running correctly. Since so many cars are electronic in nature, there are computers that literally run a lot of functions within the car. Since there are computers in many cars, they can be used for the human benefit to find out when there is something wrong with the car. That is why diagnostic codes were created. An ASE Master Technician can go into your car and hook it up to a device that plugs into the cords from the computer, which are behind the steering column.
What Are The Codes For?
The diagnostic codes can be for any system in the vehicle. When you have an oxygen sensor going in the exhaust system, then you know it is time to replace it or have the entire exhaust system checked and repaired. Depending on where the oxygen sensor is, you might be able to buy a small part for replacement or else you will have to buy the whole system. Exhausts aren't that easy to fix. That is why there are service centers that focus specifically on the exhaust system, or mufflers, for every make and model of any vehicle.
The diagnostic codes can also signal trouble with a component of the engine. The codes can monitor everything under your hood, from when an air intake valve is getting clogged to when a filter is getting too dirty to function properly. The codes will likely signal a problem before it is major and cause you a breakdown on the side of the road.
Don't Ignore the Light
However, that doesn't mean you should ignore the light on your dashboard. If you have had several minor codes come up in a row that weren't important in order for the engine to run, then you might have a tendency to ignore the light the next time it comes on and not check to see what the code means. That could mean trouble, because you never know when a diagnostic code will reveal a larger problem within the car or the exhaust system. And, you don't want to find out that you ignored the check engine light the wrong time. Then, you could end up being stranded on the side of the road.
Go To The Mechanic
A certified mechanic will be able to hook up your car and see the code. Then, they can do a visual inspection to see if that code is really the only problem going on. The diagnostic center may only list the last code or problem with the car and not all of the problems that could be going on at once. An inspection by a mechanic will be more thorough and they will be able to give you an estimate on the cost of the repair and how long it will take.
When the check engine light comes on in the car, don't freak out. You also shouldn't ignore the light either. Take it to a service center and hook it up to their code readers and then you can know what the code is, what the fix will be, and how much the entire thing will cost you.
