How to Read Your Car's Fault Codes: A Complete Guide
Reading your car's fault codes may seem complicated, but with a few simple steps you can quickly identify potential problems. In this article, we will explain how to read these codes using specific software, describe what an OBD socket is, and help you perform OBD diagnosis of your car on your own. We'll finish with some recommendations for the best automotive diagnostic tools available in 2022.
Connecting to your car's diagnostic port
To read your car's fault codes, the first step is to connect diagnostic port from your car to your computer using a USB cable. This can be done easily with the inclusion of this port in most new vehicles.
Then, you must open the specific software for your vehicle. For example, if your car is an Audi A3, the software is called “ECODIS“.
When you have opened the ECODIS software, go to “Diagnostic tools“. In this section, there are two tabs: the first is called “Error Codes” and the second is called “Miscellaneous”. You need to scroll down until you find the “Error Codes” tab and press OK.
Finally, you must enter a series of specific codes on your keyboard. The last number represents the manufacturer, in our case it is Audi.
What is an OBD socket?
The system OBD (On-Board Diagnostic) is a computerized system installed in automobiles that monitors the performance of various engine/transmission components, such as spark plugs, ignition wires, fuel injection valves, oxygen sensors, and more…
The OBD connector is located under the dashboard, where it connects to your vehicle's electrical systems and instruments, as well as the computer that performs all kinds of diagnostics on your vehicle's electronic systems and warning lights.
How does a diagnostic or OBD socket work?
The diagnostic procedure for modern cars takes place in several stages, which will be described below:
Checking the health of the vehicle using the engine control unit (ECU). This is achieved by scanning the on-board diagnostic system (OBD II) using a special device called a scan tool which has an input connector called a J1850 data cable;
Checking ECU Codes and reading these codes on the screen of the scanning tool;
Comparison of results the first two stages with the manufacturer's recommendations;
Verification of control in case of non-compliance with the manufacturer's recommendations, to see if the check failed due to a software malfunction in the ECU or a hardware fault in the vehicle's wiring harness;
Resolution of problem if it is software related by resetting system settings;
Replacing the defective part or wiring harness if the problem is hardware related.
This advanced diagnostic tool is designed to diagnose problems in almost any type of vehicle, from small city cars like the Volkswagen Polo to large luxury cars like the Jaguar XE or BMW 3 Series and heavy-duty commercial vehicles. .
It is compact and very easy to use. Once connected to your car, no prior experience is required to perform a quick diagnosis.
In addition to its great precision, this case has many unique features, such as a wide range of functions and their ease of use.
Other recommended option: The Launch CR129 diagnostic case
The diagnostic case Launch CR129 is a compact and powerful tool that will be ideal if you are looking for something easy to use to keep your car in good condition. It is particularly useful for owners of Peugeot, Citroen, and Mercedes.
It will help you:
Plug in and charge the vehicle battery.
Check if the airbags have deployed.
Check tire pressure.
And much more…
Conclusion
Your car's fault codes are essential tools for identifying and fixing problems. By using an on-board diagnostic (OBD) system and the appropriate diagnostic tools, you can effectively monitor the condition of your vehicle and make necessary repairs.
My name is Sofiane, I was born in Lyon in 1996. I grew up in a modest family and I have always been fascinated by cars since I was very young.
After my high school studies, I decided to specialize in the automotive field. So I went to study automotive engineering in Grenoble where I obtained a master's degree in mechanical engineering for passenger vehicles.
Passionate about OBD (On-Board Diagnostic) technology, which allows drivers to diagnose their car themselves using the elaborate system embedded in their vehicles connected via Bluetooth/Wi-Fi or USB with a compatible personal computer such as Windows PC/ Linux/MacOsX such as ELM327 WiFi), I started my professional career as a technical writer after having completed several practical internships with different Lyon automobile garages in order to deepen my technical knowledge for this sector and acquire sufficient practical experience necessary that could be useful when products software achievements.
Over the years, I had developed some additional passions in particular: travel, computing (IOT & IP Networks) and Jazz music. It is thus that thanks to these additional skills enriched during all his extra-professional adventures that he was able to establish a bridge between his professional and private life offering him more equally interesting and diversified professional opportunities
I like working on complex projects linked to this fairly cutting-edge technology (preventive maintenance, advanced engine error diagnostics) because it allows me to take on stimulating technical challenges which constantly improve my skills and my expertise in this sector.
As a technical editor for Bosch France, I often had the opportunity to participate in seminars organized by their partners, suppliers or internal distributors. Thus during a professional trip to China to attend a conference on new trends in the Chinese automotive market ( 2020)
🔧 Need help or advice for your OBD interface/case? ☎️ 06.68.31.89.16 ☎️ Prefer live chat. 🔧 Chez OBD-DIAG.fr, nous vous assistons à distance ! Installation à distance disponible tous les soirs et tout le week-end ;) The technician remains available in the chat. Dismiss
