OBD means On-Board Diagnostics that is an automotive term referring to a vehicle's self-diagnostic and reporting capability. OBD systems give the vehicle owner or repair technician access to the status of the various vehicle subsystems.
History of OBDThis first-generation of these on-board diagnostic (OBD) systems has become increasing sophisticated since the first systems appeared by the 1970s.
Most 1996 and newer vehicles have standardized computer systems (also known as OBD2) that continually monitor the electronic sensors of engines and emission control systems, including the catalytic converter, while the vehicle is being driven to ensure they are working as designed.
Before OBD-I, each manufacturer had their own set of standards for OBD, meaning that mechanics had to buy expensive scan tools for each manufacturer.
OBD-I was first introduced in 1987, and standardized onboard diagnostics.
As a result, it was mandated in 1996 that car manufacturers equip cars and trucks with OBD-II ports.
When you see check engine light on the front panel, prepare yourself for new OBD2 code.
To get started, plug the scan tool into the OBD II connector under the dash. Turn the key on, but don't start the engine. The tool will ask for a number of things such as the VIN, the make and model of the vehicle and the engine type.
This mode shows the stored diagnostic trouble codes. These fault codes are standard for all makes of vehicle and are divided into 4 categories:
Total number of P Codes : 4.405
Total number of U Codes : 3.422
Total number of B Codes : 3.120
Total number of C Codes : 2.365
If your car engine control system detects a problem, the computer stores the diagnostic trouble code in its memory. This is the time that the "check engine" sign lights up. There are some automobiles today that can activate its special diagnostic mode by grounding some terminals found on the diagnostic connector.
OBD2 error samples for autos:B0375 Datsun 2300 B0375 Fiat Bravo 2 | P1917 Caterham Superlight P1917 Packard 12 | B1295 Pininfarina Osee B1295 Austin A99 | B3884 Ford Gran Torino B3884 Dacia 1210 |
New Spark Plugs or Plug Wires are imperative for your car. The spark plugs are the part of your engine that ignites the air/fuel mixture in the combustion chamber of your automobile. This explosion is what moves the pistons and makes the engine run. The spark plug wires deliver the spark from the ignition coil to the spark plugs. If you're spark plugs or spark plug wires are bad or old, you will experience poor performance and reduced power. In some extreme cases, your engine will have trouble starting or continuing to run. Worn spark plugs and plug wires can cause clogged catalytic converter or damage to ignition coils and O2 sensors, large to more expensive repairs.
Issues with any aftermarket items. An aftermarket alarm, exhaust or supplemental item can wreak havoc on your car if it's not installed accurately. These aftermarket parts and accessories can drain the battery, trigger the check engine light, or even prevent the automobile from starting. If these issues sound prevailing, bring your Equinox to Chevy and have our department of certified mechanics ensure that your aftermarket items were installed correctly and aren't causing any issue. Getting accessories, especially aftermarket parts and accessories, or using OEM parts first place might cost a tiny bit more but could save you money from having to get poor work and damage caused by poor installation work corrected.
Your catalytic converter is bad or going bad. The catalytic converter is a part of your car's exhaust system. The catalytic converter's function is to turn the carbon monoxide created by the combustion process into carbon dioxide. A damaged catalytic converter is commonly caused by neglected maintenance, which is why Hare Chevrolet offers a complimentary multi-point inspection with every Chevy service. If you have an issue with your catalytic converter and don't get it repaired, your car will not pass an emissions test, show a lack of engine performance and will negatively affect your fuel economy. Your car may run at a higher temperature, too, which can cause supplemental problems from overheating.
Your O2 Sensor (Oxygen Sensor) needs to be replaced. The Oxygen sensor, acknowledged as the O2 sensor, measures the amount of oxygen in your exhaust system. If there is excess oxygen in your exhaust system, fuel burns faster and your automobile will be less important when it comes to fuel economy.
Your car has a vacuum leak. Every car has a vacuum system that performs a wide variety of functions. The vacuum system also helps lower harmful emissions by routing the fumes as gasoline evaporates through the engine. If you notice that your RPM is high in idle or randomly surges, a vacuum leak could be the cause. Over time, vacuum hoses can dry out and crack, especially if they're exposed to unusual heat or extreme nice.
Your mass airflow sensor (known as MAF) needs to be replaced. The mass airflow sensor in your car is what determines how much fuel is imperative to run your engine efficiently by measuring the amount of air entering the engine. As a part of the engine management system, the mass airflow sensor helps adjust to practical changes, like altitude. If your car is having trouble starting, idling rough or has a sudden change in the position of the throttle pedal, this could be a sign of a bad mass airflow sensor.
One of the most straightforward and several cause is that your car gas cap is loose, damaged or missing. The gas cap for your car serves multiple purposes. It prevents gas fumes from being released when you aren't driving, it seals the fuel system and helps maintain pressure within the fuel tank. What happens if you have a bad fuel cap? If your gas cap is old or has a ruptured seal, you can lose fuel through evaporation which will result in more trips to the pump. Luckily, to replace a gas cap isn't expensive. If your check engine light turns on today after you put gas in your car, first thing you should check is to make satisfied the cap isn't loose - or that it's still on your car's roof or at the fuel pump.
The battery is low or dead. The battery in your car is every important. Without a car battery, your car won't start, light up the road ahead, play the radio or charge your phone. Today's car batteries last much longer than they did a few decades ago, and they don't certainly require maintenance. The price of a new one depends on the type of Chevy you drive, but check our current service coupons and specials.
DTC Codes |
Description |
Common Codes Within This Range |
P0100-P0199 - Fuel and Air Metering |
These codes are used to monitor the fuel and air ratio of the vehicle's engine to determine if an oxygen sensor is failing, plus they will monitor a vehicle's emissions and fuel economy. |
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P0200-P0299 - Fuel and Air Metering (Injector Circuit) |
These codes are going to involve fuel injectors. |
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P0300-P0399 - Ignition System or Misfire |
These codes will trigger if there are issues with the car's ignition. For example, if there are spark plug issues. |
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P0400-P0499 - Auxiliary Emissions Controls |
These codes will determine issues with the system's EVAP (evaporative emission control) systems. The EVAP's function is to prevent gas fumes from reaching the atmosphere, thus keeping air pollution to a minimum. |
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P0500-P0599 - Vehicle Speed Controls and Idle Control System |
These codes will monitor the vehicle's speed controls and idling. Issues from the vehicle speed sensor (VSS) will trigger these codes. |
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P0600-P0699 - Computer Output Circuit |
These codes will be triggered by a faulty computer system. |
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P0700-P0899 - Transmission and Beyond |
These codes monitor the system's transmissions. Most of the time, the code is triggered by a fault in the system's transmission computer. |
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