When it comes to cars, you may not think about them dying on you. But it happens. You may be driving to work one day, and you notice someone on the side of the road. They most likely have ignored some subtle signs that their car was in need of help. You may be dealing with that right now.
A light may appear on your dash, or you may hear something under the hood of your car. Today, many drivers don’t know what is going on with their vehicles, and that could lead to a variety of issues down the line. If you don’t know what is going on with your car, but you know something is wrong, don’t put off going to a mechanic.
If you do that, you’ll end up losing out on something big, and could very well have a major break down. With the latest OBD2 codes list, you may be able to tap into something grand, new world diagnostics.
What Is OBD2?
First and foremost, before you search for anything online, it’s important to consider what OBD is. This is an acronym that stands for onboard diagnostics. This connects to your car’s computer systems and relays messages and codes to a device.
In many garages the device can be connected directly to the vehicle through different ports, and a laptop. Others can be utilized with handheld devices, or even a mobile phone. The most modern of options are focused on with wireless connectivity and the internet. Whatever the case may be, this is a solution that has changed the way that cars are diagnosed with problems.
Onboard diagnostics have come a long way since their inception. Modern options fall into two major categories. They are consumer level and commercial level, each one used for similar purposes.
Since 1996, the EPA has set standards for auto makers to follow, and while each maker is slightly different, there are some similarities in the systems to allow for this type of diagnostic testing. This option works like you would expect it to work. You plug it in, and you send messages through the system, and it returns a lineup of codes.
What Are OBD2 Codes?
Moving forward, you’ll find that the majority of devices that use OBD protocol have codes that are used to figure out what is wrong with a car. There is a list of codes that represent different problems, and they are all different.
You’ll have a list on day one, and you’ll need to update from time to time based on the manufacturer’s credentials.
However, the codes themselves can be simple to read, or complex depending on the vehicle model and the code structure utilized. A mechanic will look at codes like P2031 and see that it’s something to do with the drive train.
Others will see something like 3914E and it will be a problem with the fuel injector. Whatever the case may be, these codes are the life blood of how diagnostics are done for vehicles.
Getting A OBD2 Codes List
First and foremost, you’re going to have to buy the right tool. If you have a laptop, tablet, smartphone, or even a standalone computer system that is portable, you can turn it into a diagnostic machine. However, you have two routes to go with this.
You could go with “free” solutions, that are easy to find with an internet search. Or you could go with “paid” solutions. The free options are great for the beginner. You can get familiar with some of the cods, and you start to look at what mechanics are looking at around the world.
However, if you don’t know how to apply the fixes, you are going to be in trouble. Applying the fixes is important, as it will ensure that you’re able to gain traction in regards to the codes you get and how you fix your vehicle.
The other route to go down here is in regards to paying for codes. When you look online for OBD2 codes list, you will be treated to thousands of listings. Amidst those there are going to be options for a tool or for codes and software. If you already have a OBD2 tool set, then you just need to purchase the codes and update them.
The codes list is important, because it’s going to determine whether or not you have the right components and information to fix your vehicle. Without properly updated codes, your information could be out of date, therefore obsolete.
Which Is Best?
For the consumer, buying a tool that reads these codes is not difficult. Is it the best route? That depends on what you’re going to be using it for. If you’re mechanically inclined and you can fix cars well, then yes, it pays to get a good solution here with updated codes and everything.
However, if you’re a beginner and aren’t sure how to read or use the codes, don’t invest heavily on high cost options. If you’re a mechanic or you are running an auto body shop, you’ll want to look into getting the updated codes list, and you will want to get the right diagnostic tool set.
There are some that are generic and there are some that come from the manufacturer of certain vehicles. Whatever is the case, you’ll need to decide what the end result is for getting the codes.
At the end of the day, like anything else, there are those options made for beginners and those that are made for professionals.
If you’re not familiar with OBD2 codes at all, don’t spend a great deal of money on a tool or code list. If you are experienced in fixing vehicles and more, then by all means invest in finding a good updated code list and working with that. Just remember, you get what you pay for in many instances.
Don’t rush to buy or update anything, take your time, and focus on learning what the codes mean for your make and model car in order to get the right option.
