
So you’d better bring a pen and paper with you. Oh, by the way, once you unplug it, the information is gone.
#What is a genisys scan tool 9 digit security code code#
Once you have the code, you’ll have to go to your home computer to look up the code definition. That means you can scan for the code and read the trouble code only as long as it’s plugged into the computer. The cheapest code readers don’t have batteries. The bottom line with code readers is that they at least give you a starting point for your diagnosis, but can leave you stranded if you need more data to narrow the root cause. Read this post to learn more about readiness monitors. The higher end models also display the readiness monitor status. Or, you can spend a bit more (around $50) and get a code reader that displays both the code and the definition. You can buy an economy code reader for around $30 that displays only generic powertrain (P) codes but doesn’t give you the definition of the code. That’s because you really have a B, C, or U trouble code or a manufacturer-specific code stored that your code reader can’t read. If you buy one of those, you can wind up in a situation where you have a check engine light but the code reader comes up with no codes. The cheapest code readers and scan only read P0xxx trouble codes. If the second character is a “2” it’s a generic code that refers to a system that’s not part of the vehicle system setup shown above. And, carmakers can change the meaning for the same code between years and engines. To find the definition of a P1584, you’ll have to know the year, make, model and engine before you can look up the code meaning. However, if the second character is a “1”, then you’re looking at a manufacturer-specific trouble code. So a P0304 means Cylinder 4 Misfire Detected. The third character tells you which vehicle system the code is from.Ġ – Fuel and air metering and auxiliary emission controlsĢ – Fuel and air metering (injector circuit)ĥ – Vehicle speed control and idle control systems So a P0171 mean System Too Lean (Bank 1) for every year, make and model.

If the second character is a “0” the code is a generic code and means the same thing across all makes and models. Within those categories are generic and manufacturer-specific trouble codes. Here are the prefix letters and what they mean: You have to understand how the trouble codes are arranged before you can decide which code reader or scan tool to buy. sets the standards for generic codes but the carmakers themselves set the definitions for manufacturer-specific codes. OBDII trouble codes come in many varieties.
