Another dumb car maintenance question - Page 5

tw · 06-11-2008, 07:02 PM

And still not answered after so many replies to this post:

Quote:

... where the diagnostic code number results in useful replies; ie a list of potential suspects? ... What is the code number?

classicman · 06-11-2008, 09:32 PM

There is no law requiring him to tell you - sheesh.

BigV · 06-12-2008, 10:41 AM

An update:

tw, all, I don't have a code number. The reader's display remained stubbornly blank when the tech connected it, when I connected it, when I slapped it around a little bit in an unproductive but cathartic attempt to relieve my frustration.

No code. Crap.

So, c-man, I'd really like to hear more about how to macguyver the code, semaphore style with a screwdriver, from my rig. I still know how to replace a sensor. I still don't know what code to look up.

*pretty please?*

Clodfobble · 06-12-2008, 05:01 PM

I would personally think that if there's no code information from the reader, it doesn't matter if you try to read it in morse-code or some other magical way, it's still not going to have a number to give you.

BUT by random coincidence, just today in the oil-change place I overheard the mechanic's diagnosis of a woman's check-engine light. He said hers wasn't actually producing a code, either. His suggestion was to completely disconnect the battery and let it sit for a few minutes, then reconnect it. This would reset it, and he said he expected her light would stay off at that point. If it came back on, only then was there an actual problem with something.

dar512 · 06-12-2008, 07:45 PM

That's the car version of "reboot and see if that helps".

BrianR · 06-12-2008, 10:02 PM

I might at that. Sometimes the computer shows a fault code that fixes itself but won't reset the light. D/c'ing the battery might get rid of the light cheap and easy.

If not, what car (year and model) was it again? I can look up the code that will let you read the error on the dash. Usually, you turn the key on and off three times in succession and watch the Check Engine light. Or something like that. Look up the result here.

tw · 06-13-2008, 01:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigV

tw, all, I don't have a code number. The reader's display remained stubbornly blank when the tech connected it, when I connected it, when I slapped it around a little bit in an unproductive but cathartic attempt to relieve my frustration.

If a check engine light is on, then a DTC exists. Furthermore, many systems store previous codes even after the check engine light is extinguished. However, not all readers can access this history.

Once it was standard to have a flashing LED on the engine controller. Count the flashes to get that code. That option has been discontinued by many (if not all) automakers.

Refer to a URL provided by BrianR. Notice three different serial port standards. All must be supported by the reader. Another classic example of Ford vs GM 'we cannot cooperate' mentality. Possible is that your reader does not support the serial port for your vehicle. That reader also would not reset (clear) the check engine light.

Finally, in some states, a car must fail emission tests if the check engine light is on. In those states, the reason for that check engine light must be corrected to obtain an inspection sticker.

classicman · 06-13-2008, 08:53 AM

I own a Nissan and there is NO READER Needed. It is a stand alone system. The computer is located under the dash by the console. Turn the ONLY screw all the way to the right, wait a few seconds and then turn it back to the left.

This activates the system and the "check engine" light will flash accordingly. It will flash rapidly (short burst) then slowly (long) this lets you know what the code is. For example three short flashes and then 6 long flashes means a code of 36. *note* there may be multiple codes and the codes may have 3 digits instead of 2. REMEMBER to reset the computer when you are done. All the instructions to access the on-board computer are also in the Haynes or Chilton manual
Take that code and look it up online or in the Haynes or Chilton manual (which EVERY car owner should have). It will tell you what the problem is and typically how to correct it. I have done this many times.

Again, I prefaced this with I own a Nissan - I'm not sure how this relates to your vehicle because of the make/model where it was manufactured... and so on.

Urbane Guerrilla · 06-14-2008, 11:48 PM

Some points on wheel alignments

The fundamentals

Cars that never need alignments? These guys don't think so.

Cloud · 06-15-2008, 01:11 AM

UG: the second link is useful, the first not so much, as it is not directed toward the consumer.

Still trying to find good tires. Went to Sam's today with what I thought was a perfect tire choice--wrong speed rating. fuck.

And yes, if I get them installed at Sam's, I'll have to take them to get aligned.

Urbane Guerrilla · 06-15-2008, 01:50 AM

Eep! How fast do you drive?

BrianR · 06-15-2008, 09:00 AM

If she's like most drivers around here, about five miles below the speed limit.

My car needs a new tire (one blew out the sidewall). I'm still looking for a shop that sells Maxxis Tires. I thought I had one but they can't seem to locate the ONE tire that fits my car that the computer swears is in stock.

There is one other shop that claims to carry Maxxis, but I still have to get out toward the airport to find them. Likely, they won't be open until Monday anyway.

Anyway, as soon as I can afford $1000, I'm switching to All-Terrain tires that are easier to find, such as Bridgestone Duelers or something. Those V-rated speed-demon, lo-pro tires are too hard to find and too expensive.

Cloud · 06-15-2008, 09:28 AM

hey! it's four miles above the speed limit, thank you!

Don't drive that fast, but want to make sure I order the right kind of tires. They told me the ones I had picked out did not match my car. Still researching . . .

Undertoad · 06-15-2008, 09:58 AM

They mean that because your car CAN do 120 MPH you have to have tires rated at 120 MPH. So what car is it?

Cloud · 06-15-2008, 10:44 AM

The tires I believe are appropriate for my car have a load/speed rating of 86H. The ones I was going to buy have a speed rating of 86T.

I went in to Sam's to order these tires, because they got top ratings at Consumer Reports, but are only available at buying clubs. Michelins. they have a $60 off special, too. But they told me the speed rating is different. Do you know if it makes that much difference? I'm positive the size is correct.

06-11-2008, 09:32 PM	#62
classicman barely disguised asshole, keeper of all that is holy. Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 23,401	There is no law requiring him to tell you - sheesh. __________________ "like strapping a pillow on a bull in a china shop" Bullitt

06-12-2008, 10:41 AM	#63
BigV Goon Squad Leader Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Seattle Posts: 27,063	An update: tw, all, I don't have a code number. The reader's display remained stubbornly blank when the tech connected it, when I connected it, when I slapped it around a little bit in an unproductive but cathartic attempt to relieve my frustration. No code. Crap. So, c-man, I'd really like to hear more about how to macguyver the code, semaphore style with a screwdriver, from my rig. I still know how to replace a sensor. I still don't know what code to look up. pretty please? __________________ Be Just and Fear Not.

06-12-2008, 07:45 PM	#65
dar512 dar512 is now Pete Zicato Join Date: May 2003 Location: Chicago suburb Posts: 4,968	That's the car version of "reboot and see if that helps". __________________ "Against stupidity the gods themselves contend in vain." -- Friedrich Schiller

06-12-2008, 10:02 PM	#66
BrianR Cleverly disguised as a responsible adult Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 3,338	I might at that. Sometimes the computer shows a fault code that fixes itself but won't reset the light. D/c'ing the battery might get rid of the light cheap and easy. If not, what car (year and model) was it again? I can look up the code that will let you read the error on the dash. Usually, you turn the key on and off three times in succession and watch the Check Engine light. Or something like that. Look up the result here. __________________ Never be afraid to tell the world who you are. -- Anonymous

06-13-2008, 08:53 AM	#68
classicman barely disguised asshole, keeper of all that is holy. Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 23,401	I own a Nissan and there is NO READER Needed. It is a stand alone system. The computer is located under the dash by the console. Turn the ONLY screw all the way to the right, wait a few seconds and then turn it back to the left. This activates the system and the "check engine" light will flash accordingly. It will flash rapidly (short burst) then slowly (long) this lets you know what the code is. For example three short flashes and then 6 long flashes means a code of 36. note there may be multiple codes and the codes may have 3 digits instead of 2. REMEMBER to reset the computer when you are done. All the instructions to access the on-board computer are also in the Haynes or Chilton manual Take that code and look it up online or in the Haynes or Chilton manual (which EVERY car owner should have). It will tell you what the problem is and typically how to correct it. I have done this many times. Again, I prefaced this with I own a Nissan - I'm not sure how this relates to your vehicle because of the make/model where it was manufactured... and so on. __________________ "like strapping a pillow on a bull in a china shop" Bullitt

06-12-2008, 05:01 PM	#64
Clodfobble UNDER CONDITIONAL MITIGATION Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 20,012	I would personally think that if there's no code information from the reader, it doesn't matter if you try to read it in morse-code or some other magical way, it's still not going to have a number to give you. BUT by random coincidence, just today in the oil-change place I overheard the mechanic's diagnosis of a woman's check-engine light. He said hers wasn't actually producing a code, either. His suggestion was to completely disconnect the battery and let it sit for a few minutes, then reconnect it. This would reset it, and he said he expected her light would stay off at that point. If it came back on, only then was there an actual problem with something.

06-14-2008, 11:48 PM	#69
Urbane Guerrilla Person who doesn't update the user title Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Southern California Posts: 6,674	Some points on wheel alignments The fundamentals Cars that never need alignments? These guys don't think so. __________________ Wanna stop school shootings? End Gun-Free Zones, of course. Last edited by Urbane Guerrilla; 06-15-2008 at 12:04 AM.

06-15-2008, 01:11 AM	#70
Cloud ... Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 8,360	UG: the second link is useful, the first not so much, as it is not directed toward the consumer. Still trying to find good tires. Went to Sam's today with what I thought was a perfect tire choice--wrong speed rating. fuck. And yes, if I get them installed at Sam's, I'll have to take them to get aligned. __________________ "Guard your honor. Let your reputation fall where it will. And outlive the bastards!"

06-15-2008, 01:50 AM	#71
Urbane Guerrilla Person who doesn't update the user title Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Southern California Posts: 6,674	Eep! How fast do you drive? __________________ Wanna stop school shootings? End Gun-Free Zones, of course.

06-15-2008, 09:00 AM	#72
BrianR Cleverly disguised as a responsible adult Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 3,338	If she's like most drivers around here, about five miles below the speed limit. My car needs a new tire (one blew out the sidewall). I'm still looking for a shop that sells Maxxis Tires. I thought I had one but they can't seem to locate the ONE tire that fits my car that the computer swears is in stock. There is one other shop that claims to carry Maxxis, but I still have to get out toward the airport to find them. Likely, they won't be open until Monday anyway. Anyway, as soon as I can afford $1000, I'm switching to All-Terrain tires that are easier to find, such as Bridgestone Duelers or something. Those V-rated speed-demon, lo-pro tires are too hard to find and too expensive. __________________ Never be afraid to tell the world who you are. -- Anonymous Last edited by BrianR; 06-15-2008 at 09:01 AM. Reason: typo

06-15-2008, 09:28 AM	#73
Cloud ... Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 8,360	hey! it's four miles above the speed limit, thank you! Don't drive that fast, but want to make sure I order the right kind of tires. They told me the ones I had picked out did not match my car. Still researching . . . __________________ "Guard your honor. Let your reputation fall where it will. And outlive the bastards!"

06-15-2008, 09:58 AM	#74
Undertoad Radical Centrist Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Cottage of Prussia Posts: 31,423	They mean that because your car CAN do 120 MPH you have to have tires rated at 120 MPH. So what car is it?

06-15-2008, 10:44 AM	#75
Cloud ... Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 8,360	The tires I believe are appropriate for my car have a load/speed rating of 86H. The ones I was going to buy have a speed rating of 86T. I went in to Sam's to order these tires, because they got top ratings at Consumer Reports, but are only available at buying clubs. Michelins. they have a $60 off special, too. But they told me the speed rating is different. Do you know if it makes that much difference? I'm positive the size is correct. __________________ "Guard your honor. Let your reputation fall where it will. And outlive the bastards!"

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