In this video I’ll show you how to read and clear a check engine light
But first here is a brief overview of the lingo related to this subject
DTC stands for diagnostic trouble code
OBD stands for on board diagnostics
MIL stands for malfunction indicator lamp
Commonly referred to as the check engine light
SAE stands for society of automotive engineers
You’ll need a device called a code scanner
Like this one right here
This is the AutoXray Code Scout 700
It sells for about 60 bucks
You can see the link below for more information
Now this is an OBD-II code scanner
All vehicles manufactured after 1996 require an OBD-II code scanner
To read the check engine light
All vehicles manufactured from 1986 - 1995 need an OBD-I code scanner
There are 4 types of OBD-II diagnostic trouble codes
Power Train starting with the letter “P” followed by 4 digits
Chassis started by the letter “C” followed by 4 digits
Body starting with the letter “B” followed by 4 digits
And Network Communications starting with the letter “U” followed by 4 digits
Alright lets head outside and hook up the Code Scout 700
To my 2002 Chevy Wimpala
The Wimpala is a few cylinders short of its big brother
Who passed away in 1996
But anyway here’s how to read the check engine light
Step 1: Plug the Code Scout 700 into your vehicles data link port
Usually the data link port is located under the dashboard
On the drivers side
You will notice the code scanner display blinking between code and scout
Step 2: Insert the key and turn it to the “On” position
Don’t start the engine, don’t leave it in accessory
You need to find the On position
Step 3: Press the read button on the scanner
And wait for the scan to complete
Step 4: Scroll down to read the codes by hitting the read button
Which also functions as a down arrow
You’ll want to write down the codes so that you can look up what they mean
The Code Scout 700 comes with an index in the back of the instruction manual
For easy look up
Or you can follow the link below to the online code look-up data base
Different states have different laws about emissions
But every state will fail an inspection if the check engine light is on
Here’s how to clear the check engine light
Step 1: Plug the Code Scout 700 into your vehicles data link port
Again you will notice the code scanner display blinking between code and scout
Step 2: Insert the key and turn it to the “On” position
Don’t start the engine, don’t leave it in accessory
But make sure its in the On position
Step 3: Press and hold the erase button for 3 seconds
Then release it
Notice the code scanners display will say “Erase?”
With a question mark
Step 4: Press and hold the erase button again for 3 seconds
Then release it
Your check engine light should turn off
If for some reason the display says “No Link”
Turn the car off, wait for 10 seconds and start the process all over