Help - Interpreting OBD-II codes????

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Bill Jackson - 05 Dec 2004 22:53 GMT

I have the Actron OBD-II code scanner which does a good job at
retrieving trouble codes. However, how do I interpret each code???
In other words, how do I go from a P1236 code (just an example I made
up) to knowing which component is faulty???

Any help or pointers would be greatly appreciated. I'm a novice to
all this so I apologize if this is too simple of a question.

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John Ings - 05 Dec 2004 23:18 GMT

>I have the Actron OBD-II code scanner which does a good job at
>retrieving trouble codes. However, how do I interpret each code???
[quoted text clipped - 3 lines]
>Any help or pointers would be greatly appreciated. I'm a novice to
>all this so I apologize if this is too simple of a question.

What kind of car? There are general codes, and codes specific to the
manufacturer.

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Lawrence Glickman - 05 Dec 2004 23:32 GMT

>>I have the Actron OBD-II code scanner which does a good job at
>>retrieving trouble codes. However, how do I interpret each code???

I have two Actrons
9135
9145

and on the 9145 the definition for the code comes up with the number

on the 9135 you have to call Actron for a FREE CD ROM that has a code
interpretation program on it.

Call Actron. That's how I got mine for the 9135
The 9145 comes with the CD, as if you need it.

Lg

>>In other words, how do I go from a P1236 code (just an example I made
>>up) to knowing which component is faulty???
[quoted text clipped - 4 lines]
>What kind of car? There are general codes, and codes specific to the
>manufacturer.

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Ray - 06 Dec 2004 03:20 GMT

> I have the Actron OBD-II code scanner which does a good job at
> retrieving trouble codes. However, how do I interpret each code???
[quoted text clipped - 3 lines]
> Any help or pointers would be greatly appreciated. I'm a novice to
> all this so I apologize if this is too simple of a question.

There are lists of codes out there on the internet.
However, that only lists what code was set, but doesn't tell you WHY the
code may have been set.

For that, you need troubleshooting skills and a shop manual.

For example - on my 01 Trans Am, there's hundreds of pages of text to go
along with the trouble codes. Pretty much each code has a section and
troubleshooting flowchart. A lot of it is pretty basic (check wiring,
check vacuum line, check for voltage here, etc...) but can save you a
lot of money by not just throwing parts at it - the MAF sensor code was
thrown so it MUST be the MAF. Not.

You can pick up new ones from www.helminc.com if it's a GM, but check
ebay for used ones - I got ones for all my cars. Haynes and Chilton's
make acceptable kindling...

Ray

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