What’s the Scanner for Car Check Engine Lights Called?

That sudden illumination of the check engine light on your dashboard can be unsettling. It’s a signal from your car that something isn’t quite right under the hood, and while it might feel like a prelude to engine catastrophe, in most instances, it’s just your vehicle’s way of asking for attention. This light is linked to your car’s powertrain – encompassing the engine, transmission, and emissions system. The issue could be as simple as a loose gas cap or something a bit more involved like a failing fuel pump. However, it’s wise not to dismiss the possibility of expensive engine repairs even if your car seems to be running smoothly.

Since the 1980s, vehicles have been equipped with an ingenious system called On-Board Diagnostics (OBD). This system continuously monitors your car’s performance, diagnosing issues and recording them as Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs). To access these codes and understand why your check engine light is on, you need a specific tool. So, What Is The Scanner For Car Check Engine Lights Called? It’s known as an OBD scanner or OBD-II scanner, also commonly referred to as a diagnostic scanner or code reader. By using one of these scanners to decipher the check engine light codes, you can get a much clearer picture of the problem and its severity.

Decoding Your Check Engine Light: What Does It Mean?

Without a scanner, deciphering the check engine light can feel like guesswork. However, the way your check engine light appears—specifically its color and behavior—can provide initial clues about the urgency of the situation.

Solid Yellow or Orange Check Engine Light: A steady yellow or orange check engine light indicates that your car’s On-Board Diagnostic system (OBD) has detected a malfunction in a system or component. While the issue requires attention, it’s generally not considered an immediate emergency. Your vehicle can still operate, but it’s not compensating for the problem effectively. When faced with a solid yellow or orange light, you likely have some leeway to schedule a check-up. It’s advisable to get your system scanned with an OBD-II scanner within 100 miles to pinpoint the underlying cause.

Solid Red Check Engine Light: A solid red check engine light that isn’t flashing suggests a more pressing issue than a yellow or orange light. It signals that the problem needs attention sooner rather than later, although it may not be catastrophic at this moment. If you see a solid red check engine light, it’s recommended to head to the nearest certified mechanic, repair shop, or dealership for diagnosis and repair as soon as possible.

Flashing Check Engine Light: A blinking or flashing check engine light is a serious warning. It often points to a severe problem, such as engine misfiring, that could potentially cause significant damage if ignored. In this situation, the safest course of action is to pull over immediately and contact roadside assistance to have your vehicle towed to a qualified mechanic, repair shop, or dealership. Driving with a flashing check engine light can lead to further damage and more costly repairs.

Alt text: Solid yellow check engine light illuminated on a car dashboard, indicating a detected malfunction.

Using an OBD2 Scanner to Read Car Codes: The Simplest Method

The On-Board Diagnostics system is designed to make vehicle health assessments straightforward for both drivers and technicians, primarily through the use of an OBD-2 scanner. These scan tools are widely accessible and can be purchased at most auto parts stores. Many auto parts stores even offer complimentary scans as a service. Once connected, the OBD-2 scanner can retrieve information related to the check engine light, along with crucial vehicle data such as the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and calibration identification number.

In most modern cars, the OBD2 port is conveniently located on the driver’s side, usually beneath the dashboard. Reading the OBD2 codes and identifying the reason for your check engine light is a simple process:

1. Locate the OBD2 Port and Plug In: Find the OBD2 port, typically under the dashboard on the driver’s side. Plug your OBD2 scanner securely into this port.
2. Turn On Your Vehicle: Turn the ignition key to the “on” position. You don’t need to start the engine, just provide power to the car’s systems.
3. Enter Vehicle Information (If Required): Some scanners may prompt you to enter vehicle information, such as the VIN. Follow the scanner’s instructions.
4. Initiate the Scan: Press the “scan” button on your OBD2 scanner to begin the diagnostic process.
5. Record Trouble Codes: After a short scan, the OBD2 scanner will display any trouble codes or error codes it retrieves. Carefully write these codes down. They are your key to understanding the problem. The scanner will usually provide a brief description of each code.

Alt text: Hand plugging an OBD2 scanner into the OBD2 port located beneath the dashboard of a car.

Clearing Check Engine Lights with an OBD Scanner: A Simple Trick

If you have an OBD scanner, you can also use it to turn off the check engine light after you’ve completed a repair. Following the steps above to read codes, you can typically find an additional option to clear codes. Navigate through the scanner’s menu to find the “erase codes” or “clear codes” option and select it.

It’s important to remember that clearing the check engine light only addresses the symptom, not the underlying problem. If the issue that triggered the light hasn’t been properly fixed, the check engine light will likely reappear soon, reminding you that attention is still needed.

Alternative Methods to Read Car Engine Codes Without a Scanner

While an automotive diagnostic scanner (OBD scanner) is the most user-friendly and effective tool, there are alternative methods to access diagnostic trouble codes if you don’t have a scanner readily available. These methods are less convenient and might not work for all vehicles, but they can provide some information in a pinch. Methods involving the odometer or ignition key are sometimes effective in retrieving diagnostic trouble codes to help determine the cause of your check engine light.

Method 1: Odometer Reset Technique for Check Engine Light Codes

You might be able to access diagnostic codes using just your vehicle’s odometer. Here’s how to try reading engine diagnostic trouble codes using your odometer:

1. Press and Hold Reset Button: Press and hold down the odometer’s reset button.
2. Press and Hold Trip Button: While still holding the odometer reset button, also press and hold the odometer’s trip button.
3. Turn Ignition to “On”: Keep both buttons pressed and turn your vehicle’s ignition switch to the “on” position (do not start the engine).
4. Release Buttons: After turning the ignition on, release both the odometer reset and trip buttons.
5. Check Odometer Display: Watch your odometer display. If successful, diagnostic trouble codes should appear there for you to record.

Method 2: Odometer Reset with Ignition Cycles

If the first odometer method doesn’t work, your vehicle might require multiple ignition cycles to display the fault code. The steps are similar, but you’ll cycle the ignition “on” and “off”:

1. Hold Reset and Trip Buttons: Press and hold both the odometer’s reset and trip buttons simultaneously.
2. Ignition “On”: While holding the buttons, turn the ignition switch to the “on” position.
3. Ignition “Off”: Without releasing the buttons, turn the ignition switch back to the “off” position.
4. Ignition “On” Again: Again, without letting go of the buttons, turn the ignition switch back to the “on” position.
5. Release Buttons and Check Display: With the ignition in the “on” position, release the odometer’s trip and reset buttons. Look at your odometer display for trouble codes.

Method 3: Ignition Key and Dashboard Observation

Using the ignition key is another method to try diagnosing check engine light codes without an OBD-2 scanner. This method requires careful observation. For OBD-2 capable vehicles, the trouble code may appear in the odometer display, similar to the odometer methods.

However, older vehicles, particularly those with OBD-1 systems, will display the engine scanner code as a series of pulses and pauses from the check engine light itself. You’ll need to watch the check engine light and carefully count the flashes and pauses. Each flash represents a digit, and a pause separates digits. For example, flash, flash, flash, flash, flash, PAUSE, flash, flash, flash would be interpreted as code 53 (five flashes, a pause, and three flashes = 5 and 3 = 53).

Here’s how to try this method:

1. Ignition Cycle (On/Off): Turn the ignition key “on” and “off” three to five times in quick succession, without starting the engine. Finish with the ignition in the “on” position.
2. Check Warning Lights: If you’ve cycled the ignition enough times, all the warning lights on your dashboard should briefly illuminate.
3. Observe Check Engine Light: Wait for all lights to turn off except the check engine light.
4. Check Odometer Display (OBD-2): First, check if a diagnostic trouble code appears in your odometer display.
5. Observe Engine Light Pulses (OBD-1 or if no odometer code): If no code appears in the odometer, carefully watch the check engine light itself for a pattern of pulses (flashes) and pauses. Record this pattern to decipher your trouble code.

Method 4: Paperclip or Jumper Wire for OBD-1 Codes

If the previous methods are unsuccessful, especially with older vehicles, you might need to access OBD-1 codes directly using a paperclip or jumper wire. This method involves manually creating a connection in your vehicle’s OBD port to trigger the code display.

1. Turn Car Off: Ensure your car is completely turned off.
2. Locate OBD Port Terminals: Find the OBD port, typically located under the steering wheel. Identify the two specific terminals required for code retrieval (consult your vehicle’s repair manual or online resources for the correct terminals, as they vary).
3. Create Circuit: With the car off, use a paperclip or jumper wire to connect the two identified terminals in the OBD port, creating a closed circuit.
4. Ignition “On”: Turn the ignition switch to the “on” position, but do not start the engine.
5. Record Engine Light Pulses: Observe the check engine light for a pattern of pulses and pauses, just as described in Method 3. Record and interpret this pattern to determine your trouble code.

Method 5: Professional Diagnostic Services

While alternative methods exist, using an OBD-2 scanner is undoubtedly the easiest and most efficient way to read check engine light codes. If you don’t own a scanner, remember that many auto parts stores offer free scans to help you identify the cause of your check engine light.

However, it’s important to recognize that even with engine scanner codes, the information can sometimes be generic and not provide a complete, accurate diagnosis. For a thorough understanding and proper repair, taking your vehicle to a certified mechanic, repair shop, or dealership is often the best course of action. Professionals have the expertise and equipment to accurately diagnose the underlying issue behind the check engine light and perform the necessary repairs to get you back on the road safely.

Alt text: Professional mechanic using a sophisticated diagnostic scanner on a car engine in a repair shop setting.

Protecting Yourself from Costly Engine Repairs with Endurance Warranty

Ignoring a check engine light, even if your car seems to be driving normally, is a gamble. What starts as a minor issue can quickly escalate into a major problem, potentially leading to damage to components like the catalytic converter or oxygen sensors, resulting in thousands of dollars in expensive engine repairs.

An extended warranty or auto protection plan from Endurance Warranty can provide a valuable safety net against unexpected and costly mechanical breakdowns. Endurance offers a range of customizable auto protection plans with flexible payment options to suit various budgets, driving habits, and vehicle types. Even if your factory warranty has expired or other providers have denied you coverage, Endurance may have a plan for you, including coverage for older vehicles, high mileage vehicles, and specialty vehicles.

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Whether you drive a Chrysler, Honda, or any other make, don’t wait for the check engine light to signal a major issue. Take proactive steps to protect your vehicle and your finances. Request a free, no-obligation quote for an Endurance auto protection plan today or speak with their award-winning customer care team at (800) 253-8203.

Explore more helpful articles on the Endurance blog, including guides on what to do when your check engine light comes on, understanding your dashboard warning lights, and whether brakes can trigger the check engine light.