OBD Code Guide

Use the OBD Code Guide app to look up your car check engine code

OBD Code Guide

When an O2 sensor failure occurs, a DTC or diagnostic trouble code is recorded in the ECU and a check engine light appears on the vehicle’s dash. The DTC must be retrieved using a scanning tool. There are generic or standard OBDII codes along with enhanced or OEM specific codes. Below is a list of the more common OBDII codes, along with the possible cause or causes of the code

In other words, OBD is the language of the Engine Control Unit (ECU), and it was designed to help fight emissions and engine failures.

These codes are used to describe where an issue is occurring on the vehicle and are defined by SAE. These codes, can either be generic or unique to the vehicle manufacturer.

Saving the planet is great (shout out to you citizen scientists!), but what this also means is we can access other features of the car and collect information from and on those parts. Learning how to work with those protocols also means that you can determine what that Malfuction Indicator Light (MIL) (aka the Check Engine Light) on your dash is referring to when it tells you there’s an engine problem. If you or your mechanic has ever read the DTCs (Diagnostic Trouble Codes) on your vehicle, they are using OBD-II.

Unfortunately, the actual protocols themselves are not available publicly (if only they’d open source!), but we’ve attempted to collect and clarify as much as possible.

Get the description and the possible cause of the check engine code by searching for the code for all of the major manufacturers with OBD Code Guide and now with quick access to your search history and save results to for use at a later date.

Acura, Audi, BMW, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, GMC, Honda, Hummer, Hyundai, Infiniti, Isuzu, Jaguar, Jeep, KIA, Land Rover, Lexus, Lincoln, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Mercury, MINI, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Oldsmobile, Pontiac, Saab, Saturn, Scion, Subaru, Suzuki, Toyota, Volkswagen and Volvo all on the go.