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Diagnostic trouble codes

OBD-II code lookup

Enter a code like P0300, search a keyword (misfire, lean, sensor…), or browse by family. Every result explains the meaning, likely causes, symptoms and the checks a mechanic would run.

Codes indexed
208+
Systems covered
51
Families
P · C · B · U
Always
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Code families

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Most searched codes

Systems covered

ABS Air intake Airbags BMW cooling BMW fuel trim BMW misfire Body Boost Brakes Brakes / ABS Charging Cooling ECM Emissions Emissions / EGR Evaporative emissions Exhaust Ford EVAP Ford fuel trim Ford intake manifold Ford OBD readiness Fuel Fuel / Air Fuel / Injectors Fuel gauge Idle Ignition Ignition / Camshaft Ignition / Crank Ignition / Engine Ignition / Glow Ignition / Knock Intake / MAF Lubrication Network Nissan MAF Nissan VVT Steering Throttle Toyota emissions Toyota intake Toyota transmission Transmission Variable valve timing Vehicle speed VW / Audi fuel trim VW / Audi MAF VW fuel injection VW idle VW immobilizer VW VVT

What is OBD-II?

On-Board Diagnostics II is the standardized system every car since 1996 uses to report faults. The engine computer (ECM) watches hundreds of sensors and stores a trouble code when something is wrong. A scanner plugged into the OBD port reads those codes.

How to read a code

Every code has four characters. The first letter tells you the system:

  • P — Powertrain (engine, fuel, emissions)
  • C — Chassis (ABS, brakes, stability)
  • B — Body (airbags, climate, lights)
  • U — Network (module communication)

Where is the OBD port?

16-pin trapezoid

Usually under the dashboard, driver’s side — near the steering column, fuse box or hood release. On most cars it is a grey/black trapezoid with 16 pins. Use the free OBD live scanner with a BLE adapter, or any cheap reader.

What the light means

FAQ

If the light is flashing, that is a severe misfire that can destroy the catalytic converter — stop and have it towed if possible. A steady light with normal driving is less urgent, but read the code soon.
It clears them temporarily, but they return if the fault is still present, and it resets learned settings. Diagnose the cause first.
Some codes are manufacturer-specific (VW, Ford, BMW…). AutoTools includes OEM codes for the most common brands — check the “system” tag on the result.
No. A basic OBD-II reader reads generic codes for less than $20, and the free AutoTools OBD lookup explains them. Live-data tools help further.

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