Car Check Engine Codes: A Comprehensive Guide
When your car’s check engine light comes on, it can be a sign of a minor or major problem. In order to determine the exact cause of the problem, you will need to have the code read by a mechanic. There are a variety of different code readers available, so you can either have the code read at a mechanic’s shop or you can purchase a code reader yourself.
Understanding Check Engine Codes
Check engine codes are five-digit codes that are used to identify the problem with your car. The first digit of the code indicates the type of problem, the second digit indicates the subsystem that is affected, and the remaining three digits indicate the specific problem.
For example, a code that starts with the number “P” indicates a powertrain problem. A code that starts with the number “B” indicates a body problem. And a code that starts with the number “C” indicates a chassis problem.
Common Check Engine Codes
Some of the most common check engine codes include:
- P0420: Catalyst system efficiency below threshold (Bank 1)
- P0171: System too lean (Bank 1)
- P0172: System too rich (Bank 1)
- P0300: Random/multiple cylinder misfire detected
- P0301: Cylinder 1 misfire detected
- P0302: Cylinder 2 misfire detected
- P0303: Cylinder 3 misfire detected
- P0304: Cylinder 4 misfire detected
What to Do If Your Check Engine Light Comes On
If your check engine light comes on, the first thing you should do is pull over to a safe location and turn off your car. Then, you can either have the code read by a mechanic or you can purchase a code reader yourself.
Once you have the code, you can look it up online or in a repair manual to find out what it means. If the code is for a minor problem, you may be able to fix it yourself. However, if the code is for a major problem, you will need to take your car to a mechanic for repairs.
Conclusion
Check engine codes can be a helpful way to diagnose problems with your car. By understanding what the codes mean, you can take steps to fix the problem and get your car back on the road.
