Automotive Glossary Page - Code Readers And Scan Tools

Glossary Page - Code Readers And Scan Tools
www.AutomotiveGlossary.net

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Code Readers And Scan Tools - Diagnostic tools which are used to retrieve and interpret the DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTC's) and other diagnostic data provided by the computers in the car. In some older cars, some DTC's are retrievable by means other than a Code Reader or Scan Tool. But for 1996 or later cars, which have the OBD II emissions control system, a Code Reader or Scan Tool is required.

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If you work on your own car, please see our Showcase Of Computer Code Readers And Scan Tools. You cannot get the OBD II codes without using a code reader or a scan tool (scanner)!

IT IS 100% NECESSARY for you to be able to obtain the computer codes stored for any computer-controlled engine you are trying to work on. Almost every car sold in the USA since the late 1980's has a computer-controlled engine. And, by law, every car sold in the USA since 1996 must have an OBD II ("On-Board Diagnostics 2") system of reporting these codes. If you cannot obtain these codes, you cannot possibly do complete and efficient work on engine performance.

Find OBD II Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC's) Definitions