Kappa Performance Forum

Kappa Specific => Problems and Service => Topic started by: lil goat on January 13, 2010, 03:51:23 PM

Title: CEL codes explained
Post by: lil goat on January 13, 2010, 03:51:23 PM

I stumbled on this, who new there is actually a science to a CEL. This is not a listing of codes, just how to read them.

FAQ: OBD2 Codes Explained

OBD-II codes consist of a number of parts. Here is a sample OBD2 code:

P0171

Here is a breakdown of what each digit of the code means:
First Character - System

The first character identifies identifies the system related to the trouble code.

    * P = Powertrain
    * B = Body
    * C = Chassis
    * U = Undefined

Second Digit - Code Type

The second digit identifies whether the code is a generic code (same on all OBD-II equpped vehicles), or a manufacturer specific code.

    * 0 = Generic (this is the digit zero -- not the letter "O")
    * 1 = Enhanced (manufacturer specific)

Third Digit - Sub-System

The third digit denotes the type of sub-system that pertains to the code

    * 1 = Emission Management (Fuel or Air)
    * 2 = Injector Circuit (Fuel or Air)
    * 3 = Ignition or Misfire
    * 4 = Emission Control
    * 5 = Vehicle Speed & Idle Control
    * 6 = Computer & Output Circuit
    * 7 = Transmission
    * 8 = Transmission
    * 9 = SAE Reserved
    * 0 = SAE Reserved

Fourth and Fifth Digits

These digits, along with the others, are variable, and relate to a particular problem. For example,a P0171 code means P0171 - System Too Lean (Bank 1). To lookup your particular code, visit http://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/ (http://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/)

Title: Re: CEL codes explained
Post by: DeepBlueGXP on January 13, 2010, 07:25:12 PM

Thanks, stuck this thread

Title: Re: CEL codes explained
Post by: G8TR on January 13, 2010, 09:26:54 PM

Great quick explanation. I hadn't seeen this before, thanks Comedian!

Title: Re: CEL codes explained
Post by: Critterman on January 13, 2010, 11:12:59 PM

good find

Title: Re: CEL codes explained
Post by: Graywolf on March 03, 2010, 11:14:57 PM

I now respect you. This a great find and it makes you as a customer let the service personnel know your not just another smuck off the street!  A comment about On Star. I had a engine light come so for the fun of it pressed the On Star button. The nice lady said she would run a diagnostic on the car. She said yes it showed I had a engine problem.  I asked her for the code number and she said that Gm does not allow her to give out that information. So no more on star for me! Thanks

Title: Re: CEL codes explained
Post by: GXPinKC on April 18, 2010, 11:12:16 AM

Since there have been a number of threads pertaining to CEL codes lately, thought it was a good time to bring this old thread back begun by The Comedian asa lil goat.  DeepBlueGXP made this thread a sticky.

Title: Re: CEL codes explained
Post by: scanner on May 22, 2010, 07:21:09 PM

U type DTCs are actually network DTCs. They identify problems between control modules. It is common to get many U codes at one time rather than just one because when one CM acts up many will report it by setting codes.

Title: Re: CEL codes explained
Post by: scanner on May 23, 2010, 06:36:06 PM

Here is a link to a pretty good DTC search tool. It covers industry standard and manufacturer specific DTC definitions: http://www.aboutautomobile.com/DTC/