This is a guide on reading OBD codes. To read OBD trouble codes, insert an OBD scanner, write down the trouble codes that are displayed, and break them down by each character.

Written by Brady Klopfer

Reviewed by Carrie Adkins

Updated on Dec 12, 2022

Table of Contents

Buying an OBD scanner
Insert the scanner
Record the codes
OBD meaning

Reading OBD codes and understanding their meaning is easy once you've inserted your scanner and look ip the meanings of the individual digits on your code.

OBD codes can be a little bit daunting, and understandably so. They’re full of seemingly random letters and numbers that tell you something about what your car is doing wrong.

That said, OBD (which stands for On-Board Diagnostics) codes can be immensely helpful. When the Check Engine Light illuminates on your car dashboard, or any other

warning light

is displayed, it means that something is wrong with your car and needs to be diagnosed.

Of course, you can always have your OBD codes read and deciphered by a mechanic, but it can be handy to know what to do yourself. By learning how to read and understand OBD codes, you can diagnose your vehicle in a pinch and also save some money by determining

what's wrong with your car

at any given moment.

Thankfully, learning how to read and understand OBD codes is pretty easy, and

Jerry's

got you covered. Read on to learn how to buy and use an OBD scanner, record the codes, and read them.

Purchase an OBD trouble code scanner

Simply put, there’s no way to read your vehicle’s OBD codes without an OBD trouble code scanner. Traditional scanners display the codes directly on them, but there are lots of new models that will send the data directly to your smart phone or tablet.

These newfangled devices are terrific, because many of them allow you to decipher the trouble code directly through the scanner’s app, and often see possible repairs and mechanic prices right through your phone or tablet.

You can buy an OBD scanner from your local auto shop or an online retailer.

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Insert the OBD trouble code scanner

In order to use your trouble code scanner, you’ll have to find the OBD port. The port, which is a 16-pin female connector, is very easy to find. This is because automotive laws require it to be within three feet of the steering wheel and accessible without tools. Usually, it’s right above the gas and brake pedals.

Once you’ve found the OBD port, insert the trouble code scanner into it

Record the trouble codes

Once you’ve inserted your OBD trouble code scanner into the OBD port, the trouble code(s) will be displayed on the scanner or in the accompanying app. Make sure to record the trouble codes exactly as they are and in the order that they’re displayed.

Your scanner displays trouble codes in a specific order based on the order in which they should be diagnosed. Often, fixing the first trouble code will solve the second one, but not vice versa.

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Deciphering OBD meaning

OBD trouble codes feature five characters: one letter followed by four numbers.

The first character represents the part of the vehicle impacted: B for Body (air conditioning and air bags included), C for Chassis (anti-lock brake system included), P for Powertrain, and U for User Network. Most OBD codes are powertrain codes, and many OBD scanners cannot read non-powertrain codes.

The second (and occasionally third) character represents whether the code is generic (for all vehicles), or specific to one manufacturer. For B, C, and U codes, 0 and 3 are generic, and 1 and 2 are manufacturer-specific. For P, 0, 2, and 34-39 are generic, while 1 and 30-33 are manufacturer-specific.

The next number represents the specific area of the car impacted: 1 and 2 for fuel and air metering, 3 for ignition and misfiring, 4 for auxiliary emission controls, 5 for idle and vehicle speed control, 6 for computer circuit, and 7, 8, and 9 for transmission (A, B, and C also exist for hybrid vehicles).

Finally, the last two numbers detail the specific code. By consulting the internet, the app for your OBD scanner, or a trouble code book, you can determine what the final two digits, and the entire trouble code mean.

OBD trouble codes are complex because there are thousands of different ones. However, when you break them down character by character, it’s easy to see that they’re not that complicated. Learn how to read and understand trouble codes, and you’ll be set for deciphering exactly what’s wrong with your vehicle.