How to clear DTC codes with OBD code reader?

As vehicles develop, they become more computerized and automated. The challenges of this approach include rising component prices and overall more complex components. In most cases, the car’s computer will highlight the problem. In fact, many vehicles today can even tell you when something goes wrong on the dashboard screen, and even older vehicles have maintenance lights to indicate vehicle problem, these are called DTC code reader or obd code reader. Next, let's take a look at how to use the DTC code reader to clear the code.

 

Here is the content list:

What is the principle of using OBD code reader to clear the code?

Before clearing the code, you need to understand the four systems of DTC

What are the steps to clear the code using OBD code reader? 

 

What is the principle of using OBD code reader to clear the DTC code?

DTC means diagnostic trouble code. If a vehicle breaks down, how can the maintenance personnel know where the breakdown occurred? You can rely on the OBD code reader. DTC code reader is an automobile system used to remind you of vehicle problems.

 

Each system in a vehicle usually has limitations, when the vehicle detects that the problem exceeds these limits, the DTC code reader will issue a fault code. Technicians use these codes to diagnose and repair vehicle problems. Therefore, DTC needs to be recorded on a non-volatile storage medium. When a failure occurs and the car is sent to a 4S shop for warranty, the maintenance personnel can know what problems have occurred in the car body through the OBD code reader.

 

If the recorded DTC messages are out of date or no longer needed, you need to delete these DTC code reader messages. The 0x14 service is used to achieve this function. It not only deletes the problems recorded at this time, but also deletes the data saved on the non-volatile storage medium. At this point, the car seems to have never failed. When using the OBD code reader to clear DTC, you can either choose to clear the records of a particular DTC or clear all DTC records, which is determined by the passed parameters.

 

Before clearing the code, you need to understand the four systems of DTC

Today, our vehicles provide us and our technicians with more DTC information than ever before. The advent of DTC code reader allows vehicles to monitor their own systems and warn the driver when there is a problem with the indicator light. Most of us recognize the most common: check engine lights and oil change indicators. The Society of Automotive Engineers has created a list of original codes that all vehicle manufacturers must adopt to comply with emission regulations. These codes of obd code reader are divided into four main systems:

 

B code (body code): Although the body usually refers to the exterior of the vehicle, the B code refers to internal features. More including comfort, convenience and safety.

C code (chassis): functions outside the passenger compartment, including braking, steering and suspension.

U code (network/vehicle integration): a function shared between the vehicle's system and the computer.

P code (powertrain): includes functions such as engine, transmission and transmission system.

 

Before using the DTC code reader, the first thing you need to know is that the first letter tells you which system the code belongs to. Each code has only one letter followed by four numbers. As mentioned earlier, every car manufacturer follows common regulations to meet regulatory requirements. Although there are thousands of additional obd2 code reader for each model, the common codes remain the same. Understanding these common codes will help you diagnose vehicle problems and quickly repair the vehicle:

 

B: Body

C: Chassis

U: User network

P: Powertrain (ie engine and gearbox)

After the first letter indicating the system category, you will see four numbers via the obd code reader. The first number is called the green number, and it tells the technician whether the code is universal.

 

0: General/Global fault

1: Manufacturer/Enhanced Failure

The universal code is the universal code necessary to use the DTC code reader. The enhanced or manufacturer code is specific, which means it is a code related to additional features specific to your vehicle. The following three numbers are purple numbers, can be hexadecimal, and correspond to increasing numbers. Generally, P series codes have sub series defined by the first digit.

 

0, 1, and 2: for air and fuel mixture

3: For ignition system

4: Used to monitor auxiliary emissions

5: idling

6: For on-board computer and auxiliary output

7, 8 and 9: for transmission

These manufacturer codes have approximately 11,000 definitions, so they cannot be remembered all. This is why you need the correct obd code reader to read the diagnostic trouble code. Choosing Fiberall is the wisest choice! Fiberall is a manufacturer with a research and development team. We not only provide obd2 code readers, but also provide R&D, OEM and ODM services for auto code reader!

 

The DTC code reader is essential for understanding that the vehicle has problems long before it fails completely. The challenge is that even if it tells you which system has the problem, it won't tell you why. For example, a cylinder misfire will send the P030X code. "X" will tell you which cylinder failed to fire, but that is all the information you will get. Therefore, although the system is not perfect, DTC and obd code reader offers you huge advantages in terms of maintenance and repair.

 

What are the steps to clear the code using DTC code reader? 

First, you need to identify the 16-pin OBD-II socket, which is usually located near the steering column and on the left side of the dashboard. And it is the right interface to match the obd code reader. Some vehicles will install the socket on the center console, while on other vehicles, you may need to remove the knee pad or other type of panel to find the OBD2 socket.

 

Then insert the DTC code reader and communicate with the ECU on the vehicle, please turn on the ignition switch or drive the vehicle according to the requirements of the vehicle OBD code reader. Press the button or select the "Read Code" option from the "Tools" menu. If the obd2 code reader you are using is not set to automatically obtain this information, you may need to enter and confirm the vehicle year and model information.

 

Next, your DTC code reader will display all DTC failures in numerical order, and for some types of obd code reader, will display code definitions. However, if the obd code reader does not display the code information, you can use this function to transfer the code to a computer or smartphone via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or USB code, or write the code directly.

 

Finally, note that you can clear the code from the "Delete Code" option on the code reader menu as needed, or you can press the "Clear Code" button. However, the DTC fault is only used to guide you in further diagnosis to find out the scope of the fundamental problem of the vehicle. They only indicate that there is a problem with a particular system, circuit or sensor, but do not tell you which parts need to be replaced. It should also be understood that using a DTC obd code reader to clear the code will not cause problems in the car, and if the problem persists, you can expect to see the MIL and Check Engine indicators light up and the code settings are the same.