Do newer cars come with OBD code display? And maybe text description of the issue?

I got a check engine light light come on while driving. Steady so I assume it's okay to drive. But I don't have a code reader handy until I get back home. Seems like it would be a simple and valuable thing for cars to display the code in the dash so one can decide to keep driving, return home immediately or stop immediately. Temp and oil gauges seem ok so hopefully not critical.

I have an autoel i keep in the truck. If I buy another, any recommendations on brand? Autoel still good to go? And get an abs/srs capable model or don't need?

ETA: new issue report in post on 12/30.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: konata88,

quote:

Originally posted by konata88:
Seems like it would be a simple and valuable thing for cars to display the code in the dash so one can decide to keep driving

One would think, but then how would dealerships make money?

AutoZone will pull the codes for free.
You'll have to look them up on your own, though. Or post them here for advice

Any advance auto or Autozone. Order a reader from Amazon to your current location.

Ha ha ha. You think OBD is for the convenience of the car owner rather than a way for servicers to sell work?

Of course, manufacturers should provide integrated software that gives their customers plain English diagnostics and economical repair recommendations. But, where would be the fun in that?

Some cars have the ability to display check engine codes on the dash, after using a combination of ignition turns. But not all/most.

Even when you get the codes, the solution is very cryptic.

I'm sure that it varies by manufacturer, but on our Subarus, the check engine light will either have a flashing or solid state to tell you whether it is a serious condition, or one that needs attention soon-ish.

For an additional OBD reader, I highly recommend the Bluedriver brand.

For a lot of codes that pop up (not all), it will give you a most likely cause and what other people have done to fix it.

If you have a GM product with ONSTAR activated, just press the blue button and ask what the trouble code is. Other than that I don't know of any other make having a manual display on dash for engine, some ABS codes will flash, etc.

quote:

Originally posted by Oregon:

For an additional OBD reader, I highly recommend the Bluedriver brand.

For a lot of codes that pop up (not all), it will give you a most likely cause and what other people have done to fix it.

BlueDriver for the win. Highly recommend it.

quote:

Originally posted by rizzle:
Other than that I don't know of any other make having a manual display on dash for engine, some ABS codes will flash, etc.

I'm sure many of them do actually. I know my Jeep has the capability of at least telling you what the code is. Requires a certain procedure but it can do it.

1. Check the gas cap. don't just look at it, remove it, put it back on. Then drive it. That's the absolute most likely cause & the light will go off in ~20mi.
2. OBD2 was developed before 1996. In 2024, it's more of a hinderance than an asset, if it was ever an asset.
3. Because of #2, every MFG has different extended codes/functions/capabilities, multiple flavors of them. A generic OBD2 reader is cheap, like $20 cheap. Ones that can read MFG-specific codes are more, many are a lot more. Usually they will have a separate connection (CANBUS), same connector, different protocols & capabilities.

OBD is for emissions/regulation, period. Those $100 inspection stickers? They can be done with the $20 OBD tool, as long as the man has paid the MAN. It would be trivial to put OBD diagnostics on (one of) the internal screen(s), but 99% of the population wouldn't know what to do about it & you'd lose a lot of revenue on scan tool subscriptions. John Deere & others have pushed to make it illegal for a non-licensed person to access vehicle ECUs Guess who would sell the license?

Or we could decomputerize cars and go back to the old days. Ain't running right? It's either fuel or electrical.

quote:

Originally posted by Balzé Halzé


I'm sure many of them do actually. I know my Jeep has the capability of at least telling you what the code is. Requires a certain procedure but it can do it.

Good to know, I'm assuming is on the older models then? What year Jeep?

Another recommendation for BlueDriver.

quote:

Originally posted by rizzle:

quote:

Originally posted by Balzé Halzé


I'm sure many of them do actually. I know my Jeep has the capability of at least telling you what the code is. Requires a certain procedure but it can do it.

Good to know, I'm assuming is on the older models then? What year Jeep?

It's a 2014. To use the built-in diagnostic tool, the procedure is simply cycle the key from Off to On three times, and the code will flash once on the dashboard LED. The code will show for only a moment and flash P-done before going back to normal.

Readers are cheap. I keep several and a full blown analysis computer.

You can get one at Harbor tools or Autozone.

The first vehicles with OBD II architecture were available to the public in 1987. To avoid dealer equipment costs, the scan tool was built in to the car.

It allowed the end user to adjust fine settings like the injector cross counts and pulse width, disabling the active suspension, and diagnosing the built in cellular phone. While doing this yourself, having the factory shop manual is highly recommended.

If you plan to keep the car for a while, I'd recommend shopping for the factory scan tool if you can find one. The check engine light is only lit when items just meet a certain threshold. Some scanners won't let you see codes after they have cleared or before they set as current. Being able to see the BCM/ECM inputs in real time as well as what position relays are being seen in by the computer is a huge plus.

I've got one of these, It's handy and we'll liked. It's also cheap.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07Z...ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

I got home and hooked up my autoel obd scanner. Indicated a P0440 (something about evap system).

I removed the gas cap and re-tightened and cleared the error. I'll go drive around a bit to see if it returns. If so, I'll go buy a new gas cap.

I poked around the engine bay and didn't see any issues with hose cracking or disconnects. I'll look again after watching some videos.

Is it safe to drive w/ P0440? I need to drive a 250 miles before I can fix anything, including replacing the gas cap. This is almost 1 tank of gas. Okay? Or should I not drive until the error is fixed?

^^ It's 'safe' to drive with almost any code...There are certainly no Evap System codes/issues that would make the car 'unsafe to drive'. If it's not safe to drive, the information display in the car will definitely tell you so.