General Too Much Reliance On Diagnostic Test Codes

[GettinBetter]

I believe the test codes are purely a guide, and should only be used as that.
IMO many are program glitches, and poor programming of ECU software.
Also many of the codes do not actually indicate the REAL/ACTUAL issue.

Coming off the ferry last week, I started the engine to diembark and pulled away possibly before the engine had fully started. The warning triangle came on, but engine ran fine, continued to my destination. Next morning connected MES, codes made no sense at all, so removed them. It has run fine all week with no futher complaints (codes/warnings)

The codes may or may not be useful guidance, but they are just that. GUIDANCE NOT GOSPEL.

 

[AnthonyH]

I couldn't agree more. I don't have a code reader!

I imagine my 15+ year old cars have multiple stored codes i've never seen. I don't need to see them do I? I mean the cars are running fine and the fuel economy is fine. If its not noticeable while driving the car, what else is there?

 

[The Panda Nut]

Unless the ECU is burnt out, or soaking wet, or you have damaged wires or connections, its easy.
Valve timing OK, (Look)
Ignition timing OK
Plugs OK
Fuel present anf getting there, it will go.

I hate the ECU era. It may be more efficient, but it does not make things better.

 

[AnthonyH]

I think its a lot like cleaning a car, scrubbing off that last bit of dirt nobody can see.

 

[Wuuf]

That's a mind blowing dumb statement, if the engine light comes on then 99% of the time it will tell you what's wrong.
Only a moron would think one bad experience and it's all rubbish.

Yeah it won't tell mechanical issues, just what it knows is wrong. Use all the tools you have to fix the faulty, not your psychic abilities.

No wonder people don't come to this forum for answers

 

[PuntoHowTo]

That's a mind blowing dumb statement, if the engine light comes on then 99% of the time it will tell you what's wrong.

Not true

Yeah it won't tell mechanical issues, just what it knows is wrong. Use all the tools you have to fix the faulty, not your psychic abilities.

There is a difference between psychic abilities and knowledge. Those with experience don’t always need a code reader to know what it wrong, the code only confirms what they knew

No wonder people don't come to this forum for answers

If that’s how you feel then go else where, but there are hundreds of posts a week from people coming here looking for answers