Video:What Are Common OBD Codes for 1996-2003 cards?

Transcript:What Are Common OBD Codes for 1996-2003 cards?

Hi, I'm Vinny O'Dare from Yorktown Tire and Auto Care. Today for About.com we're going to go over some common OBD-2 codes for 1996 and newer vehicles.

Small Leaks Signal Common OBD-2 Codes

This vehicle came in with a check engine light on and it has a code P0442 in the memory. That's for a small evaporative system leak. That's a very common code along with another common code in that system is P0455 which is a large evap leak. A large evap leak most commonly is when people forget to put their gas cap back on and drive away from the pump. That'll set the code every time.

Cars Will Not Pass Inspection with Certain Codes

Other common codes are the 300 Codes which are misfires. And you'll notice this if you're driving your car and the check engine light will start flashing and you feel the car bucking as you try to make power. Another common code is a code for your catalytic converter, that's a PO420. What this code means is that your car's catalytic converter is not performing up to specifications. With this code in memory the car won't pass inspection and could possibly be polluting and would have to be seen by a certified technician.

Sensitive Exhaust Systems Will Set Off Common OBD Codes

Other very common codes are oxygen sensor codes. Today's cars have two or more oxygen sensors in the exhaust system. Some cars have more than four. After a car gets a bit of miles on it, upwards of 70 or 80 thousand miles, it's very common for these codes to start setting. Some dealers recommend that you replace all of them at the same time. This can be very costly. I recommend that you take your car into a certified technician before you start spending a lot of money.

For About.com, I'm Vinny O'Dare.