DIY Car Diagnostics
Lights that illuminate on the dashboard of your car can indicate it is time to check the engine, tire pressure, brakes, oil or many other things. You can check many of these diagnostics yourself if you have the proper scanning instruments. However, several different scanners many be required to check each system.
- Check the dashboard to see which indicators are lit. This helps you to determine which system scanner you need. Purchase the scanner from a local auto supply store.
- Review the owner's manual before getting started. Depending what you are checking, some electrical systems require the ignition to be in the "on" position, while others require the engine to be running.
- Mark the list of fault or trouble codes you need to refer to them later.
- Locate the data port in your car. Typically, it is located underneath the dashboard on the driver's side.
- Plug your scanner in, switch on the ignition or start your engine, depending what your scanner requires.
- Turn the scanner on. Depending on the brand of the scanner, some will come on automatically when connected to the port, while other must be manually switched on. The same is true for the display of data on the scanner. Some scanners will automatically display the fault codes while others will require you to key "read" into the unit.
- Review the data displayed on the screen. These will be the fault codes, which are correlated to what is not working in your vehicle.
- Search the Internet to obtain specific descriptions about the problems identified by the codes. This assists you in making an informed decision of how to proceed with your vehicle's repair. If the problem is extremely complex, consulting a professional can is a better idea, rather than attempting to do it yourself, especially if you have limited automotive knowledge.