A detailed breakdown of OBD-II diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) is offering clearer guidance for brake light and related ...

Not so long ago, before software and electronics became so integrated, investigating car trouble and tuning performance was a mostly mechanical affair. Early electronic scanners and systems were brand ...

What is OBD-II: A standardized system in all cars since 1996 that monitors engine, transmission, and emissions, storing trouble codes when something’s off. Why it matters: Reading codes with a scanner ...

Before I figured out how to work on cars, onboard computer systems scared me. I’ve had no formal training, after all, so the idea of a car’s complex electricals and countless sensors made DIY work ...

Seeing your vehicle's check-engine light come on can throw a wrench in your travel plans. It can also feel a little scary: Does it mean your ride is headed for the scrapyard? Or is there a simple fix?

For all its '81 vehicles, GM introduced a computer-controlled engine-management system named Computer Command Control. It became known as CCC or C-3. The engine controller—first called an engine ...

For some time now, vehicles sold across the world have had the ability to self diagnose their problems. This capacity is referred to in the industry as on-board diagnostics, or OBD. On-board computers ...

Diagnosing automotive problems used to be much more challenging. A mechanic had to use all of their skills to pinpoint mechanical or electrical issues. Nowadays, you can diagnose many problems ...

Your check engine light can come on a host of reasons, ranging from a loose gas cap to a faulty engine component. If you see a light illuminated on your dashboard, you can use an OBD2 scanner to ...

Seeing your vehicle's check-engine light come on can throw a wrench in your travel plans. It can also feel a little scary: Does it mean your ride is headed for the scrapyard? Or is there a simple fix?