Issue Codes

[trimer]

Need help. I continue to see threads on issues that have a lot of responses related to codes...ie P3040 etc. How are you all getting these codes? Is there some sort of software I buy for my laptop and then plug it into the car somewhere?

[mikefocke]

You can read the codes several ways. Some auto parts shops will read them for you, you can buy a generic OBD2 code reader (Actron is a common brand) or you can buy Durametric software and a special connecting cable for your laptop. Beyond the codes, there are manuals the dealers use to interpret what the codes could be caused by and what the diagnostic steps are to identify further the cause.