Check Engine Light On? Learn how to use a code scanner! Diagnose codes, repair and reset.

[mrjuan1120]

Thank you sir....you  explained this very proffessionally, i just bought the Actron cp9575 scanner and it did everything you said here,i paid $129.00 for it but it was all worthed.

[Johnnysshop]

@mrjuan1120 Thanks, I appreciate the positive feedback!

[devilxdude]

"Pardon my big butt" LOL

[Johnnysshop]

@devilxdude LOL

[HondaHowTo1]

Nice video

[Johnnysshop]

@HondaHowTo1 Thanks!

[Munky332]

will it read short term and long term fuel trims and other system parameters?

[Johnnysshop]

@Munky332 This one will not.

[Munky332]

@Johnnysshop really? hmmm i was just playing with a harbor freight CenTech code reader, was like 80$, but i just borrowed it from my uncle and it had the option to read short term and long term trims. really handy feature. only problem is that it would NOT connect to my 2003 mustang but it would on an 01 jeep cherokee n a 02 dodge intrepid. great for finding bad front O2 sensors, which for a stock vehicle are 2 of the most important sensors IMO... and they dont always throw a code when they fail

[Johnnysshop]

@Munky332 I'll have to check it out again. I'm pretty sure it doesn't though. I've had it for about 7 years so I'm sure the newer ones do.

[senseblogger]

that device is worth every forking penny today because reapair shops will rip you off for a piece you can buy at any junk yard for $10 - $25 ! They are all fairly easy to install in any car or van or truck !

[Johnnysshop]

@senseblogger True!

[jamcalgary]

good vdo thanx

[Johnnysshop]

@jamcalgary Thanks!

[ahiska42101]

see this please youtube.com/watch?v=SehVqQBE83­0

[Olddog231]

if the problem remains just erasing the code wont work as the code will return soo as vehicle starts

[Johnnysshop]

@Olddog231 Yeah, I know that. I'm pretty sure most know that's a given.

[jriley1992]

Is a PO420 an O2 sensor failure or a clogging catalytic converter?

[Johnnysshop]

@jriley1992 Could be either. How many miles? More than likely it's an O2 sensor though.

[jriley1992]

@Johnnysshop A 2002 Toyota Corolla with 117,400 miles.

[Johnnysshop]

@jriley1992 Probably O2

[quincee33]

@jriley1992 get CARMED, it apparently diagnoses the problem for you. Not too sure how good it works. But the damn infomercial is always on TV.... hopefully some reviews come out on it, i think it's a very new product.

[MrCapeVerde]

Please Help. I have a 2004 BMW 760i and want to buy the best scanner for avoiding the dealer. I want to clear dash lights, re-set to factory when needed or even increase the engine performance, horsepower etc. One day I drained my battery by listening to the radio and all hell broke loose. Motor ran like crap and ten dash lights and or options stopped working. It's better now but.........

[Johnnysshop]

@MrCapeVerde Well this won't map an ECU or anything like that. Those type of code scanners are thousands of dollars from the dealer (unless you have an aftermarket ECU with a scanner).

[MrCapeVerde]

@Johnnysshop Yeah, a buddy of mine had a cheap $40 dollar one and it read the code for the two lights on the dash but when he pressed reset it did nothing. I need to find out what type of scanner would work so I can try to find and buy it used. I have 2004 BMW 760i in nice condition. In fact, its the same one you have in this video.

[PQPLAYER92]

i had a 2002 nissan xterra 4cyl and i got a po420 and a po303 ended up the motor blew a piston ring on cylinder 3........that left a bad tase in my mouth with nissan however i did get 170,000 thousand miles out of it

[Johnnysshop]

@PQPLAYER92 Oh man that blows. Yeah, 170k isn't too shabby!

[SchizoFilms]

Just a note: it's not necessarily in that point on a Saturn. I drive an SL2, and it's in the same place as you demonstrate, here.

[Johnnysshop]

@SchizoFilms Ahh. Must just be that some are on the passenger side.

[SchizoFilms]

@Johnnysshop I think the L-series might, but I looked at my mom's Ion the other day, and it's also under the driver console.

Just lookin' out.

[gotgaimrza]

so if you buy a new car. and clear the codes before you get an emissions test, you will always pass? I failed the test twice. If I clear the codes will I be able to pass?

[Johnnysshop]

@gotgaimrza Maybe but I'm not sure. We don't have emission tests here so I'm not sure what they involve.

[nesgael1]

@gotgaimrza the answer is NO! If there is a code there's a problem clearing the code resets the check engine light but if the computer saw the problem once it will see it again. When you do your emission test in some states a check engine light is a fail. If you clear it then go in You have not changed your composition of Hydrocarbons nitrous oxide and carbon monoxide percentages, which are the focus of the sniffer. I live in the real world too but, try fixing the problem then go to retest

[MJNAGill]

Great video. I wanted to know how helpful/reliable was this scanner when it came to picking quality used cars and avoiding lemons?

[Johnnysshop]

@MJNAGill Well it won't necessarily rule out a lemon but it's been pretty helpful in testing to see if maybe there is a light on and it's burned out or hidden. If the light is on, what the code is, etc... I purchased a 02 BMW that had the light on a ran rough until it warmed up. The scanner told me it was intake related which is usually a boot. Sure enough, $15 boot and she was perfect.

[MJNAGill]

@Johnnysshop Very cool. How much did that take off the asking price?

[Johnnysshop]

@MJNAGill Just depending on the car. The BMW was 5 years ago or so. He originally wanted 10k but with issue he dropped it to 8.

[estifleriano]

hola guachin

[crazychic9722]

This was so helpful. My engine light has been irritating me so much. Kudos. 

[Johnnysshop]

@crazychic9722 Thanks for the feedback. Glad I could help!

[richorpaul]

Hi johnny,Ive just found and subscribed to your really awesome channel'and i just wanted to say a big thankyou on behalf of the'vast number of people'who need the help and also a knowledgeable guide'the step by step instructions you give to obtain answers to maybe a hard job that someone is doing, or maybe the'sometimes easy' answers to the questions'dealers will give us''for a high price'and thats the same wherever you are in this world! so again 'many thanks'PAUL-SOUTH WALES- UNITED KINGOM).

[Johnnysshop]

@richorpaul Thanks, I really appreciate that. One of the nicest comments I've ever received!

[quwicha]

hey johnnysshop i plugged a scaning device to my truck but it said that there was no data available,a frien of mine told me that many mechanics erase those codes when you take the car for a smog check that way you always go back to them when the light turns on,how do i get those codes or that data back?

thanks!!

[Johnnysshop]

@quwicha If it's been erased you probably cannot get it back unless you take it to the dealership so they can connect directly to the ECU.

[quwicha]

hey johnnysshop i plugged a scaning device to mu truck but it said that there was no data available,a frien of mine told me that many mechanics erase those codes hen you take the car for a smog check that way you always go back to them when the light turns on,how do i get those codes or that data back?

thanks!!

[nesgael1]

@quwicha no data available could mean there is a problem accessing the[ECU] engine control unit from the OBD 2 connector under the dash. I would check and make sure that your scanner works on another car, Then check the K line .on the obd 2 connector. this is pin 7 top row [right] second to last pin. On a DVOM you should get about 3 to 4 volts dc from that pin if the diagnostic wire from the computer is alive. If your truck is working then the computer is running so there is data back.and forth

[SevenNationArmy69]

so if you erase the code but the problem is still there will the light come back on?

[Johnnysshop]

@SevenNationArmy69 Yep

[apolbaby]

thank you sooo much. my cars engine light keeps coming on and i have spent close to 2 grand on fixing my car this year. I feel like I'm getting gypped and that the fact that I am a girl makes me more vulnerable. i have decided to learn about fixing cars so that I wont be fooled anymore and this video is a huge help!!!

[Johnnysshop]

@apolbaby Glad I could help!

[hp11208]

cool

[Sojiaboy]

This video help me out a lot because we have the exact same car :)

[Johnnysshop]

@Sojiaboy Cool!

[joelin66]

great job

[Johnnysshop]

@joelin66 Thanks!

[eldude831]

bastards . thanks for the vid and info

[Johnnysshop]

@eldude831 Thanks!

[mpcheevs]

just paid 97.00 to toyota dealer to diagnose . should have looked here first. they wanted 500 bucks to replace sensors. found small exhaust leak. tighten connection all fixed.

[Johnnysshop]

@mpcheevs Yeah, the dealers really get ya. Glad I could help for maybe next time!

[ames2101]

what about a reduce speed light and a check engine light on at the same time ... after i just got a new transmission put on my 2003 saturn vue

[Johnnysshop]

@ames2101 Reduce speed light sometimes means the tranny cpu needs programmed. You have a computer that is separate from your main cpu that controls the tranny

[jmcact]

i work at autozone we use that exact scanner but we sometimes clear codes for customers- we're in florida

[Johnnysshop]

@jmcact I may have bought it from there... Yeah, in Ohio most of them won't clear em..

[bootslovon1]

I can't stand the concept of paying $100 just to have someone hook up a little cable underneath my dash to clear out a light. We've all had that conversation... "Oh wow, you fixed it already? You just needed to erase the code, huh? Wait, how much? You're kidding. I saw what you did, I was standing right here the whole time, it took 10 minutes." THAT COSTS $100?!?!?! This badboy will pay for itself the first time your check engine light comes on. I've used it 4 times .

[Johnnysshop]

@bootslovon1 I hear ya.. Actually it take less than 10 minutes I was just babbling a lot. LOL..

[frogca]

Actually, pulling codes is only 5% of the abilities of a scan tool. Knowing the various modes and interpreting data is what the scan tool is all about. For example, a thorough knowledge of mode 6 can save you time and point you to problems before they happen. Good video for the pure basics of pulling codes.

[Johnnysshop]

@frogca Yes, mode 6 is pretty awesome actually. I may do a video on it one day. It has info for just about everything, tdc, misfires, etc.. I'm not sure if all the code readers on the market have the function though. I think most of the Actron models do though.

[The3string]

you can reset all the systems by just removing the batery cable for 10 min.

[Johnnysshop]

@The3string I thought the same thing. Not all cars....

[ballek7]

awesome video I just got a CP9185 scanner for 199.00 and the actual price is 430.00 i got a gool deal on amazon this will save me a lot of money i got a jetta and the dealer charges 150 just to check the engine

[Johnnysshop]

@ballek7 Sounds like you got a smoking deal

[will79601]

it will go off after so many drive cycles,if the problem is resolved

[Johnnysshop]

@will79601 On some cars. I dunno about the Nissan but on a BMW it will not go off at all.

[will79601]

@Johnnysshop wow didnt know that but haver never really worked on a bmw

[bigdan293]

could you still use the scanner even if the check engine light is off, as in could it tell you whats wrong with your car?

[Johnnysshop]

@bigdan293 No

[JOVANI7919]

I keep on getting code P0101, witch is a Mass air flow code. Any suggestions on fixing it? It's an 07 Tundra.

[Johnnysshop]

Clean the Mass Airflow sensor and the connector. Work you're way down from there.

[JOVANI7919]

I did, I used CRC Mass air Flow cleaner. But I dont think I have a faulty sensor, because my dealer said the sensor is fine, they said that the Intake I have is causing the light to come on(it's a TrueFlow XDI) do you think it's because more air is getting in than it's suppose to? I already unoiled the filter before I installed it.

[917saturnino]

good explanation

[Johnnysshop]

Thanks!

[Johnnysshop]

@917saturnino

It could be. The best way to eliminate it is to install the oem filter and see if it goes off

[917saturnino]

what can i do for a hundai elantra 2005 its got the check engine light on

[Johnnysshop]

This same process would work

[917saturnino]

Allllllllllllllllllll rightttttttttt!!!!!!! thanx man i really appreciate it>.

[SRd240sx]

hey thanks for the video, i'm looking for a cheapie scanner like this one and it looks like it will do the job. don't need anything fancy.

[Johnnysshop]

Thanks for watching! Yeah, I think you can pick the one up I'm using pretty cheap at Advance Auto these days. It was pretty expensive when I purchased it

[jayguy173]

my autel does more for less i looked into both

[Johnnysshop]

I've had this thing for 8 years or so. They are probably cheaper now.

[slapoutz]

thank you so much for this video, ive been looking into a obd2 scanner and will probly get this one. im never taking my car to the shop again (unless i cant figure it for anything) its been there like 2 weeks just for a frekin starter, (my parents made me get them to fix it) i couldve replaced it in about 5-8 hours max, and on my car you have to take the intake manifold off, thats why it takes so long.

[Johnnysshop]

2 weeks? Yikes. What kind of car?

[slapoutz]

02 civic si, if my parents make me pay ima bitch about it how honda wouldve been cheaper and done it in less than 3 days. its stupid, im not taking my car to that guy again

[Johnnysshop]

I wouldn't either. WOW

[oncecondoce]

what can i do for a jeep grand cherokee 95 whit the engine light on the scanner star from 96 and up please respond

tanks

[Johnnysshop]

95 is OBDI so you'll have to get a OBDI scanner or see if there is a way to read the codes with a jumper. On 95 and older Fords you can place a jump wire and read the amount of times the check engine flashes to figure out the code. Not sure if Jeep is the same.

[run3m4n0wnz]

hi, i was wondering after you dellte the code u fix the car? please reply :D

because im going 2 do bisness

[Johnnysshop]

You would have to fix the car fix. Sometimes you need to reset the code, sometimes it resets itself. Just depends on the issue, the car, etc..

[ericrichard7]

That's a pretty good tool to have. I have the exact tool as you do. I'm thinking about going for the actron cp9180. But the one we got is just fine. I got a car manual for my vehicle and it has a list of codes. All I need to know is the code digits and I can easily obtain the information.

[Johnnysshop]

Yeah, I got this tester years ago and used it once up until the last 4 years. Comes in handy!

[TheHandsumdevil]

thanks u are the greatest

[Johnnysshop]

Thanks, I appreciate it!

[ames2101]

@TheHandsumdevil what about a check engin and a reduce speed light

[Johnnysshop]

That stinks. It is illegal for Autozone to reset them here but they will check them all day long.

[thomastiedman]

Thank you very much. The mystery of the check engine light is now understandable. Gotta go now... I'm off to buy my own obd 2 scanner.

[Johnnysshop]

You're welcome!

[MrNinjalo]

nice vid man, was just what i needed to know...got any BMWs for sell? Ill trad ya a 2000 VW golf :D lol

[Johnnysshop]

Thanks, none for sale right now. My buddy has a Golf, cool cars.

[1G0TP1NK8C1DB00TS0N9]

Great video, I think many could bennifit from this. thanks for sharing

Peace :)

[Johnnysshop]

Thanks!

[Johnnysshop]

A 5k one would be nice.... You can send me one if you'd like. LOL

[1978rm125]

nice but id rather just get the $5000 ones. they can allow you to do wayyy more. but that device is good for reading codes and giving you an idea what the problem might be. nice video!