Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Trouble Codes: Notes
In the process of controlling the various subsystems, the PCM, DERM, EBTCM, RSS Module and BCM continually monitor operating conditions for possible system malfunctions. By comparing system conditions against standard operating limits, certain circuit and component malfunctions can be detected.
A three digit numerical "Trouble Code" is stored in computer memory when a problem is detected by this self-diagnostic system. These "Trouble Codes" can later be displayed by the service technician as an aid in system repair. The occurrence of certain system malfunctions require that the vehicle operator be alerted to the problem so as to avoid prolonged operation of the vehicle under subnormal system operation.
Computer controlled diagnostic messages and/or telltales will appear under these conditions which indicate that service is required. If a particular malfunction would result in unacceptable system operation, the self-diagnostics will attempt to minimize the effect by taking "Failsoft" action. "Failsoft" action refers to any specific attempt by the computer system to compensate for the detected problem. A typical "Failsoft" action would be the substitution of a fixed input value when a sensor is detected to be open or shorted.
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.