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.
Retrieving Diagnostic Trouble Codes
DTCs are retrieved using a Tech 2 scan tool, or other OBD-II compatible scan tool connected to OBD-II 16-pin Data Link Connector (DLC). See Fig 1. The DLC is located under the instrument panel to the left of the steering column. The DLC is used to connect to a scan tool. Some common uses of the scan tool are identifying stored DTCs, clearing the DTCs, performing output control tests and reading the serial data. Follow the instructions supplied by the scan tool manufacturer to read DTCs accurately. See DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM CHECK - ENGINE CONTROLS .
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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.