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.
Starts Since Set Counter
For the most recent code, the Starts Since Set counter counts the number of times the vehicle has started since it was last set. The counter will count up to 255 starts. Note that this code only applies to the last or most recent code set.
When there are no diagnostic trouble codes stored in memory, the DRBIII® will display NO DTC's PRESENT and the reset counter will show "STARTS SINCE CLEAR = XXX
The number of starts helps determine if the diagnostic trouble code is hard or intermittent.
- If the count is less than 3, the code is usually a hard code.
- If the count is greater than 3, it is considered an intermittent code. This means that the engine has been started most of the time without the code recurring.
NO RELATED
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
Pair factory procedures with proven DIY tools so the instructions are easier to execute.
Affiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
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.