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.
Intermittent Diagnostic Trouble Codes
If DTC was set and DTC diagnostic procedure does not locate fault, problem is intermittent. Most intermittent malfunctions occur from vibration, temperature change, moisture change and poor connections. Try to determine under what specific conditions problem occurs. Try to duplicate those conditions while monitoring circuit suspected of being faulty with data recorder function of scan tool. The following additional checks may assist in identifying a possible intermittent problem:
- Check all pertinent Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs).
- Visually inspect related wiring connectors for broken, bent, pushed out or corroded terminals.
- Visually inspect related wiring for chafed, pierced or partially broken wires.
- Wiggle suspected wire(s) or vibrate suspected component.
- Apply heat and/or humidity to suspected component.
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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.