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.
Counter System
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MIL, 1ST TRIP DTC, DTC, AND DETECTABLE ITEMS
- When a malfunction is detected for the first time, the 1st trip DTC and the 1st trip freeze frame data are stored in the ECM memory.
- When the same malfunction is detected in two consecutive trips, the DTC and the freeze frame data are stored in the ECM memory, and the MIL will come on.
- The MIL will turn OFF after the vehicle is driven 3 times (driving pattern B) with no malfunction. The drive is counted only when the recorded driving pattern is met (as stored in the ECM). If another malfunction occurs while counting, the counter will reset.
- The DTC and the freeze frame data will be stored until the vehicle is driven 40 times (driving pattern A) without the same malfunction recurring (except for Misfire and Fuel Injection System). For Misfire and Fuel Injection System, the DTC and freeze frame data will be stored until the vehicle is driven 80 times (driving pattern C) without the same malfunction recurring. The "TIME" in "SELF-DIAGNOSTIC RESULTS" mode of CONSULT will count the number of times the vehicle is driven.
- The 1st trip DTC is not displayed when the self-diagnosis results in OK for the 2nd trip.
COUNTER SYSTEM CHART
| Items | Fuel Injection System | Misfire | Other |
|---|---|---|---|
| MIL (turns OFF) | 3 (pattern B) | 3 (pattern B) | 3 (pattern B) |
| DTC, Freeze Frame Data (no display) | 80 (pattern C) | 80 (pattern C) | 40 (pattern A) |
| 1st Trip DTC (clear) | 1 (pattern C), *1 | 1 (pattern C), *1 | 1 (pattern B) |
| 1st Trip Freeze Frame Data (clear) | *1, *2 | *1, *2 | 1 (pattern B) |
For details about patterns B and C under "Fuel Injection System" and "Misfire", see "EXPLANATION FOR DRIVING PATTERNS FOR "MISFIRE <EXHAUST QUALITY DETERIORATION>", "FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM" .
For details about patterns A and B under Other, see "EXPLANATION FOR DRIVING PATTERNS EXCEPT FOR "MISFIRE <EXHAUST QUALITY DETERIORATION>", "FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM" .
- *1: Clear timing is at the moment OK is detected.
- *2: Clear timing is when the same malfunction is detected in the 2nd trip.
Relationship Between MIL, DTC, 1st Trip DTC And Driving Patterns For "Misfire <Exhaust Quality Deterioration>", "Fuel Injection System"
| *1: | When the same malfunction is detected in two consecutive trips, MIL will light up. | *2: | MIL will turn OFF after vehicle is driven 3 times (pattern B) without any malfunctions. | *3: | When the same malfunction is detected in two consecutive trips, the DTC and the freeze frame data will be stored in ECM. |
| *4: | The DTC and the freeze frame data will not be displayed any longer after vehicle is driven 80 times (pattern C) without the same malfunction. (The DTC and the freeze frame data still remain in ECM.) | *5: | When a malfunction is detected for the first time, the 1st trip DTC and the 1st trip freeze frame data will be stored in ECM. | *6: | The 1st trip DTC and the 1st trip freeze frame data will be cleared at the moment OK is detected. |
| *7: | When the same malfunction is detected in the 2nd trip, the 1st trip freeze frame data will be cleared. | *8: | 1st trip DTC will be cleared when vehicle is driven once (pattern C) without the same malfunction after DTC is stored in ECM. |
NO RELATED
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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.