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.
DTC Check / Clear
When the diagnosis system is changed from normal mode to check mode or vice versa, all DTCs and freeze frame data recorded in normal mode are cleared. Before changing modes, always check and make a note of DTCs and freeze frame data.
HINT:
- DTCs which are stored in the ECM can be displayed on the Techstream. The Techstream can display the current, pending and permanent DTCs.
- If a malfunction is detected during the current driving cycle, current and permanent DTCs are stored.
- Some DTCs are not stored if the ECM does not detect the same malfunction again during a second consecutive driving cycle. However, such malfunctions, detected on only one occasion, are stored as pending DTCs.
- Current and pending DTCs can be cleared by using the Techstream or by disconnecting the cable from the negative (-) auxiliary battery terminal. However, permanent DTCs cannot be cleared using either of these two methods.
- After clearing current DTCs using the Techstream (or by disconnecting the cable from the negative auxiliary battery terminal), permanent DTCs can be cleared when the system is determined to be normal for the relevant DTCs and then the universal trip is performed. The driving pattern to obtain a normal judgment is described under the "Confirmation Driving Pattern" for the respective DTC.
| Pending DTC | Store condition | Malfunction detected |
| Clear condition | System determined to be normal or DTCs cleared using Techstream or Cable disconnected from negative (-) auxiliary battery terminal |
|
| Current DTC | Store condition | Malfunction detected (2nd trip) |
| Clear condition | No malfunctions in 40 driving cycles or DTCs cleared using Techstream or Cable disconnected from negative (-) auxiliary battery terminal |
|
| Permanent DTC | Store condition | Malfunction detected (2nd trip) |
| Clear condition | Power switch turned to on (IG) after normal judgment obtained in 3 consecutive driving cycles or After DTCs cleared using Techstream or cable disconnected from negative (-) auxiliary battery terminal, normal judgment obtained and universal trip performed (not for misfire and fuel system DTCs) or After DTCs cleared using Techstream or cable disconnected from negative (-) auxiliary battery terminal, malfunction not detected when universal trip driving performed (misfire and fuel system DTCs) |
|
| MIL | ON | Malfunction detected (2nd trip) |
| OFF | Power switch turned to on (IG) after normal judgment obtained in 3 consecutive driving cycles or DTCs cleared using Techstream or Cable disconnected from negative (-) auxiliary battery terminal |
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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.