Troubleshooting engine issues

Vehicles 1996 and newer have an OBD-II port that can be used to read/reset codes and read outputs from sensors . The port is usually under the dash.

OBD-II scanners have gotten progressively cheaper and are now available in bluetooth/wifi models that communicate with and display on your smartphone and tablet. They are generally less than $20.

Once you have the CEL code you can google it or check it against published lists of codes for your vehicle's make:

• generic codes
• Chrysler Corp codes
• Chevrolet codes
• Ford codes
• Nissan codes
• Toyota codes

In forums you may see the acronyms DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) or CEL (Check Engine Light) referring to codes readable by a OBD-II scanner.