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A car scanner is a handy tool used to check what’s wrong with a car’s electronics. When plugged into a car, it reads special codes that tell you if parts of the car aren’t working right. This helps figure out problems quickly, so you can fix them and keep your car running smoothly and safely.
How To Clear Codes On Car With Scanner
Using a car diagnostic scanner to clear codes from your car's onboard computer is an efficient way to keep your vehicle in top condition. Before attempting to clear any codes, ensure you have the right tools. A reliable OBD2 (On-Board Diagnostics) scanner is crucial.
Connect the Scanner: First, locate your car’s OBD2 port, typically found under the dashboard near the steering wheel. Plug your scanner into the port.
Turn the Ignition On: Ensure your car is in the "On" position but not running. This powers up the car’s electrical system and the scanner.
Read the Codes: Follow the prompts on the scanner to read the diagnostic codes. Document these codes for future reference; they're useful for troubleshooting and verifying repairs.
Clear the Codes: After noting the codes, navigate to the option on your scanner that allows you to erase them. Confirm your choice and wait for the scanner to clear the codes.
Restart Your Vehicle: Once cleared, turn off the ignition, then start your car. This reset allows the computer to refresh and begin monitoring the vehicle’s systems anew.
Related Reading: Can Obd Scanner Damage Car
Is It Safe To Clear Codes
It is generally safe to clear diagnostic codes from your car using a scanner, but with a few important considerations. Clearing codes simply resets the car's onboard computer system, erasing any stored fault codes that may have triggered the check engine light or other warnings. This can be particularly useful after addressing the issue that caused the code to be set initially.
However, clearing codes without resolving the underlying problems that triggered them does not fix the vehicle. The codes are likely to reappear if the issues remain unresolved. Additionally, clearing codes can erase important historical data that may be helpful to a mechanic diagnosing ongoing or intermittent issues. This could potentially make it more difficult to diagnose the root cause of problems in the future.
For vehicles undergoing emissions testing, clearing codes just before an inspection can also result in a failed emissions test. Most modern vehicles require a certain amount of drive time, known as a "drive cycle," to recalibrate and perform all system checks after a reset. During this period, the computer is gathering data to confirm that all systems are functioning properly. If you go for an emissions test before the drive cycle is complete, the vehicle may not have enough data to pass the test.
Therefore, while it is safe to clear codes from your car, it's crucial to ensure that any issues causing the codes are properly addressed first.
Why Are Some Codes Permanent
Some codes in a vehicle's diagnostic system are considered permanent because they indicate issues that require more than just a simple reset or repair to clear. These permanent codes are designed to persist even after the diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) are cleared from the vehicle's onboard computer. Here are the key reasons why some codes are made permanent:
Regulatory Compliance: Permanent codes are primarily used to ensure compliance with automotive emissions regulations. They help prevent vehicle owners from simply resetting the check engine light before an emissions test without addressing the underlying problem. In many regions, these codes must be resolved for the vehicle to pass emissions testing.
Prevent Tampering: By making some codes permanent, it deters individuals from tampering with the vehicle’s emissions system or clearing codes just to temporarily turn off warning lights. This ensures that any emissions-related issues are addressed properly.
Safety and Reliability: Some permanent codes relate to the vehicle’s safety and critical systems. For instance, if there’s a recurring malfunction in the braking system or airbags, a permanent code can alert the driver to a potential safety issue that needs immediate attention.
Drive Cycle Completion: Permanent codes usually require a specific "drive cycle" to be completed before they can be cleared. A drive cycle is a set of conditions that includes a sequence of vehicle operations, such as starting the engine, driving, and idling under various conditions. The purpose is to give the vehicle enough time to self-diagnose and ensure all systems are functioning correctly over a broader range of operation
Ensuring Thorough Repair and Monitoring: Permanent codes encourage a thorough diagnostic approach. They ensure that the vehicle is monitored over several drive cycles for any signs of recurrent issues. This helps in accurately diagnosing persistent problems, leading to more effective repairs.
How To Clear Permanent DTC Codes
Clearing permanent Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) from your vehicle requires a methodical approach to ensure the underlying issues are fully resolved and verified. Here’s a step-by-step guide to effectively clear these codes:
Diagnose the Problem: Use an OBD2 scanner to read the error codes from your car's computer. These codes provide information about what might be wrong with your vehicle.
Repair the Issue: Based on the diagnostics, make the necessary repairs to address the problem. This could involve replacing faulty sensors, fixing wiring issues, or more complex repairs like addressing engine or transmission faults.
Clear the Codes: After repairing the faults, use the OBD2 scanner to clear the codes. This is done by connecting the scanner to the OBD2 port under the dashboard and selecting the option to clear or reset the codes.
Complete a Drive Cycle: Most cars require a drive cycle to be completed to reset the system’s monitors after clearing codes. A drive cycle involves operating the vehicle under various conditions — including highway driving, stop-and-go, idling, and so forth. This process allows the car's computer to recheck all system operations over a full range of conditions.
Recheck the Codes: After completing the drive cycle, use the scanner again to check if any codes reappear. If no codes show up and the check engine light remains off, the issues have likely been resolved.
If you are unable to clear the codes or if the codes and the check engine light return, it might indicate persistent issues or incorrect repairs. In such cases, it’s advisable to seek help from a professional mechanic who can provide a more thorough inspection and diagnostics.
Clear Car Codes Easily with ANCEL X7
The ANCEL X7 emerges as a top contender in the world of automotive diagnostics, offering a comprehensive suite of features designed to address a wide range of vehicle maintenance needs.
Key Features of the ANCEL X7
- All Systems Diagnosis: The X7 can thoroughly examine all crucial vehicle systems, including the engine, airbags/SRS, transmission, ABS, and steering angle sensor (SAS), ensuring a holistic analysis.
- ECU Coding: For more technical enhancements, the X7 provides ECU coding that tailors the car’s settings to the owner's preferences, optimizing performance.
- IMMO Keys Functionality: While the X7 supports immobilizer (IMMO) keys functionality, which prevents engine start without the recognized keys, it’s important to note that it does not support IMMO for Ford vehicles. For Ford owners, the V6pro model is recommended.
- Comprehensive Reset Services: Offering more than ten hot reset options, the X7 covers needs such as oil reset, electronic parking brake (EPB) reset, diesel particulate filter (DPF) reset, ABS bleeding, steering angle sensor (SAS) reset, battery management system (BMS) registration, tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) service, throttle position sensor (TPS) reset, and injector reset.
- Active Test: The X7 enables users to perform active testing, which involves sending commands to various systems within the vehicle to test their operational integrity.
- Flexible Connectivity: With options for a wireless connection through a Wireless Vehicle Communication Interface (VCI) or a lined USB connection, the X7 offers versatile connectivity that adapts to different working environments.
- Language Support: This tool is accessible to a global audience with support for 14 languages including English, Italian, German, Spanish, and many more, making it a user-friendly choice for diverse users.
- Wireless Functionality: The wireless features enhance the ease of use, allowing for more mobility around the shop floor or garage without the hassle of cables. Before purchase, it’s crucial to consult with customer service to verify compatibility with your specific vehicle model and year, as some functions like the key programmer may not support all cars or all years.
The ANCEL X7 stands out as an essential tool for both professional mechanics and car enthusiasts. Its robust diagnostic features and user-friendly design ensure that maintaining your vehicle’s health is both straightforward and efficient. Whether tackling simple maintenance or complex repairs, the X7 provides the technology needed to get the job done with precision and ease.
If you want to enhance your knowledge and keep your vehicle in peak condition, make sure to follow ANCEL’s blog for all the expert advice you need.
FAQs
What is the purpose of using a car scanner?
A car scanner is used to read special codes from a car's electronic systems to determine if there are any issues. These codes help quickly identify problems so they can be fixed, ensuring the car runs smoothly and safely.
Is it safe to clear diagnostic codes using a scanner?
Yes, it is generally safe to clear diagnostic codes using a scanner, especially after the issues causing the codes have been fixed. However, clearing codes without addressing the underlying problems can cause the codes to reappear and might erase important data needed for diagnosing future issues.
What should be done to clear permanent Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs)?
To clear permanent DTCs, first diagnose the problem using an OBD2 scanner and make the necessary repairs. After repairs, clear the codes with the scanner, complete a drive cycle to reset the system’s monitors, and then recheck to ensure no codes reappear. If issues persist, consulting a professional mechanic is advisable.
