I was wondering, can you pull the code history for all the codes that have come up on the computer in your car?

 

Nox, kinda. The codes are stored in the computer until you go in and clear them out. A lot of mechanics will go in, clear the codes, then take the car for a test drive to see which codes pop back up. Other people will clear the codes periodically just so when something pops up, they know exactly what it is that is happening to their car.

So, the question is, do you have a "lazy" mechanic that doesn't remove all the codes or the person that deals with the car someone that wants to keep each and every code that the car has ever gotten in the computer.

Keep a lot of codes in the computer can be misleading. If you see say a misfire on all 6 cylinders and also a vacuum leak, that may make a person want to look at the ECU. Where, if the codes had been recently removed and all you were getting was a misfire on 2 cylinders, you may go after the wiring. Having the older codes in the car is a double edge sword. Unfortunately, those codes are not saved with a time stamp to see when they occurred. So, when you look at the codes, you have to know when certain codes happened and then put the pieces together then. But, if you don't know the whole sequence of events, it can be very challenging to figure out what is wrong.

 

Ah ok thanks..yeah just dealing with a problem.. Car x said they got a code for the wheel sensor and they replaced the right side, I've been showing the left side the whole time they repaired the wrong side the code is still coming up..and I'm telling them the code was for the left side and he keeps saying the right side..trying to figure out how to show them they repaired the wrong side..

 

Noxparadise, let me send you a list of all the DTCs for your car ( I will need your e-mail address). Then you can print it out and show the tech how they are wrong. I think that should resolve any issues. Granted if they questions that, then tell them to get on OBDII Trouble Codes Definition, Description and Repair Information | Engine-Codes.com and then tell them to search on the code in question. That will be a 3rd party thing that tells them what the code means. If they do not believe that, then, sounds like you would need a new technician/shop to go to.

 

My email is jrhartman@live.com