Asked by: Raheela Kuenz
automotive auto repair

Can you get codes without check engine light?

10
In short, yes; it's possible to diagnose a problem with a vehicle even if the check engine light does not illuminate. A professional mechanic would start by downloading any error codes store in your 2005 Ford Explorer's computer.


Also to know is, what does no check engine light mean?

If your light is on, it typically means the car's emissions control system is faulty and the vehicle is polluting the air beyond allowable federal standards. A vehicle in this condition would fail an emissions inspection or smog check. Don't confuse the check engine light with the maintenance or service light.

Also Know, how can I check my engine code without a code reader Toyota? How to Retrieve Car Trouble Codes With No Equipment
  1. Insert the key into the ignition. Turn the car on and off quickly, ending with the key in the "On" position.
  2. Watch the "Check Engine" light on the dash. Once the sequence has been initiated, the "Check Engine" light begins to flash.
  3. Record the codes as they flash.

Also asked, how do I get the check engine light code?

OBD-II PID Diagnostic Codes To get the code you just connect your OBD-II scanner to the data link connector, typically found under the driver's side dashboard of the vehicle. Once the scanner is connected it will read a PID code that can then be used to help diagnose what your issue might be.

Can AutoZone check codes?

Many drivers don't realize that AutoZone, the nation's largest auto parts chain, will do the following services free of charge: Read the codes on your check engine light. Test your battery's voltage. Check your alternator and starter.

Related Question Answers

Asparuh Poulter

Professional

What is the most common reason for check engine light?

Replacing a faulty oxygen sensor — a sensor used to optimize a vehicle's fuel-to-air mixture to increase gas mileage and reduce emissions — is the most common cause for a check engine light.

Bogumil Sifres

Professional

Can a bad air filter cause check engine light?

In extreme cases, a contaminated air filter can turn on the check engine light. An extremely dirty air filter restricts engine air intake. This disrupts the air/fuel mixture inside the engine. As a result, the vehicle may experience performance problems that trigger the check engine light.

Misbah Aparisi

Professional

Can check engine light turn itself off?

A check engine light will shut itself off if the condition that caused it is remedied. So, if your converter is marginal, and you did a lot of stop-and-go driving, which creates high demand for the converter, that may have turned on the check engine light.

Sherwin Ibaiertz

Explainer

How many miles do you have to drive to clear a check engine light?

After you clear the computer, you need to drive up to 100 miles to give it a chance to monitor all the sensors and register the results. Sometimes it may be completed in about 50 miles. You'll know when you connect the scanner and check the status. It tells you if ready or not ready.

Genoveva Mstislavsky

Explainer

Can you drive with a check engine light on?

It's okay to drive the car if the check engine light is steady. But only if the vehicle's essential systems such as brakes and lights are operational. Keep a close eye on your car's dashboard warning lights, including the coolant temperature and oil pressure.

Eliecer Murgu

Pundit

How much does it cost to check a check engine light?

The average cost for a check engine light diagnosis & testing is between $88 and $111. Labor costs are estimated between $88 and $111. Estimate does not include taxes and fees.

P Thauvin

Pundit

Can low oil cause the check engine light to come on?

The low oil level is something that certainly needs to be addressed. However, it is generally not a cause for the check engine light to come on. The check engine light comes on when an electrical / electronic issues in the engine management system. Some engines consume oil and some do not.

Iosif Tatat

Pundit

How do I turn the engine light off?

If it does not go off, then your engine has a problem.
  1. 4 Ways to Turn off the "Check Engine" Light. Method.
  2. Drive Your Car and Let the Light Go off by Itself.
  3. Turn the Car on and off Three Times.
  4. Disconnect and Reconnect the Battery.
  5. Use an OBD Code Reader.

Lope Fenlon

Pundit

How serious is check engine light?

Your Check Engine Light may be indicating a simple problem that's easy to fix—such as a loose gas cap that needs to be replaced. A flashing Check Engine Light indicates that your vehicle's engine is in serious trouble, whereas a steadily lit one means less urgent service is needed.

Baljinder Tabanez

Teacher

Why is my car shaking and check engine light on?

Vibration or shaking may be caused by misfires, poor fuel pressure, or faulty spark plugs. You should also know that a defective idle air control valve might make the engine idle drop significantly. Another issue that may cause check engine light blinking car shaking is a broken engine mount.

Lorretta Arculanda

Teacher

What is your engine code?

It's all in the engine code (sometimes referred to as engine number) or vehicle identification number (VIN). You can find the VIN in the lower corner of your windshield on the driver's side. In the series of numbers and letters, the tenth from the left denotes the model year and the eighth is the engine code.

Barbel Hemalatha

Reviewer

Can AutoZone run diagnostics?

Auto parts store.
AutoZone is well known for doing free check engine light diagnostics. Also be aware that AutoZone is in the business of selling parts, not repairing cars, and while many of their staff are knowledgeable, they may not diagnose the problem correctly on the first try.

Bricio Partido

Supporter

How do I find my Toyota engine code?

Toyota OBD/OBD2 Codes
  1. Before proceeding, make sure the:
  2. Turn ignition switch to ON position.
  3. Count number of flashes from CHECK ENGINE light.
  4. Otherwise, the light will blink a number of times equal to the trouble code as follows:

Hamama Karrikaburu

Beginner

What is the check engine light code for Jeep Wrangler?

How to Check An Engine Code
  1. Insert key into the ignition.
  2. Turn to “ON” position without starting the Jeep.
  3. Push the key in and turn it to “OFF” and then to “ON” three times, leaving it in the “ON” position.

Marcolina Aboff

Beginner

How much is a diagnostics check?

Depending on your region, this figure should sit between $65 and $100. RepairPal reports that a car diagnostic test costs between $88 and $111 before taxes, and Popular Mechanic says it can cost from $20 to $400. As with any financial decision, it's smart to check at least three places before you commit.

Milana Possmann

Beginner

What does a check engine light mean?

The check engine light illuminates when your vehicle's computer believes there is a problem that could affect — or is affecting — your car's emissions control system. When the light comes on, one or more diagnostic trouble codes are stored in the car's computer. These codes will stay there even if the light goes out.

Merrilee Kampfe

Beginner

Will AutoZone read my codes for free?

Many drivers don't realize that AutoZone, the nation's largest auto parts chain, will do the following services free of charge: Read the codes on your check engine light. Test your battery's voltage. Check your alternator and starter.

Bogomil Guervos

Beginner

Where can I get my check engine light checked for free?

When trying to find out what tripped your check engine light, there are quite a few ways that you can check what the trouble code is. Some of the ways will even be free.

At a local auto parts store
  • Advance Auto Parts.
  • AutoZone.
  • Napa Auto Parts.
  • O'Reilly Auto Parts.
  • Pep Boys Auto Parts.

Deandra Barrenechea

Beginner

Can a bad battery cause a check engine light to come on?

A bad battery can cause problems in electrical and electronic parts, including the computer. It can even cause a "Check Engine" light.

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28th April, 2020

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