Every time a warning light pops up, we need a code scanner to figure out what’s wrong. Why don’t car manufacturers just display the actual error codes on the dashboard or infotainment screen? Wouldn’t that make it easier for people to know what’s going on instead of just seeing a generic warning light?
Edit: I’m not saying remove error messages, just give an option for those who want to see the actual code without needing a third-party scanner.
Have you seen how many people ask what a warning light means when it’s right there in the manual? What do you think they’ll do with a code? Back in the day, we had to stick a paperclip in a connector and count flashing lights on the dash. Before that? You just had to listen to your car.
@Robin
Yeah, but when people post a picture of their dash lights, we always tell them to get the code read first. Wouldn’t it be easier if they could just see the code and share it right away?
Verne said:
@Robin
Yeah, but when people post a picture of their dash lights, we always tell them to get the code read first. Wouldn’t it be easier if they could just see the code and share it right away?
Most people don’t even read their manual. Knowing the code won’t help if they don’t understand what it means. A cheap scanner is all they need.
@Robin
I get what you’re saying, but some people just won’t understand. Maybe hide it in an advanced settings menu so it’s there for those who actually want it.
Bela said:
@Robin
I get what you’re saying, but some people just won’t understand. Maybe hide it in an advanced settings menu so it’s there for those who actually want it.
It kinda is, but locked behind dealership tools like Subaru Select Monitor.
This would cause so many headaches. Most people don’t even know what a basic road sign means, and now you want them interpreting engine codes? Someone sees ‘P0300 - random misfire’ and buys four spark plugs and coils thinking it’ll fix everything. When it doesn’t, they’ll blame the shop instead of realizing the code just points you in a general direction.
@Cade
Exactly. I run a shop and I can’t tell you how many people misdiagnose their own cars just because they read something on Facebook. A code doesn’t always tell you exactly what’s wrong.
jordansmith said:
@Cade
Exactly. I run a shop and I can’t tell you how many people misdiagnose their own cars just because they read something on Facebook. A code doesn’t always tell you exactly what’s wrong.
I get that, but having access to the codes has helped me before. One night, my gas pedal stopped working while I was driving. Luckily, I had an OBD scanner, saw it was a throttle position sensor issue, reset the code, and got the car home. Did some research, disconnected the battery, did an idle relearn, and fixed it myself. No money spent.
jordansmith said:
@Cade
Exactly. I run a shop and I can’t tell you how many people misdiagnose their own cars just because they read something on Facebook. A code doesn’t always tell you exactly what’s wrong.
I see both sides. Some of us like diagnosing things ourselves and learning as we go. If we mess up, that’s on us. But I get why shops don’t want people coming in demanding unnecessary repairs.
@Kiran
From a shop’s perspective, it’s a nightmare when someone insists on the wrong repair because they misread a code. Then they get mad when it doesn’t fix the problem.
Stormy said:
@Kiran
From a shop’s perspective, it’s a nightmare when someone insists on the wrong repair because they misread a code. Then they get mad when it doesn’t fix the problem.
Yeah, if I take my car to a shop, it’s because I trust them to figure it out. No need to hover over the mechanic telling them what to do.
@Kiran
If everyone thought like you, it wouldn’t be an issue. Unfortunately, that’s not the case.
@Cade
I know scanners are cheap, but why not just build that into the car? That way, people can see the codes without needing another tool.
Older Subarus used to let you see codes on the dash, but you couldn’t clear them.
Zayn said:
Older Subarus used to let you see codes on the dash, but you couldn’t clear them.
That’s awesome! Wish they kept that feature.
I don’t see why they couldn’t add a diagnostic mode for this. Just because some people won’t understand it doesn’t mean no one should have access.
Themech said:
I don’t see why they couldn’t add a diagnostic mode for this. Just because some people won’t understand it doesn’t mean no one should have access.
PCs show error logs all the time. Yeah, some people won’t know what they mean, but others will.
Themech said:
I don’t see why they couldn’t add a diagnostic mode for this. Just because some people won’t understand it doesn’t mean no one should have access.
My old Dodge from 25 years ago had this. It’s not hard to implement, but car companies seem to be going backwards.
Most people wouldn’t know what to do with the info anyway. Some can’t even figure out basic warning lights.