If you have owned a car for a long time, you will often have to go to specialized stores for maintenance with the desire to increase its use time. And that can’t help but check the engine light code.
It is not a big problem, so you want to save more time, and the question is, “How to check engine light codes without a scanner?“
Find out in the article below:
What Is Engine Light?
Before knowing how to check the engine light without using the scanner, let’s learn what the engine light is.
The engine light is an indicator light when your car has some problems while you are driving. Usually, the engine lights will be orange, yellow, or amber, depending on the manufacturer’s design.
The engine light comes on when it’s on and flashing, and this is a signal that you need to stop and find a reputable car repair place. However, your lights may glow, but you don’t need to worry about this if not flickering. The simple thing you need to do now is going very carefully back to your home and work.
How To Check Engine Light Codes Without A Scanner
After understanding the engine light and how it works, continue to follow the article for more 3 ways to check the lamp code without using a scanner.
Using audio and video recording devices
The first and quite common is the use of audio and video recording equipment. However, first, make sure that your car has enough power because, for sure, during the test, you will need to run the vehicle and turn on the control lights to check the condition of your car.
Basically, you need to use your mobile phone to record audio as well as record video. The purpose of using audio and video equipment is to record incidents on your vehicle. Usually, the videos will give you a clear record of the light spots so that you can easily spot them. Then, place the camera in front of your control panel and then toggle the switch 3 to 4 times and stop. If you see your indicator light blinking, your light code is probably faulty.
It is the first solution to check engine lights without using a scanner.
Using the electric lock
Next, one of the solutions to help you check the engine lights without using a scanner is to use an electric lock.
Electric locks seem not too strange to modern life today. Extremely simple, when using the electric lock, you need to turn on and off the car key without completely starting the car engine.
However, depending on the characteristics of individual vehicles, this on/off process will take place about 2-5 times and usually 5 times.
When you do this successfully, the key in the electric socket is in the “on” position. Then pay attention to the signal light; if you make a left or right turn and the light comes on, your code test was successful.
However, this may not work very well, and the engine will turn on again, and you will have to do it from scratch.
Use a meter
Finally, one of the simple solutions that make it easy to check the light code without a scanner is to take advantage of the odometer on your vehicle. Moreover, using a meter is recommended by experts, so it is a good choice for you.
First, you need to restart your odometer, paying particular attention to your car’s lock on/off. To check the code, in the end, you need to make sure your ignition is in the “on” state. The regulations will then appear on your dashboard.
What Causes The Engine Lights To Glow?
As mentioned just before, the engine light is the light that signals the dangers that your car may encounter. So when your car’s lights come on, there are probably several reasons you need to pay attention to, some of which include:
Fuel cap malfunction
The first and quite common is that the fuel cap can malfunction. Of course, almost everyone knows that the fuel cap plays a significant role in maintaining a stable pressure in the fuel tank. Furthermore, you will ensure your fuel does not leak to the outside, thanks to the fuel cap.
However, if you install it loosely and fuel consumption also affects the transportation of the vehicle, it will sometimes cause the engine lights to glow. All you need to do is replace or inspect the cap immediately.
Affected oxygen sensor
When the engine light comes on, the next thing you need to pay attention to is the oxygen sensor. The oxygen sensor is a design that aims to measure the amount of oxygen released from your car’s exhaust.
When the sensor fails, your fuel may have lost over 40% through burning it. Not stopping there, some other parts may also be affected by this.
Faulty spark plugs and wires
When the engine light is on, you need to think about it because of the car’s spark plugs and wires. Maybe it’s broken or has some minor glitches. You probably already know that spark plugs are responsible for creating sparks so that they can ignite the fuel as efficiently as possible.
And, of course, when the spark plug fails, you can waste a lot of energy, and you need to do it and replace it if possible.
Air Flow sensor malfunction
Finally, one of the reasons why the engine light is on is that your airflow sensor has some problems. You can sometimes mistake it for an oxygen sensor.
However, the airflow sensor controls the entire amount of air that needs to be burned at the engine. If your engine light is on and it’s a problem with the airflow sensor shaft, consider having it repaired as soon as possible.
FAQs
What can a car code reader tell you?
Basically, each engine has its design depending on the vehicle configuration. But most of the codes are the same and include coded information about the year of manufacture, engine type, and country of origin.
How do I find out my engine code?
Simply put, you can find your code reading through the bottom corner of the windshield next to your driving position.
After seeing it, pay attention to the sequence of numbers and letters you see; usually, the engine code will be in the left eighth of the indication. Also, to find the vehicle number and engine size, pay attention to the VIN.
How long is an engine number?
Although there is no decision or standard on the length of the engine numbers, most will be between 11 and 17 digits. In general, the size of the code allows each manufacturer to identify each engine individually when it first appears on the market.
Conclusion
Finally, before closing, I hope you will be satisfied with the answer to the question: “How to check engine light codes without a scanner?”
Moreover, hopefully, you will know and understand more about engine lights through the extremely complete and valuable information that the article mentioned earlier. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us by leaving a comment below this article.
