Storage of Check Engine Light Codes

[Ovrland Bill]

The yellow (Check) Engine light came on (NOT immediately after fueling) and then extinguished itself about 80 miles and four days later. Will the relevant fault codes be stored for the Dealer Service Department to download?

 

[Asnes]

Should be. You can also go to auto one or one of those places and read them for free using their OBDII scanner. Then search the internet to see what the code is for.

 

[CrazyOldMan]

I just use this one, and it has an app you load on your phone. I just leave it plugged it - nothing extra to store anywhere. You should be able to just run a scan and it will show permanent codes (even if the warning light has cleared)

 

[LabRat]

I just use this one, and it has an app you load on your phone. I just leave it plugged it - nothing extra to store anywhere. You should be able to just run a scan and it will show permanent codes (even if the warning light has cleared)

No issues leaving it plugged in? Might do that instead of storing it.

 

[CrazyOldMan]

No issues leaving it plugged in? Might do that instead of storing it.

Not so far - but I don’t know - maybe it’s not OK? I didn’t see anything that said it’s a problem

 

[Asnes]

I’ve used obd2 readers plugged in 24/7 on multiple vehicles no problem. It’s basically a read only device aside from code resets.

 

[Ovrland Bill]

The yellow (Check) Engine light came on (NOT immediately after fueling) and then extinguished itself about 80 miles and four days later. Will the relevant fault codes be stored for the Dealer Service Department to download?

Follow-up: Dealer Service Department reported that there were no codes present…

 

[CrazyOldMan]

Follow-up: Dealer Service Department reported that there were no codes present…

There are temp codes and permanent codes. If the temp codes are cleared (gone gone), there can still be a permanent code in the log (which doesn’t necessarily generate a warning light). In your case, sounds like no permanent code was logged. So far I’m liking my solution - it’s just plugged in all the time, is unobtrusive, and if i ever get a warning light, I quickly check the app on my phone and can clear the warning.