Part of Lesson Plan: **Retrieving Diagnostic Trouble Codes (updated) by Dale Critchfield

Activity Overview / Details

I will demonstrate the process of retrieving trouble codes from one of the vehicles which will include locating the ALDL, connecting the scan tool to the vehicle, showing the basic features of the scan tool, entering the vehicle information into the scan tool, and how to follow the scan tool prompts. I will then retrieve a trouble code and document the code onto a task sheet for future reference. I will then answer any questions that may arise during this session and give the students a task sheet to utilize for this project.

Step-by-step instruction:

1. Connect the scan tool
   Locate the scan tool access point and connect the scan tool using the appropriate connector for the vehicle. Turn on the vehicle ignition. Turn on the scan tool. Run the scan tool diagnostic program and navigate through each of the different systems in turn to access the diagnostic trouble codes from the vehicles electronic control module. Note your findings for each vehicle system.
2. Check your findings
   Look up what each code means and present the information to your supervisor. Any fault indicated by the diagnostic trouble codes will need to be corrected before you clear the codes.
3. Clear fault codes
   To clear the fault codes from the vehicle, select the delete codes option on the scan tool. Check that the codes have cleared, and turn off the vehicle ignition.
4. Recheck for fault codes
   Turn on the vehicle ignition. Run the scan tool diagnostic program and navigate through each system again to check the codes do not reactivate. If the fault codes reactivate, take your findings to your supervisor. Turn off the vehicle ignition. Turn off the scan tool and disconnect from the access point.