When you’re looking for a scanner, make sure the scanner that you buy works with the make of your car. Some scanners are made to work only with specific makes! Scanners have become very inexpensive in the last few years. It costs around $20-$30 for the most basic scanner that only produces a trouble code.
If you’re having trouble finding the port after looking in the owner’s manual, use a flashlight to look under the steering wheel and along the bottom of the dashboard on the driver’s side.
Don’t turn on the engine while using the scanner. This can interfere with the scanner and cause it to function improperly.
The VIN for most cars is located on the driver’s side, and you can see it by looking at the bottom right hand corner on the outside of the windshield. Sometimes, the scanner will also ask for the engine type. If you don’t know what kind of engine you have, check the owner’s manual.
Some high-end scanners might show 2-3 words that indicate where the issue originated or what part the code corresponds to.
If you’re having trouble finding information on the code, try searching for the make and model of the car, the word “forum,” and the error code. This might lead you to more car forums where drivers discuss issues that they’ve had with their cars.
The engine type is very important when it comes to selecting a cleaner. Some cleaners are specially formulated for diesel vehicles, while others are made for cars that take gas.
If the check engine light appears when your tank is nearly empty, get the right amount of gas for your cleaner before you add the product to the tank.
Be sure to follow the directions on the bottle carefully. The correct mixture of cleaner and fuel will ensure that the engine continues working properly.
If you’re in a hurry and don’t want to wait until the tank is empty, be sure to drive for at least 10 miles (16 km).
The mechanic can recommend replacing the converter, or they might recommend a different product that will work better with your car.
