If you manage a fleet, staying on top of any engine or other vehicle issues is critical for the

safety of your drivers. It also helps prevent more costly repairs.

This is where Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC) come in — codes that a vehicle’s onboard
computer relays about any potential issues.

How do these codes work, and how do you interpret them? Most importantly, how can you
gain remote access to them for your fleet?

Keep reading to learn more.

In this article, we’ll explain what DTC codes are and how to interpret them. We’ll also look
at how you can manage the maintenance of your fleet with fleet telematics.

What is a DTC code?

DTC stands for Diagnostic Trouble Codes, which was created by the Society of Automotive
Engineers (SAE). The codes are generated by a vehicle’s onboard diagnostic (OBD) system.
Each character in a 5-digit DTC represents a specific issue.

There are two main standards:

 OBD-II: OBD-II codes are used in light (6,000 to 10,000 lbs) and medium-duty
vehicles (10,001 to 26,000lbs). All vehicles built and sold in the United States after
January 1st, 1996, are required to follow this standard.

 J1939: J1939 codes are used in heavy-duty vehicles (26,001 to over 33,000 lbs) like
city transit buses, refuse trucks, and cement trucks.

There are also manufacturer-specific DTC codes. If you’re not sure which standard your
vehicle follows, you can always check the user manual.

When a vehicle’s check engine light (also known as a malfunction indicator light) turns on, a
technician can plug a handheld OBD scanner into its diagnostic port (typically under the
dashboard below the steering wheel column). Once connected, the scanner will display an
error code.

Using an OBD scanner means that you need direct access to the vehicle in question.
However, with the right telematics system in place, a fleet manager can receive real-time
alerts anytime a vehicle generates a DTC code.

How do you interpret OBD-II DTC codes?

If a vehicle in your fleet is displaying a DTC code, it’s important to understand what it means
so you can determine the root cause of the problem and take steps to rectify it.

There are five characters in an OBD-II DTC code.

Each character corresponds to a specific problem that a vehicle has. Here’s an overview of
what each one means.

First DTC character

The first DTC character is always a letter. There are four types of codes:

 P codes: “P” indicates a problem with the powertrain. It includes the engine,
transmission, drivetrain, and fuel system.

 C codes: “C” indicates a problem with the chassis. It refers to mechanical systems
outside the passenger compartment, such as steering, suspension, and braking.

 B codes: “B” indicates a problem with the body. It covers parts that are found in the
passenger compartment area.

 U codes: “U” indicates a problem with the vehicle’s onboard computers and
integration functions that the OBD manages.

Second DTC character

The second DTC character is a numeric digit, either a “0” or a “1”:

 0: A “0” indicates a standard SAE international code. It’s also known as a generic
code, meaning that it applies to all vehicles following the OBD-II international
standard.

 1: A “1” represents a code that is specific to the car's make or model. It’s known as an
enhanced code, meaning it doesn’t fall under an SAE standard. If you see a “1,” reach
out to the vehicle manufacturer directly for more information.
Third DTC character
If the second DTC character is a “0,” then the third character helps you determine which
subsystems are malfunctioning. There are eight numbers:

 0: Fuel and air metering and auxiliary emission controls

 1: Fuel and air metering injection system

 2: Fuel and air metering (injection system)

 3: Ignition systems or misfires

 4: Auxiliary emission controls

 5: Vehicle speed control, idle control systems, and auxiliary inputs

 6: Computer output circuit

 7-8: Transmission

Fourth and fifth DTC character

The fourth and fifth DTC codes are two-digit numbers from 0 to 99, known as the “Specific
Fault Index.” It identifies the exact malfunction that a vehicle has.

Let’s put this together.

You have your OBD scanner, and you plug it into your vehicle’s diagnostic port. It then
displays a DTC code P0420, but what exactly does it mean?
Here’s a breakdown of what this common code means:

 P: The letter “P” indicates a problem with the vehicle’s powertrain or fuel system

 0: The number “0” means it applies to all OBD-II compliant vehicles (1996 and
newer)

 4: The number “4” means that one of the auxiliary emission controls is
malfunctioning

 20: The number “20” indicates a problem with the vehicle’s catalytic converter

A vehicle that displays a P0420 code has a problem with its catalytic converter. Its oxygen
levels are below desired thresholds and leaking more pollutants into the air — definitely an
issue that you should address sooner rather than later.

Note that OBD-II codes are primarily used for light and medium-duty vehicles. If you operate
a fleet of heavy-duty vehicles (vehicles that are 26,001 to over 33,000 lbs), you’ll need to
know how to read J1939 codes.

How do you interpret a J1939 DTC code?

SAE J1939 is an industry standard for most heavy-duty trucks. It also covers buses and heavy
equipment like farming tractors.

A J1939 code consists of four fields that relay information about a DTC:

 Suspect Parameter Number (SPN): SPN is a diagnostic fault code assigned by the
SAE to a specific part or electric subsystem. It helps technicians locate where the
problem is occurring. It’s also used to identify issues with a Controller Application
(CA).

 Failure Mode Identifier (FMI): FMI identifies the type of error. Examples can
include sensor short-circuits, calibration errors, and abnormal update rates (meaning
the computer is seeing data that doesn’t make sense).

 Occurrence Counter (OC): OC indicates how many times an error or failure has
occurred. Each time an error is detected, the OC number increases by one.

 SPN Conversion Method (CM): CM defines the byte alignment within the DTC and
indicates how SPN and FMI should be handled or translated. It’s primarily used for
older versions of the diagnostic protocols.

A fleet manager can connect a J1939 data logger to a heavy-duty vehicle and store the data
on a memory card. However, this requires direct access to the vehicle in question, making
diagnosing issues difficult.

A telematics device that connects to a vehicle’s J1939 port can send fuel usage and emissions
data over broadband to a computer. It can also send preventative maintenance alerts and
engine fault information in real-time, enabling fleet managers to address safety concerns
proactively. That reduces the risk of breakdowns, keeping your fleet running and your
customers happy, and reduces your maintenance costs.
How do you clear a DTC code?
Seeing the check engine light illuminate on your dashboard is enough to give anyone a sense
of dread. In some cases, it can turn on for relatively minor issues like a faulty gas cap. In
others, it can indicate a serious issue like an engine misfiring.

Here’s what you should do if the check engine light comes on. We’ll also explain how you
can clear a DTC code and safely get back on the road.

Use a code reader

If your vehicle was built and sold in the US after 1996, it follows the OBD-II standard.
Connect an OBD-II scanner to its diagnostic port, which is located below the steering wheel
column. If you don’t see it, refer to the vehicle manual for its exact location. For some
scanners, you may need to enter the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).

Next, turn on the ignition but don’t start the engine. Then press the ‘Read’ or ‘Scan’ button
on the scan tool to access the DTC code. Some scanners will tell you what the issue is, so you
don’t have to write it down and look it up yourself.

CarMD has identified the following as the most common check engine vehicle repairs in the
US, along with their estimated costs:

Most OBD-II scanners are capable of clearing codes, but you should only do this after you fix
the problem. If you clear a code without addressing the issue that was triggering it, your
check engine light will turn on again.

Take your vehicle in for repairs

A flashing check engine light is an indication of a more serious issue. Continuing to drive the
car may cause more damage to the engine. In these cases, it’s best to pull over immediately
and call a tow truck to bring it to a mechanic.
You can still use an OBD-II scanner to access the DTC code. This can even save you some
money, as some mechanics may charge you for plugging in their own diagnostic scanner. If
you know what the exact issue is, they can get to work on fixing it.

We mentioned that you can use an OBD-II scanner to clear DTC codes. However, some
issues may trigger what’s known as a permanent DTC. Unlike regular codes, you can’t clear
these out using an OBD-II scanner or disconnecting the battery.

The only way to clear permanent DTCs is to fix the underlying issues. The codes will clear
on their own once the vehicle’s onboard system no longer detects the issue.

Managing DTC codes for an expanding fleet

Handheld scanners can help you determine what’s wrong with a vehicle. Some even describe
the DTC code, so you don’t have to interpret them. However, you need access to a vehicle’s
OBD-II port to get these codes, which makes monitoring them challenging for a fleet.

Here’s how a telematics system like CalAmp application can help you monitor DTC codes
across your fleet.

Set up alerts
Any issues with a vehicle can bring your operations to a halt and result in unhappy
customers. If a vehicle in your fleet triggers an engine fault code, you need to know what it is
so you can immediately address it.

With CalAmp, you can set up alerts that notify you if a vehicle triggers a DTC code. These
alerts include the DTC code and an accompanying description. A maintenance manager can
direct the driver to a service station or ask them to complete the route if it’s a minor issue.
With the location data that telematics systems provide, fleet managers can see which of their
drivers are in the vicinity and ask them to assist or take over if necessary.

Automate fleet maintenance

Vehicles must receive regular maintenance checks to keep them in good condition and ensure
that they’re safe to drive. Operating a vehicle with an engine problem not only puts your
drivers at risk but can also lead to more costly repairs.

A telematics system like CalAmp simplifies fleet maintenance. It can schedule reminders to
service vehicles based on mileage and hours of use, helping you stay ahead of maintenance
tasks like oil changes and tire replacements.

Performing preventative maintenance on your fleet will help extend its lifespan, saving you
more money in repair costs and downtime in the long run.

Create DTC reports

Fleet managers strive to make their fleet as efficient as possible. But you need actionable data
to streamline your operations and minimize downtime.

CalAmp enables you to generate on-demand reports across your entire fleet. Maintenance
managers can review these reports and identify trends like which parts wear out faster. They
can schedule repairs accordingly and address any issues before they turn into bigger
problems.

Conclusion
DTC codes are used to diagnose malfunctions in a vehicle. Sometimes, they can be minor,
like a loose fuel cap, or more serious, like a faulty oxygen sensor. If your vehicle triggers an
engine fault code, it’s important that you know what the DTC code means.

Handheld scanners can help you quickly identify the problem. However, if you manage a
fleet of vehicles, using a telematics system like CalAmp offers a better way to monitor
diagnostic codes.

Learn more about our fleet telematics system, or contact us today to schedule a free demo
with our team.

LIVE DATA
First things first, as a mechanic or a car owner, you'll need a code reader, also
known as an OBDII scanner, to begin any car diagnostics. The tools allow you to
communicate with your car when troubleshooting the engine or non-engine
problems.

Remember, reading fault codes sometimes does not point out the specific problems
of your vehicle. Therefore, understanding the OBD II live codes is vital in vehicle
maintenance and repair.

Scan Tool with live data makes the repairs of modern vehicles a lot easier. It can be
complicated, frustrating, and tiresome with wrong OBDII live data. However, worry
not; we'll guide you to read live data from the OBDII diagnostic scanners in this
article.

Basic OBDII Live Data

All vehicles in the United States manufactured from 1996 and newer are OBDII
compatible. Among 10 basic OBD2 modes, requesting live data from the powertrain
system is mode $01.

If you use apps like Torque or DashCommand, this feature will be limited to the
engine-related data. With OBD Fusion, you can access the “enhanced” data stream
from the transmission, ABS, SRS, etc. modules.

Let's Now Start On How to Read OBDII Live Data

Fuel trim
Fuel trim is crucial when it comes to diagnosing lean and rich conditions. It
determines how the ECU controls the engine's fuel delivery. Always verify the STFT
(short-term fuel trim) and the LTFT (long-term fuel trim) while reading live data from
the OBDII scan tool.

The OBDII scan tool expresses both the STFT and the LTFT as a percentage. The
optimal reading for the STFT and LTFT is between 5% and 10%. Be scared of
anything above 10% or below -10%.

High fuel trim percentages indicate that the engine computer is trying to compensate
for lean situations in the motor. When your car has this situation (usually comes with
the code P0171 and/or P0174), the first thing all mechanics will check is the gas cap.
It may be loose or faulty and all you need to do is tighten or replace it.

If the gas cap is not the problem, there are 2 possible scenarios:

 Vacuum leak - usually caused by a crack in vacuum hoses

 Faulty sensors – there are different types of sensors that can be faulty
(usually O2 sensors), the fault codes should show specifically which one(s)
is not in the right shape.

A Negative fuel trim, on the other hand, indicates that the CPU is attempting to alter
the fuel mixture to compensate for a rich mixture. This rich condition will come with
the codes P0172 and/or P0175.

One of the most common symptoms of the rich condition is that your car runs fine
when it’s cold but starts to lose power when the engine warms up.

When your car has this problem, it can be because the sensors themself are
blown(MAP, IAT, O2, ECT, fuel rail pressure sensor, etc.). These faults can be easily
navigated by reading the specific codes.

In some cars, those sensors may use the vacuum mechanism. The sensors themself
may not be faulty, but there could be vacuum leaks in the hoses attached to them.

If you can sense a heavy gasoline smell, leaking fuel injectors are very likely to be
the cause for the rich condition.
Fuel trim captured in OBD Fusion. The numbers are not ideal. But -4% LTFT is not
really a big deal.

O2 sensor voltage
The CPU uses the O2 sensor's output voltage to adjust the fuel-air mixture in the
engine. You may also examine the state of the catalytic converter using live data
from the O2 sensors.
When the air-fuel mixture is perfect, the O2 voltage value will be exactly 0.45V.

As the mixture becomes rich, the voltage will increase (up to 0.8 volts).

If the fuel mixture is burning lean, there will be more oxygen in the exhaust and the
voltage will drop (as low as 0.1 volts).
The O2 sensor voltage (yellow line) should go up and down rapidly like this. As long
as the value is not too high (or low), your engine doesn't have rich (or lean)
conditions.

Another case is that the voltage value is a straight line, which indicates 2 possible
scenarios:

 If that’s an upstream sensor, it’s blown. In that case, there should be a fault
code indicating which sensor on which bank is bad.
 If that’s a downstream sensor, as long as the value slightly fluctuates around
0.45V, your catalytic converter is still in good condition.

Engine coolant temp (ECT)

When the engine is at its optimal operating temperature, the coolant temperature
sensor should read between 160 and 200 Fahrenheit degrees.

When the temperature is too high, there is definitely something wrong with your
coolant system. The most common causes are low or bad coolant, which can be
fixed by refilling or flushing the system.

High engine coolant temp must be taken very seriously, otherwise, you may need a
new engine.

Another problem with the engine coolant temp is its sensor. Simply speaking, the
ECT sensor will tell how hot the engine is, which constantly affects the air-fuel
mixture. Cold engines like rich mixture, but warm engines don’t. A faulty ECT sensor
may say that “the engine is not cold yet” but in fact, it’s already very hot.

In this case, you can compare the temperature measured in the live data and the
temperature measured by a thermometer.

Engine oil temp

The most crucial thing to know is the engine oil temperature, especially for those
who drive automobiles aggressively. It is extremely dangerous to race an engine that
has not yet reached its oil operating temperature.

High-quality motor oil may tolerate oil temperatures of approximately 250 Fahrenheit
degrees before it begins to degrade.

Generally, oil is a few degrees warmer than coolant after the automobile is warmed
up, typically 10-15 degrees Fahrenheit.

Transmission oil temp

The recommended transmission oil temperature falls between 175 to 220 Fahrenheit
degrees. Something 20 degrees higher than that, your transmission is in big trouble.

Note: OBD Fusion is one of a few apps that can read transmission oil temp.
However, you need one of the enhanced diagnostic packages to read this
parameter.

Manifold Absolute Pressure

The ECU uses the MAP (Manifold Absolute Pressure) sensor to estimate the engine
load.

When the engine is not running, the pressure inside the manifold is the same as
outside. But when it starts, pressure will drop as the pistons pump constantly. This
“vacuum” will suck the air in. The harder the engine runs, the more air it needs, and
the lower the vacuum. This leads the manifold pressure once again to increase
nearly up to the outside environment pressure.

When you floor your car, intake manifold pressure will increase. The maximum value
is around 26 to 30 inches of Mercury (Hg). The pressure at idle often ranges from 3
to 5 Hg. Depending on where you live, the manifold pressure when the engine does
not work can vary from 28 to 31 Hg (also called barometric pressure).

When you turn the key to “ignition”, a good MAP sensor should read barometric air
pressure. To verify this number, you can compare this number on your scan tool with
actual barometric pressure to see if they match or not.
As you rev your car, the engine load increases, the intake manifold absolute
pressure (blue) will increase. When the car is cruising, RPM starts to drop, so does
the MAP value.
Ignition Timing

In a spark-ignition internal combustion engine, getting the ignition time right is critical.
Vibrations and damage might occur if a spark occurs too early or too late. Engine
lifetime, power, and fuel economy are all affected by ignition timing.

If a rich air-fuel mixture is detected or when you press the pedal, then the ignition will
happen sooner, to prevent flooding (ignition advancing). If the mixture is too lean,
then the engine will delay the ignition slightly to allow more fuel into the combustion
chamber (ignition retarding).

You can measure this timing by the “Ignition timing advance” value. When the
number is positive, it means ignition advancing. When the number is negative, it
means ignition retarding.

Spark advance at idle should be between 5-20 degrees.

Bad ignition timing is a sign that something is wrong with the pistons or valves inside
the engine.

Engine RPM

The engine speed is measured in RPM (revolutions per minute). The RPM
measurement is used to start up the ignition coils and stimulate the fuel injectors.
The ECU will use the RPM measurements to manage the load torque converter's
functioning and the shift points when driving an automatic gearbox.

You don't need an OBD2 scanner to monitor these live parameters. They are
displayed on the dashboard. However, they are crucial factors because you need to
monitor how different parameters fluctuate when the engine rpm changes.

Conclusion
Hopefully, you now have a firm grasp on how to use OBDII scanners to get real-time
data. There's extensive content about live data interpretation to cover for each of
these sensors. Thus you'll have to utilize the guide as an everyday road map.

FREEZE FRAME DATA

OBD2 Freeze Frame is a simple but powerful tool when trying to diagnose car
malfunctions. Freeze Frame provides insight into the conditions that were present
when a malfunction occurred. This tutorial will explain in detail what the Freeze
Frame is.

What is Freeze Frame?

In simple terms, a freeze frame is a snapshot of data. It’s a snapshot of sensor or
component readings (parameter values) captured at the moment when the
electronic control unit detected a malfunction. In addition, the freeze frame contains
the Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) that the computer system identified as
the reason for the malfunction.

OBDII Freeze Frame with the Android app

Quite often, the car might have multiple DTCs simultaneously when some fault or
faults occur. In this case, you cannot tell what DTC was the first one and caused the
Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) to light. The DTC that’s part of the Freeze Frame
will reveal to you the DTC that is the main cause for the problems and occurred
first.

The sensor data values stored in the frame help you figure out what might be
wrong with your vehicle. However, sometimes coming to conclusions might need
some guesswork. Experience with engines and cars will help when analyzing the
possible solutions to fix the malfunctions.

For example, when an engine misfire is detected, a snapshot of the current sensor
values is captured. The engine control unit stores this snapshot data along with the
DTC, and it’s called a freeze frame. The causing DTC might be P0301 Cylinder 1
Misfire Detected, for example.

All OBD2 compliant cars are required to support Freeze Frame. It’s an essential part
of onboard diagnostics.
How to read the Freeze Frame?
As the Freeze Frame is an integral part of the OBD2, basically all OBD2 scanners
can access and present the snapshot data to you. Reading the Freeze Frame data
with OBD Auto Doctor is straightforward. The software fetches the data from the car
and gives it to you in a human-readable format.

Whether you are using the computer software or the mobile app, navigate to Trouble
Codes -> Freeze Frame.

OBDII Freeze Frame with the macOS software

It’s rather essential to read the Freeze Frame data as soon as it’s stored because
most cars can provide only a single Freeze Frame. In some cases, a new Freeze
Frame snapshot will override the previously stored data, and you will lose the older
data. For instance, an engine misfire will most likely override the previous content. In
any case, you should notice that the Freeze Frame is not stored indefinitely.

Frequently asked questions related to the OBD Freeze Frame

Can there be multiple freeze frames?
Sure, the OBD2 specification allows the manufacturers to save additional freeze
frames. The conditions for storing these extra frames and the content of them are
manufacturer-specific.

Is it possible that there’s no freeze frame data stored?

Yes, in some real-world examples, we have seen cases when the Check Engine
Light (CEL) was turned on, and OBDII Trouble Code was set without providing a
Freeze Frame. The frame was either not stored at all or automatically deleted after
multiple successful warm-up cycles. It is not a typical case to happen, but it’s
possible.

Is it possible that there’s a Freeze Frame without an Engine Malfunction light?

Yes, in some cases, the car might automatically remove the Engine Malfunction light
and the related OBD2 codes. Depending on the severity of the issues, this might
happen after multiple warm-up cycles without the problem present. However, the car
computer should not clear the Freeze Frame data in this case. Looking at the Freeze
Frame snapshot gives you a hint of an intermittent problem.

Can I reset the Freeze Frame?

Yes, you can use OBD Auto Doctor to reset and clear the Freeze Frame. Freeze
Frame is removed when you reset the MIL and clear the OBD2 trouble codes. It’s an
all-in-one action that resets all the diagnostics data in the car. However, the trouble
codes and other data will come back if the problem is detected again.

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