Glossary / General

codes

21 Episode Mentions

Too Afraid to Ask

When the car’s computer finds something wrong, it writes a short code that tells mechanics what to look at.

Technical Definition

‘Codes’ refers to diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) that the vehicle’s computer generates when it detects a fault in any system.

Hear It Discussed

"[2643.7s] Well, usually when these fail, it's, it's, it's more of a bottom, I'd say 95 [2649.2s] percent of the time it's the electronic portion that fails and gives you the codes. [2653.6s] And it..."
This Is America's Favorite Car Talk Show - Live Callers Getting Their Cars Fixed Under The Hood show 44:09

"Somehow finailed it through inspection, and I kind of think I know what he did. He probably cleared the codes, ran it until the monitors were complete and he got enough of him to run and he was..."
Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - Classic Car Doctor - October 10, 2015 - Hour 2 - You Love Your Car More Than You ThinkFrom the Car Doctor archives — originally aired October 2015. In this classic episode of Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor, Ron opens the hour with a thoughtful discussion about the emotional connection we develop with our vehicles—often without realizing just how attached we've become. Whether it's the family car that's been through years of memories or the vehicle that always seems to get us home, cars become more than machines. Ron then helps a caller diagnose cooling system problems on a 2007 Mercury Mountaineer and takes a call from a 2013 Toyota Highlander owner whose wheels were nearly left loose after a routine oil change, leading to an important conversation about trust, quality workmanship, and paying attention after service. Also featured is an interview with Derek Miller from ALLDATA, discussing vehicle repair information, diagnostic resources, and the growing complexity of modern automobiles. Ron rounds out the hour by answering listener emails about choosing the right OBD-II scan tool and diagnosing hesitation and rough idle concerns on a Toyota. A great mix of automotive advice, consumer awareness, and a reminder that our relationship with our cars is often more personal than we think. Ron Ananian The Car Doctor 02:12

"is that it also shows you when the codes were last cleared. Ooh, so if somebody clears something before they come in to trade in that vehicle..."
Appraisal Landmines Costing Dealers $1,000's — And How To Defuse Them | Industry Spotlight Car Dealership Guy Podcast 10:05