Any auto parts stores still read OBDII codes for free?

[IronWing]

I thought Autozone used to do this but I didn't see anything about it on their website.

 

[Jimzz]

Advance and AZ should still do it.

You can also spend less than $10 on a Bluetooth OBD2 adapter and d/l torque as well if you have android phone.

 

[IronWing]

Thanks. I went down to Autozone and they were able to check the codes for me. It came back as low engine oil. I had the oil changed last week so that worried me as I had lost one car to oil loss from a shoddy oil change. Anyway, I checked the oil and it was fine. The check engine light went away but I'm not sure if reading the codes cleared the code or if something else is going on.

 

[Zorba]

I think all of the major auto parts stores will read codes. A lot of them will refuse to clear codes, though.

 

[xaeniac]

Why yes they do.

 

[CrackRabbit]

Just a note that auto parts stores in California can no longer check codes for you.

 

[jlee]

Just a note that auto parts stores in California can no longer check codes for you.

lol...somehow, I'm not surprised.

 

[CrackRabbit]

lol...somehow, I'm not surprised.

It has something to do with people resetting check engine lights before smog testing or something like that.

I just bought my own, well worth the money spent.

 

[NutBucket]

That makes no sense since resetting the CEL resets the readiness monitors...automatic fail.

But again, CA fail.

 

[jlee]

That makes no sense since resetting the CEL resets the readiness monitors...automatic fail.

But again, CA fail.

Yeah, this. OBDII testing requires a certain number of monitors to be in the ready state, which doesn't happen immediately. If there's a serious issue, the CEL will reappear as the monitors check engine sensor outputs through the drive cycle(s).

 

[Hail The Brain Slug]

It was my understanding they would check codes and print out code information for you, but would refuse to clear or reset any codes. Why would they make it illegal to check them when they already won't clear them for you?

 

[NutBucket]

Again, because CA. This way you're forced to buy a scanner or take it to a shop.

Tax revenue++ ?

 

[sontakke]

and since scanner costs well over ten dollars, that is quite a hardship!

 

[Raizinman]

Thanks. I went down to Autozone and they were able to check the codes for me. It came back as low engine oil. I had the oil changed last week so that worried me as I had lost one car to oil loss from a shoddy oil change. Anyway, I checked the oil and it was fine. The check engine light went away but I'm not sure if reading the codes cleared the code or if something else is going on.

Low oil level? Really, on an OBDII scan?

 

[NutBucket]

Some cars don't have dipsticks.....

 

[IronWing]

Low oil level? Really, on an OBDII scan?

P2647 on a 2008 Honda Fit.

 

[andylawcc]

ya, AutoZone don't do it no more, the guy there told me to goto Pepboys and they will do it for you, instead of loaning it out to you and doing it yourself.

 

[xBiffx]

There isn't a dedicated oil light/gauge?

 

[NutBucket]

Historically the oil light means low pressure. I'm not sure which light(s) come on if the level is low.

 

[xBiffx]

Historically the oil light means low pressure. I'm not sure which light(s) come on if the level is low.

I would think a low oil pressure light would be sufficient to let the operator know to check the oil level. One has a lot to do with the other. In either event, operating the engine with that light on is not good.

I guess I treat it like other lights. They really just tell you something on that particular system is suspect. Electrical, tires, oil, fuel, or the good old CEL that tell you nothing useful.

 

[NutBucket]

If your oil pressure is low enough for the light to come you've already done some serious damage IMHO. The threshold of that sensor is usually less than 10psi. Typically oil pressure at cruising RPM should be least 40. It's the most useless dummy light on the dash IMHO.