OBD2 codes

[LDB]

Does a particular code mean the same thing across all cars? IOW, if a car has say a P0430 would it mean the same thing as every other car if they also had P0430? Or does the meaning of a code depend on the brand of car? I'd think the same on all cars but don't know.

[trollbait]

There is a set of universal codes that mean the same thing for all. Then the manufacturer can have their own set of codes for additional things.

[ember1205]

Whether most folks realize it or not, there's actually a method to the madness. DTC's (Diagnostic Trouble Codes) are made up of a few pieces. The very first character will be one of four letters as follows (to indicate the source of the code):

P - Powertrain
B - Body
C - Chassis
U - Network

The first number (second character) will indicate whether it is a manufacturer-specific code (1) or a more general / generic codes that is NOT specific to the manufacturer (0).

The remaining characters will tell you more detail about the code itself. While some codes may be coded as if they are generic, it's possible that they only have meaning for a particular manufacturer based on specific designs or similar. Powertrain codes (P) are pretty typically generic.

[LDB]

Originally Posted by trollbait

There is a set of universal codes that mean the same thing for all. Then the manufacturer can have their own set of codes for additional things.

That makes sense.

[LDB]

Originally Posted by ember1205

Whether most folks realize it or not, there's actually a method to the madness. DTC's (Diagnostic Trouble Codes) are made up of a few pieces. The very first character will be one of four letters as follows (to indicate the source of the code):

P - Powertrain
B - Body
C - Chassis
U - Network

The first number (second character) will indicate whether it is a manufacturer-specific code (1) or a more general / generic codes that is NOT specific to the manufacturer (0).

The remaining characters will tell you more detail about the code itself. While some codes may be coded as if they are generic, it's possible that they only have meaning for a particular manufacturer based on specific designs or similar. Powertrain codes (P) are pretty typically generic.

Thanks. That's a great explanation.

[qianas]

Yes, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) like P0430 generally mean the same thing across all vehicles, regardless of the brand. This is because they are standardized under the OBD-II (On-Board Diagnostics II) system, which was mandated for all cars and light trucks sold in the United States from 1996 onward and adopted in many other regions globally.