OBD II Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC)
The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) established the Diagnostic Trouble Codes used for OBD II systems (SAE J2012). The DTC's are designed to be identified by their alpha/numeric structure. The SAE has designated the emission related DTC's to start with the letter "P" for Powertrain related systems, hence their nickname "P-code".
For example:
- DTC's are stored whenever the "Malfunction Indicator Light" is illuminated.
- A requirement of CARB/EPA is providing universal diagnostic access to DTC's via a standardized Diagnostic Link Connector (DLC) using a standardized tester (scan tool).
- DTC's only provide one set of environmental operating conditions when a fault is stored. This single "Freeze Frame" or snapshot refers to a block of the vehicles environmental conditions for a specific time when the fault first occurred. The information which is stored is defined by SAE and is limited in scope. This information may not even be specific to the type of fault.