trouble codes

Vehicle error signals

Trouble codes are standardized alphanumeric identifiers that diagnostic systems generate when they detect a malfunction, most commonly in vehicles.

When a car's check engine light comes on, a mechanic reads the trouble codes to identify the problem: The scanner pulled code P0301, indicating a misfire in cylinder one.

Also called diagnostic trouble codes or DTCs.

diagnosticTest to identify problems
OBDVehicle self-diagnosis system
scannerDevice that reads data
check engineVehicle diagnostic alert
check engine lightDashboard diagnostic warning lamp

fault · error · malfunction · service engine soon · reader · live data · misfire · sensor · warning · light · clear · reset · stored · pending · computer · mechanic · dashboard · blinking

Opposites

diagnostic status

trouble codesall clear

Signal danger has passed

clean bill of health · fault-free · green lights

problem vs. solution

trouble codesrepair

Restore to working order

solution · fix · corrective action · remedy · problem solved

Family

trouble, troubles, troubled, troubling, troublesome, troublemaker, code, codes, coded

Familiarity: Top 500,000
Profile: Used worldwide · Timeless · Rated G