Need to Repair Your Car or SUV? Read Its Mind with a DTC Reader

Special Devices Let You Tap into Your Vehicle's Onboard Computer

Many of us aren't all that savvy about what is beneath the hood of our car, truck or SUV. That's understandable - a good mechanic, after all, spends a long time in developing his or her expertise - but it often costs us money when it comes time for repairs. Without some knowledge, we may wind up paying for repairs we don't need or failing to catch what is actually wrong the first time we take it to the garage. You can get some help with those repairs, however, if you learn how to read your vehicle's mind.

Yet, even if you don't know your air cleaner from your fuel filter, or a torque wrench from a socket wrench, there is one thing you can do to get a much better handle on what may be going on with your car even before you take it to the professionals. Just like your personal computer, recent makes and models of all vehicles contain a processor and a BIOS (basic input output system) that keeps track of all the hardware found on that car, truck, or SUV.

A special panel called the OBD (onboard diagnostics) lets you pull back its cover and plug in something called a DTC or diagnostic trouble code reader just as you would a peripheral device like a printer or scanner with your PC. DTC readers come in all types and price ranges. Many of the simpler ones cost between $150-$300 and are smaller versions of the big diagnostics panels your garage mechanic consults.

You don't necessarily need to buy a DTC reader, however. Many auto stores are very willing to let you borrow theirs, although they will often send a clerk out to manage the check. But that's OK because a knowledgeable auto parts clerk can often help you spot other issues as well as decipher what the trouble codes mean (more about this in a moment) and what you need to do to clear up the issue that produces the trouble code.