LAUNCH   629 User's Manual
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•  To standardize communication procedures and protocols between the 
diagnostic equipment (Diagnostic Tools, Code Readers, etc.) and the 
vehicle’s on-board computer.
2.3 Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs)
OBD II Diagnostic Trouble Codes are codes that are stored by the on-board 
computer diagnostic system in response to a problem found in the vehicle. 
These codes identify a particular problem area and are intended to provide 
you with a guide as to where a fault might be occurring within a vehicle. DO 
NOT replace parts based only on DTCs without rst consulting the vehicle’s 
service manual for proper testing procedures for that particular system, circuit 
or component. 
OBD II Diagnostic Trouble Codes consist of a ve-digit alphanumeric code. 
•  The 1st character is a letter (B, C, P or U). It identies the “main system” 
where the fault occurred (Body, Chassis, Powertrain, or Network).
•  The 2nd character is a numeric digit (0 thru  3).  It  identies  the  “type”  of 
code (Generic or Manufacturer-Specic).
Generic DTCs are codes that are used by all vehicle manufacturers. The 
standards for generic DTCs, as well as their definitions, are set by the Society of 
Automotive Engineers (SAE).
Manufacturer-Specific DTCs are codes that are controlled by  the  vehicle 
manufacturers.  The  Federal  Government  does  not  require  vehicle 
manufacturers to go beyond the standardized generic DTCs in order to comply 
with the  new OBD II emissions standards. However, manufacturers are free 
to expand beyond the  standardized codes to make their systems easier to 
diagnose.
•  The 3rd character is a letter or a numeric digit (0 thru 9, A thru F). It 
identies the specic system or sub-system where the problem is located.
•  The 4th and 5th characters are letters or numeric digits (0 thru 9, A thru 
F). They identify the section of the system that is malfunctioning.