Veepeak OBDCheck VP39 - Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs); Data Link Connector (DLC) Location

2.2 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. OBD II Diagnostic Trouble Codes consist of a
ve-digit alphanumeric code. The rst character, a letter, identies the control system
which sets the code. The other four characters, all numbers, provide additional
information on where the DTC originated and the operating conditions that caused it to
set. Here below is an example to illustrate the structure of the digits:
DTC Example
P 0 2 0 2
Systems
B=Body
C=Chassis
P=Powertrain
U=Network
Code Type
Generic (SAE):
P0, P2, P34-P39
B0, B3
C0, C3
U0, U3
Manufacturer Specic:
P1, P30-P33
B1, B2
C1, C2
U1, U2
Sub-systems
1=Fuel and Air metering
2=Fuel and Air metering
3=Ignition System or Engine Misre
4=Auxiliary Emission Controls
5=Vehicle Speed Control and Idle Controls
6=Computer Output Circuits
7=Transmission Controls
8=Transmission Controls
Identifying Specic
Malfunctioning Section
of the Systems
2.3 Location of the Data Link Connector (DLC)
The DLC (Data Link Connector or Diagnostic Link Connector) is the standardized
16-cavity connector where diagnostic code readers interface with the vehicle's on-board
computer. The DLC is usually located 12 inches from the center of the instrument panel
(dash), under or around the driver’s side for most vehicles. If Data Link Connector is not
located under dashboard, a label should be there telling location. For some Asian and
European vehicles, the DLC is located behind the ashtray and the ashtray must be
removed to access the connector. If the DLC cannot be found, refer to the vehicle’s
service manual for the location.
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