We'll download your codes, except in California ?

[WVvan]

A question to our friends in the Golden State. On the radio today I heard an ad for AutoZone where they claim that they will download your engine codes for free, except in the state of California.

Just curious but what's that about?

[BroncoHauler]

California is probably trying to figure out how to tax it first.

[Jeffrey]

Download my codes? Is that good? Have no idea what that means, except the free part.

[WVvan]

Download my codes?

When you get a "Check Engine" light on your dash it means the car's PCM (Powertrain Control Module, AKA the car's "computer") has sensed some type of an error condition. It stores this information in the form of error code(s). You'll need to download the codes to see what the problem is. There is a socket under your dash where you can plug in a code reader.

Like this one OBDII-Engine-Scanner

You use it to download and view the alpha-numeric codes from the PCM. It also allows you to clear the "Check Engine" light. That's what AutoZone was advertising they would do for free.

[SteveInLA]

Or you can use a ScanGuage and go to http://www.obd-codes.com/ for a list of ODBII codes. I printed out a set of the generic codes and the Ford codes and keep them in the van. The code part is free, even in California. As I found out though, there is no code for a dead Powertrain Control Module.

[stiggs]

You used to be able to go to auto zone and borrow their scanners, you can no longer do that now, I think it has something to do with the people who run this state not wanting their subjects having personal freedoms etc etc

[Jeffrey]

Oh yeah, I have a scangauge. I thought downloading was for computers or forklifts.

[LeadDoggy]

Have never heard it that way.... "DownLoad your codes"

[WVvan]

That might not have been a direct quote. Seeing how I am computer geek I may have just remembered it that way.

[Jeffrey]

I certainly know how THAT can happen!