I know this seems like it might be a basic suggestion, but it’s the best place to start. Your check engine light could have multiple stored codes of basic malfunctions and you could potentially be working through a series of checks to narrow down to one code. If you fix an error related to a specific code and then your check engine light comes back on, it means the error you corrected was not related to the code causing the light. A stored is a code that your vehicle generates and stores until the error is corrected and cleared. There is a unique format for the way the codes are set up, which we will get into a bit later. However, not every stored code is a standardized code set. This means that a specific code that is on the standardized list would mean the same thing for all vehicle makes. There are some codes that are required by law to be stored on a common code list for manufacturers. Mechanics have noted that they find translating the codes difficult at times as well due to the complexity of the code system. Keep in mind that interpreting the codes can sometimes be confusing, but it is doable. The mechanics will typically provide the codes to you and you can do your own research on them if you please. You will still have to have it tested for codes.

It is possible for you to determine on your own what the diagnostic codes mean. At times, they may be spot on while at times it becomes a bit of a guessing game. Diagnostic codes are a complex system that allows diagnostic devices to give basic diagnostic options. Running diagnostics on your vehicle does not guarantee an automatic resolution and diagnostics do not typically just spit out a simple answer. The Difference Between Stored and Pending Codes What Are Codes?

Kia diagnostic codes list