VQT

How do you check the trouble code without the ODB II reader?
Do I need to buy the ODB II code reader to read the trouble codes?

Thanks,

the title was spell wrong it should be "maintenance"

juniorEXE

Is the check engine light on? I think you can rent a reader from an auto parts store like pep boys or kragen. There is a harness under the steering wheel. Post up the code and i'll get you some info on it.

sonyman

You'll need an OBD-II code reader in order to see why the MIL is lit. Some auto-parts stores will read the codes for free, which will be a combination of letters and numbers. You will need to translate that code into something understandable in order to figure out what is wrong.

Stelth91

when you turn your car on it says on the dash under the speedometer what is wrong sometimes. But yes, you need the code reader to get what is wrong if it is something like engine knock or spark plugs

6spd

kragen, or autozone will let you borrow theirs with a cc deposit, or you can just leave your license with them while you check it in the parking lot. no need to take that thing home, unless you cant drive your affected vehicle there.

VQT

Thanks all that replied,
The reason I asked was because I can read the trouble code with a paper clip for my 93 SC400 and my father inlaw LS400 and thought that the 04 LS430 trouble code can be read with a paper clip.
I guess that I will need to get a OBD II reader to read the code for my 04 LS.

Thanks again

VQT

Great info. thanks