Determining mechanical repair required programmatically from DTCs, freeze frame

[Tadpole Frog]

I’m wondering about the feasibility of being able to programmatically figure out what fix a vehicle requires, from DTCs or any other diagnostic information. Is it possible to accomplish this accurately? Are there any resources that correlate codes (while taking into account degenerate codes) that commonly show up for specific problems or repairs? I would appreciate any input or insight.

Topic

[Richard Kirshy]

Some codes can be quite specific as to their issue.
Many others not so much..
IE. P0456, a small EVAP leak.
There are several possible areas on the vehicle that can cause this DTC.
Only way to determine the exact point of failure is to trouble shoot the entire system.

[Tadpole Frog]

Thanks for your reply. Are there any services out there that will determine the potential issues given a combination of codes, like Identifix? Would you say even in that case a mechanic stills need to do an inspection or diagnosis to really make sure?

[Richard Kirshy]

If your having a combination of codes, best to determine if they are some how connected to each other or separate.
Most ( if not all) codes can be looked up on the internet.
Even many by specific MFG’s.
In many cases a code will point you in a direction say a fault with a O2 heater circuit .
In that case the O2 heater may be faulty also the wiring, connector, ECM connection or the ECM itself maybe at fault.
A complete diagnostic will point out the issue to prevent firing the parts cannon and wasting $$$.

[Author]

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