TechnicianVision · Knowledge base
Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs): Don't Just Clear Codes
I-CAR · October 4, 2019
Summary
This article explains that diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) should not simply be cleared after collision repairs are completed. Technicians must record, investigate, and properly address DTCs to determine if they indicate a calibration requirement, a disconnected component, or a pre-existing mechanical issue.
What to do on the job
Record and investigate all DTCs before clearing them to determine if they require calibration, sensor resets, or physical repairs, rather than blindly deleting them.
How to use it
Use this document to justify the labor time required to research, diagnose, and address individual DTCs rather than accepting 'scan and clear' as a single, simple operation. It helps defend why certain codes must be left alone (pre-existing issues) and why others require billable calibration or diagnostic procedures.
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