Have a Check Engine light on with no code?
There are a number of reasons that this may be happening. From mechanical to computer to outdated equipment, there are still plenty of ways to see why the light came on, what the actual issue is, and what needs to be done to fix it.
Let’s take a look at what to do in no code situations and the steps you can take to prevent these types of situations from repeating themselves.
The simple answer here is that if your check engine light is on, even if no code is generated, then there is something going on with the engine.
The vehicle is emitting emissions which are higher than the Environmental Protection Agency mandates, and that is why the check engine light is on.
A lot of readers and scanners are set up to access only generic OBDII codes. Most vehicle manufactures also have their OEM codes that some Readers and Scanners can't seem to read for lack of conversion ability.
Check the make and model of your reader to see what it is built for and if all else fails, head into a parts store and they should be able to read the issue at no cost to you.
No code being generated on the reader does not mean the driver is in the clear. In fact, when the light is on, the odds are just as high that there has actually been something wrong for a while even if no code is generated. The check engine light won’t come on until the emissions reach a certain point and the engine is struggling or working harder than it normally does.
One main reason that a check engine light comes on with no code being stored is that there is a software error. This is often the result of something being wrong with the OBD reader that the driver, parts store, or mechanic shop is using.
Most frequently, the software errors stem from a low-level OBD reader being used. Perhaps it is an old model, or one developed in a foreign country. Maybe it’s just not very compatible with the certain make or model of the car (although this is rare). The bottom line is that there must be an error somewhere – and that error is in the OBD scanner, not the check engine light system.
Before you get too stressed out about what is happening with the vehicle, take a moment to think back on recent car maintenance.
If you just bought the car not long ago, did it have to go through an emissions test at the DMV in order to get registered?
If so, look at the emissions report you received that day. There may be clues as to whether anything was about to break or that just barely passed the test.
If the vehicle has been in your possession for a while, look at recent maintenance records. Typically, the shop will leave notes of recommended upcoming maintenance or issues that they noticed that may become more serious down the line.
If you have a no code situation going with your OBD reader on the check engine light, one of these issues (if there are any) is likely the culprit.
In a worst-case scenario, think back to who sold you the car. Did they seem trustworthy, or was there something fishy going on? If the seller was worried that the car wouldn’t pass an emissions test, thus causing you to not want to buy it from them, they may have disable the ECM and prevented the vehicle from storing Check Engine Light Codes.
Situations like this are rare – but it has happened. In this case, you’ll need to take the car to a mechanic and have them reset the ECM system. In the process, the mechanic should be able to figure out what triggered the light to come on.
The biggest step you can take to prevent future no codes with your Check Engine Lights is to buy a better ODB2 reader. The biggest cause of confusion isn’t anything to do with the car itself – it stems from faulty readers. You should find the best bluetooth obd2 scanner and choose the better one to find the code.
Beyond this, if there actually is a problem with code storing, your mechanic should be able to diagnose and fix the problem relatively easily.
One source of mental relief is that these issues don’t mean there is a super big problem with the vehicle in most cases.
The same is true for user error. Those who aren’t mechanically inclined may jump to conclusions and think they are just doing the OBD testing wrong. Generally, it is merely an equipment or computer failure.
As you’ve seen, these no code issues can be taken care of. Drivers aren’t off the hook so easy, because there is actually an issue with their engine. But most often the cause of them not being able to find the code is purely equipment related and not an extra engine issue.
We encourage auto enthusiasts to share our articles on social media. This is the biggest way to help spread the word about car maintenance. Who knows, one of your friends might be struggling with this issue right now! If you have anything to add, feel free to leave a comment below.
I attempted to get codes without a reader. No codes on first attempt. No codes, operator error? Repositioned wire because thought I had in wrong position and now car wont start. Turns over, though. Help.
How can you get code without reader?
Don't some cars allow you to get codes through the car itself? through the cars computer on some of the higher end ones.
I hv 08 gmc acadia. Check engine come on. When i put my scanner read no code. Wat else can it be.
I took my auto to advanced auto they could not read a code there was a retired gentleman working there he told me he thought auto mechanics for years and assured me not to worry about a thing my abs light worries me a quite a bit though you see I think if you take it to a mechanic you might shell out a few hundreds even if there is nothing wrong
so if no codes come up and the engine light stays on and im using a 6,000 dollar code reader, i reset the engine light the car goes into a low ideal then back to normal and bam engine light back on..... are you telling me that this 6,000 dollar code reader that my buddy uses all the time for work is broken?????
Just a one case. Maybe your get this issue in another case :). Can you test with another obd2 scan tool?
I have Taken my car into two different Chevy dealers, and both are saying my car isn't giving or storing codes yet I clearly have a serious stutter/coughing in the car when driving or at idle and my engine light is coming on along with my stability Trac service light Yet NO codes????
I took my SUV to o'reylli, auto zone & a mechanic shop, and they didn't find any code in my car, check engine still on
Just purchased 2008 Chevy HHR and need to get e-check. But check engine light is on but no codes showing up. Read your article still a little in the dark and I'm actually mechanically inclined. But the stress coming from my other half is causing brain fat. Cry for help in the 216
Intermitent check engine light over the past month. Some days it comes on, other days it does not. I went to Pep Boys and O'reilys. Neither place had any code reads for the vehicle register on the code reader.Car seems to drive fine. All the gauges are operating. It is a 1995 Buick Park Avenue so these are real gauges not idiot lights. The car only has 94,000 miles on it. I only drive around town maybe 50 miles per week and rarely exceed 55mph. Do you think taking it on a long freeway drive and punching it for 70-90 miles at 90 MPH might clear up some potential junk,or just lead to a $300 speeding ticket?
Try blowing it out as you stated at 70 plus.
Disconnect battery for 5 minutes or so to reset computer.
Good luck!!!!
Got an 86 Buick park ave. Getting rid of it to whomever is interested in a project car.
When you reset the codes (OBD2) you have to drive 500 miles to run the computer through all mpg emission and running testing or your scanner reads N/C (NOT CLEAR) also disconnecting the battery does reset the computer to limp mode untill the above is fullfilled to pass smog all N/C needs to say PASS
Yeah my dodge ram is been running with check anguin light on for a while now the o/d turns on.put the code scanner no codes but I feel that something is wrong
I have a 1990 mazda b2600, at a little over 200.000 miles the check engine light came on. I checked for codes but after performing the procedure I was unable to get the check engine light to flash leading me to believe that no codes were stored and rather the MIL light was malfunctioning. I removed the battery cable for 15 minutes to see if the light would go off but it came on when the ignition was turned on and remained on once the engine was started. There has been no change in engine performance during this issue.