Evoca fault code diagnostics
What does the fault code on your car mean?
Is the engine light on, or did your workshop print out a fault code? Type the code or photograph the printout and get an explanation: what the code means, what can cause it and what to do next.
- Free
- No registration
- Codes from a photo too
- Explained in your language
For each code, the report gives you
- What the code means and which vehicle system it points at
- Whether it is a generic or a manufacturer code
- Urgency from our code database
- Possible causes and symptoms you may notice
- Cautious advice on driving on
- Next steps at the workshop
Evoca fault code diagnostics is an informational aid and does not replace a professional inspection of your vehicle.
How it works
From fault code to explanation in three steps.
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Type or photograph the codes
Enter one or more fault codes, or upload a photo of a workshop printout or an OBD app screen. You can correct the codes from the photo before you submit.
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Add your email and vehicle
Enter the email address we send the report link to. Make, model, year and fuel are optional, but they make the explanation more precise.
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Read your report
The report opens straight away. For each code you see its meaning, possible causes, symptoms, cautious advice on driving on and the next steps.
What is a fault code?
When something does not work as expected, the vehicle's control unit stores a fault code (OBD-II). A code has five characters: the first letter names the system, the rest the specific fault.
- P – powertrain
- Engine, fuel injection, ignition, exhaust and transmission.
- C – chassis
- Brakes, ABS, steering and suspension.
- B – body
- Airbags, air conditioning, seats and lights.
- U – network
- Communication between the vehicle's control units.
Generic codes
For P codes, a code is generic when its second character is 0 or 2 (e.g. P0420); for B, C and U codes, when it is 0 (e.g. U0100). Generic codes mean the same on every make.
Manufacturer codes
For P codes, a code is manufacturer-specific when its second character is 1 or 3 (e.g. P1234); for B, C and U codes, when it is 1, 2 or 3. Their meaning depends on the make, so a workshop needs the manufacturer's software for them.
Common fault codes
Click a code to add it to the form.
Warning lights: when to stop
Some warning lights mean you must not drive on. Stop when it is safe and switch off the engine.
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Flashing engine light
A flashing engine light usually means severe misfires that can damage the catalytic converter. When it is safe, stop and do not drive on; call for assistance or a workshop.
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Brakes
A red brake light can mean low brake fluid or a brake system fault. Do not drive on; call roadside assistance.
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Oil pressure
A red oil-can light while driving means oil pressure is too low. Stop and switch off the engine at once, or the engine can be badly damaged.
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Engine temperature
A red temperature light means the engine is overheating. Stop and let it cool down. Never open the coolant cap while it is hot.
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Battery charging
A battery light while driving means the battery is not charging. The car may stop soon; get to a workshop as soon as you can.
A steady amber engine light does not call for an immediate stop, but have it checked soon; if the car behaves differently than usual or the light starts flashing, act as for a flashing light.
Frequently asked questions
Answers to the most common questions about fault codes and warning lights.
Your service history in one place
Keep your vehicle's repairs and service history in one place. In the Evoca digital garage you store services, invoices and reminders for all your vehicles.
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