Active Codes vs Stored Codes

Two Types Of Diagnostic Codes May Be Read Using a Scan Tool -- Active Codes & Stored Codes.

TIP: Always check for Active Codes before checking Stored Codes.

ACTIVE CODES:
- Existing codes, that may become stored faults when the ignition is turned to the OFF position.
- Not permanent and will change the moment the reason for the code is corrected.
- Impossible to erase until the reason for the code has been corrected.

STORED CODES:
- Indicates an Active Code was present when the ignition was turned OFF, (an Active Code may not be currently present).
- Remains in storage until erased using a scan tool.
- More than one code may be stored.
- The code is stored, along with the time in minutes that it was active, and the number of times the ignition has been cycled since the fault was detected. The minimum time stored for any code is one minute.


An air bag trouble code becomes active and stored as soon as it is detected with the exception of the Loss of Ignition Run Only code, which is an active code only.


When a trouble code occurs, the AIR BAG warning lamp illuminates for 12 seconds minimum (even if the problem existed for less than 12 seconds). The code is stored, along with the time in minutes it was active, and the number of times the ignition has been cycled since the problem was last detected.

The minimum time shown for any code will be one minute, even if the code was actually present for less than one minute. Thus, the time shown for a code that was present for two minutes 13 seconds, for example, would be three minutes.

If a malfunction is detected, a diagnostic trouble code is stored and will remain stored as long as the malfunction exists. When and if the malfunction ceases to exist, an ignition cycle count will be initiated for that code. If the ignition cycle count reaches 100 without a reoccurrence of that same malfunction, that diagnostic trouble code is erased and that ignition cycle counter is reset to zero. If the malfunction reoccurs before the count reaches 100, then the ignition cycle counter will be reset and the diagnostic trouble code will continue to be a stored code.

If a malfunction is not active while performing a diagnostic test procedure, the active code diagnostic test will not locate the source of the problem. In this case, the stored code can indicate an area to inspect.

CODES & AIR BAG LAMP OPERATION:
- If a malfunction is detected, the Air Bag lamp remains lit as long as the malfunction is present, with the exception of a warning lamp short or open code.
- If a diagnostic code is stored, the Air Bag lamp illuminates for a minimum of 12 seconds, instead of the normal 6-8 seconds.

TIP: If no obvious problems are found, erase stored codes, and with the ignition "ON," wiggle the wire harness and connectors. Recheck for codes periodically as you work through the system. This procedure may uncover a malfunction that is difficult to locate.