If your Infiniti’s check engine light (CEL) illuminates, it signifies a problem detected by the car’s onboard diagnostic system. Typically, you would use an OBDII scanner to retrieve the specific trouble code. But what if you don’t have a scanner handy? This guide explains how to read Infiniti trouble codes without an OBDII reader, a valuable skill especially in situations where accessing a scanner isn’t immediately possible.
Deciphering Infiniti CEL Flashes: A Step-by-Step Guide
Infiniti vehicles, like many Nissans, have a built-in system that allows you to retrieve diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) by observing the flashing pattern of the CEL. This process involves initiating a specific procedure often referred to as the “ECU Reset” process but stopping short of the final reset step.
Here’s a breakdown of how to interpret the flashing CEL:
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Initiate the ECU Reset Procedure: The exact steps for the ECU reset procedure may vary slightly depending on the specific Infiniti model. Consult your owner’s manual for the precise instructions for your vehicle. Generally, it involves turning the ignition to the “ON” position (without starting the engine) and manipulating the gas pedal or other controls in a specific sequence.
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Observe the CEL Flashes: Before completing the final step of the ECU reset (usually holding the gas pedal down for an extended period), pay close attention to the CEL flashes. The flashes will occur in a specific pattern of long and short blinks, separated by pauses.
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Decode the Flashes: Deciphering the flashes is key to understanding the trouble code:
- Long Flashes (0.6 seconds): Each long flash represents the first digit of the four-digit trouble code. Count the number of long flashes. Ten flashes indicate a zero.
- Short Flashes (0.3 seconds): Following the long flashes, there will be a series of three sets of short flashes, each separated by a 1-second pause. Each set of short flashes represents the subsequent digits of the code (second, third, and fourth digits). Again, ten short flashes represent a zero.
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Example: Imagine the CEL flashes like this: two long flashes, pause, then three short flashes, pause, one short flash, pause, and five short flashes. This translates to the code: 2315.
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No Malfunction Indication: If the CEL flashes four sets of ten flashes (0000), it indicates that the system isn’t detecting any malfunctions.
Understanding the Retrieved Code
Once you have the four-digit code, you can look it up to determine the specific issue. Resources for finding Infiniti trouble code definitions include:
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Online Infiniti Forums: Communities dedicated to specific Infiniti models often have compiled lists of common trouble codes.
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Infiniti Service Manuals: These manuals typically contain comprehensive information about diagnostic trouble codes.
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Online OBD-II Code Lookup Tools: While designed for use with scanners, these tools can still be used to decipher the code you retrieved manually. Simply enter the four-digit code into the search field. Remember that generic OBD-II codes may not always precisely match the manufacturer-specific codes used by Infiniti.
Important Considerations
While this method allows you to retrieve trouble codes without a scanner, it’s essential to remember that it only provides the code, not a complete diagnosis. A proper diagnosis often requires further inspection and testing. If you’re unsure about how to address the issue indicated by the code, consult a qualified Infiniti technician. Furthermore, always refer to your vehicle’s specific owner’s manual for the exact ECU reset procedure and code definitions, as they can vary between models and years.
