Crussader

Does the DIC provide access to all codes, or are there codes that can be seen through the ODB port that are not reported in the DIC?

Crussader

I guess the bottom line is I need to look at both.

Thanks!

dadaroo

Both, but only if you have emissions testing where you need to know if it is ready for testing.

Crussader

Trying to evaluate a potential purchase so I do need both.

Crussader

I am 900 miles away from the car. The dealer has a service department. I am going to try to get them to pull the codes for me, but I need to know what codes to ask for.

jjc508520

I don't think they are the same - the OBD codes are a letter + 4 numbers - like the P0171 that I'm pulling on my 4runner. I think the DIC will report to you things that a code-reader will not - for example I had a "historical" code regarding HVAC system - code reader (I use Palmer) isn't going to report those...

Lee DeRaud

The cheaper code readers will only read emission-related codes (the P series), next step up will do ABS/TC codes. Takes something pretty pricy to get all the manufacturer-specific stuff that the DIC displays: door modules, HVAC, TPMS, etc.
The emission-test readiness indicators aren't really "codes" as such...it would be nice if the DIC displayed them, but it's not all that surprising that it doesn't.