About CodeRight Auto
What we do
A check engine light raises the same three questions every time: what does it mean, is it safe to keep driving, and can I fix it myself? CodeRight Auto answers them in plain English for drivers in the United States. Our motto is the order we think things should happen: decode the code, diagnose the cause, then drive better.
What you will find here
- Trouble code guides for OBD-II codes such as P0420 and P0171, each rated Safe to Drive, Fix Soon or Stop Driving.
- Make-specific guides when a code has a cause that is particular to one manufacturer, backed by a technical service bulletin or another official source.
- Symptom guides for problems that may not set a code at all, like shaking when braking or a rough idle.
- A free code lookup and a VIN decoder that uses NHTSA data.
Where our information comes from
We start with official and manufacturer sources: the EPA, NHTSA (recalls and manufacturer technical service bulletins), state emissions inspection programs and published owner information, then established repair references. Every code in our database is checked against at least two independent sources. Read our editorial policyfor the details, including how AI tools help us write.
What we are not
We are not a repair shop and we cannot see your car. A trouble code points to a system, not always to a part, so our guides show the cheapest and safest checks first and say clearly when a job belongs with a qualified technician. When a warning light is flashing or the car runs badly, stop driving and get it checked.
FAQ
Do you sell parts or scanners?
No. We may add clearly disclosed affiliate links in the future, but they never decide what we write. See our affiliate disclosure.
How do you rate severity?
Misfires, overheating, oil pressure and brake problems, or any flashing check engine light, are Stop Driving. Fuel mixture, large evaporative leaks and transmission faults are Fix Soon. Catalyst efficiency, small evaporative leaks and thermostat codes are Safe to Drive in the short term, but still need checking.
How can I get updates?
Follow our RSS feed. We do not run an email list.