Specific DTC

The Specific DTC Mode is used to check the status of individual diagnostic tests by Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) number. This selection can be accessed if a DTC has passed, failed or both. Many On Board Diagnostics II (OBD II) DTC mode descriptions are possible because of the extensive amount of information that the Diagnostic Executive monitors regarding each test. Some of the many possible descriptions follow with a brief explanation.

The F2 key is used in this mode to display a description of the DTC. The Yes and No keys may also be used to display more DTC status information.

This selection will only allow entry of DTC numbers that are supported by the vehicle being tested. If an attempt is made to enter DTC numbers for tests which the diagnostic executive does not recognize, the requested information will not be displayed correctly and the scan tool may display an error message. The same applies to using DTC trigger option in the Snapshot mode. If an invalid DTC is entered, the scan tool will not trigger.


Failed Last Test
This message displayed indicates that the last diagnostic test failed for the selected DTC. For type A and B DTCs, this message will be displayed during subsequent ignition cycles until the test passes or DTCs are cleared. For type C DTCs, this message will clear when ever the ignition is cycled.

Failed Since Clear
This message displayed indicates that the DTC has failed at least once within the last 40 warm-up cycles since the last time DTCs were cleared.


Failed This Ign. (Failed This Ignition)
This message displayed indicates that the diagnostic test has failed at least once during the current ignition cycle. This message will clear when DTCs are cleared or the ignition is cycled.


History DTC
This message displayed indicates that the DTC has been stored to memory as a valid fault. A DTC displayed as a History fault does not necessarily mean that the fault is no longer present. The history description means that all the conditions necessary for reporting a fault have been met (maybe even currently) and the information was stored to the control module memory.


MIL Requested
This message displayed indicates that the DTC is currently causing the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) to be turned "ON." Remember that only type A and B DTCs can request the MIL. The MIL request cannot be used to determine if the DTC fault conditions are currently being experienced. This is because the diagnostic executive will require up to three trips during which the diagnostic test passes to turn "OFF" the MIL.


Not Run Since CL (Not Run Since Cleared)
This message displayed indicates that the selected diagnostic test has not run since the last time DTCs were cleared. Therefore the diagnostic test status (passing or failing) is unknown. After DTCs are cleared, this message will continue to be displayed until the diagnostic test runs.


Not Run This Ig. (Not Run This Ignition)
This message displayed indicates that the selected diagnostic test has not run yet this ignition cycle.


Test Ran and Passed
This message displayed indicates that the selected diagnostic test has:

^ Passed the last test.
^ Ran and passed during this ignition cycle.
^ Ran and passed since DTCs were last cleared.
^ This test has not failed since DTCs were last cleared.

If the indicated status of the vehicle is "Test Ran and Passed" after a repair verification, the the vehicle is ready to be released to the customer.

If the indicated status of the vehicle is "Failed This Ig" after a repair verification, then repair is incomplete and further diagnosis is required.

Prior to repairing a vehicle, status information can be used to evaluate the state of the diagnostic test, and to help identify an intermittent problem. The technician can conclude that although the MIL is illuminated, the fault condition that caused the code to set is not present. An intermittent condition must be the cause.