Q: What does it mean when my "CHECK ENGINE" light comes on?
A: The "CHECK ENGINE" light comes on when your vehicle’s On-Board Diagnostics computer finds a problem that may affect emissions. Problems can range in severity from a loose gas cap, which wastes fuel and causes pollution, to an engine misfire, which may cause permanent damage. In any case, there is no need to panic. Most of the time, it’s just the vehicle’s computer telling you to get it looked at soon. Always reference your vehicle’s service manual for what to do when your “CHECK ENGINE” light comes on.

Q: What is On-Board Diagnostics (OBD)?
A: On-Board Diagnostics are part of the U.S government’s mandate to help automotive manufacturers lower vehicle emissions. It’s a universal program installed in a vehicle’s computer system that is designed to detect malfunctions, set a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) and turn on the “CHECK ENGINE” light if there is a problem. All 1996 or newer cars, light trucks, SUVs and minivans manufactured for use in the U.S have the most advanced OBD, called the second-generation on-board diagnostics program (OBD2).

Q: What is a VIN and how do I find it?
A: The VIN is your Vehicle Identification Number. All vehicles are assigned one of these unique numbers. It’s usually a 17 character ID commonly found on the driver’s side interior dash, as well as on title records. Click here to see the common places VINs are located.

Q: Who can benefit from owning CarMD?
A: Anyone who owns or is responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of any 1996 or newer car, light truck, SUV or minivan manufactured for use in the U.S. – foreign or domestic.

Q: How does the CarMD tool compare with the tool my mechanic uses?
A: Your mechanic uses a scan tool that costs several thousand dollars. These scan tools can only be used by technicians who are trained to read the complicated diagnostic data. CarMD uses similar diagnostic technology, but costs significantly less and displays information that can be read and understood by anyone – no training necessary.

Q: What do I do if my vehicle’s model is 1995 or earlier?
A: Many vehicles manufactured in the ‘80s and early ‘90s use OBD1 technology, the predecessor to today’s second-generation diagnostics program (OBD2). This first generation OBD system monitors manufacturer-specific systems, but is not universal like OBD2. Some 1994 and 1995 vehicles use OBD1 while others have OBD2 systems. If your vehicle happens to have an early OBD2 system; the CarMD tester will work but there will not be any information in our database to tell you what may be wrong.

Q: What if I am not comfortable doing car maintenance and I don’t want to look under the hood?
A: You’re in luck. You don’t have to pop the hood or risk getting greasy to use CarMD. It can be used from the safety and comfort of your vehicle’s front seat. There are nine different locations inside the car where the OBD Data Link Connector can be found. The most popular location is just under the steering wheel. Click CarMD Connect Locations to find where it is on your vehicle.

Q: I’ve heard about used car dealers cutting the “CHECK ENGINE” light wire. Will CarMD work if the wire has been cut?
A: Yes. We’ve all heard stories about used car fraud. Fortunately, a vehicle’s computer stores codes even if the “CHECK ENGINE” light wiring has been disconnected. CarMD will access these codes and display a red LED indicator if any are present. Also, if the seller has recently cleared the computer’s memory, the CarMD tool will indicate a possible problem with a yellow LED.

Q: Can a loose gas cap cause my “CHECK ENGINE” light to come on?
A: Yes. Loose gas caps are one of the most common reasons the “CHECK ENGINE” light comes on. If CarMD tells you a loose gas cap is the culprit, tighten it until you hear it “click.” Then be patient. It may take a few trips around the block, or even a few separate starts, before the “CHECK ENGINE” light re-sets. If the cap remains loose, replace it. Make sure you use the correct cap for your specific make and model.

Q: Can I use CarMD to turn off my “CHECK ENGINE” light?
A: No. It is not recommended for drivers to turn off their vehicle’s “CHECK ENGINE” light until the pending or current problem has been identified and repairs confirmed. If you are a confident do-it-yourselfer or have confirmed that the “CHECK ENGINE” light is illuminated because of a loose gas cap and wish to turn it off, we recommend purchasing a product called an OBD2 code reader or scan tool from your local auto supply store.

Q: This tool comes with software. Do I have to use it?
A: No. The CarMD handheld tester is extremely valuable when used independently. However, you can get even more information when using the tool and PC software/web link together. The tool can be used independently, but it’s the website that provides consumers with the true value-added data, including easy-to-understand trouble code definitions, probable causes, probable fixes, estimated repair costs and more.

Q: How Can I use the CarMD handheld tester by itself?
A: The CarMD tool itself can be used on an unlimited amount of vehicles to get a clean bill of health, provided the vehicle in test is a 1996 or newer car, light truck, SUV or minivan. The handheld tester features patented, color-coded LEDs to let you quick check any vehicle. Just plug in the tool to get the peace of mind that a green LED can give you. Here are some of the many things that the CarMD tester can confirm without needing to proceed to your PC:

• Give your vehicle a clean bill of health before you hit the road for a long trip
• Determine if a vehicle is ready to pass an emissions test
• Check out a used car before buying
• Confirm repairs were successful
• As part of a monthly maintenance program
• Quick check vehicles owned by friends, family, neighbors and co-workers 

 
Q: I noticed that CarMD customers can register and run monthly online reports for up to three vehicles. What if I need or want more coverage?
A: CarMD is a consumer tool designed to meet the needs of the average U.S. household, which has an estimated 2.9 vehicles. You only need to proceed to the online report generation / vehicle registration if you get a yellow or red LED on the tool. Statistics show that it is very unlikely that all three of your vehicles would experience such a problem during the same month. Additionally, if you run green LED reports for any of your registered vehicles, they will not count toward the monthly-allotted reports. If you own more than three vehicles, you would need to purchase a second CarMD tool.

Q: Do I need to purchase another CarMD tester if I buy or sell my vehicle?
A: No. The CarMD technology is guaranteed to work on all 1996 and newer cars, light trucks, SUVs and minivans manufactured for use in the U.S. from 1996 on. If you buy or sell a vehicle, you can contact the CarMD customer service department to add or disable this vehicle from your account at no extra charge.

Q: Could connecting this tool damage my car or PC in any way?
A: No. The CarMD tool and technology are completely safe for use on both your vehicle and personal computer.

Q: What if I can’t get to a computer but want to get my CarMD vehicle diagnostic report?
A: You’re in luck; peace of mind is just a phone call away. A staff of ASE Certified technicians trained to answer your questions or give you a complete diagnosis when you just can’t get to computer supports CarMD. You can call from the used car lot or your road trip. Just have your CarMD tester and VIN# ready and contact us toll-free at 888.MyCarMD (888.692.2763) Monday – Friday from 5 a.m. – 6 p.m. (Pacific time).

Q: What about when my “CHECK ENGINE” light is blinking?
A: A blinking or flashing dashboard light usually indicates a more severe problem. When this occurs, it’s best to limit your driving, check your vehicle service manual and schedule an appointment to have the problem looked at by a professional technician as soon as possible.

Q: There’s a light on in my car that says “Service / Maintenance Required.” Will CarMD tell me why it’s on?
A: No. The “Service / Maintenance Required” light comes on when it’s time for your vehicle’s regularly scheduled maintenance. This light is scheduled by the manufacturer to come on after a certain amount of miles. Use CarMD to check for possible problems before your scheduled maintenance and as a way to double-check what your mechanic is telling you when you take your car in.

Q: Can CarMD help me prepare for a state emissions test?
A: Yes. Now that OBD2 vehicle population is rising, many U.S. states are using OBD2 testing in place of the traditional tailpipe testing to pass or fail vehicle emissions or “smog” checks. While requirements vary slightly from state to state, the color-coded LEDs on the CarMD tester will give you a very good indication if your vehicle is likely to pass its emissions test.
  

LED Color	What Does This Mean	Emissions Test
RED	There is a current problem that has caused your “Check Engine” light to turn on; service is required.	FAIL
YELLOW	There is either a pending problem or your vehicle’s monitors have not run all of their tests (may recently have had service or computer codes cleared); proceed with caution or see your qualified repair professional.	FAIL
GREEN	Everything is OK with your vehicle’s computer system; no codes found.	PASS

Q: What are the minimum system requirements for using the CarMD software?
A: CarMD works under the following environments: 

- Windows® System Requirements:

•  Windows 2000, Windows XP, Vista (32- / 64- bit)
• 50 MB of free hard disk space
• 128 MB RAM
• Pentium III processor
• CD-ROM
• 1 USB port
• Internet connection
• Internet Explorer 5.5, Netscape 7.0 or Firefox 1.0 browser

- Macintosh® System Requirements: 

• MacOS X Tiger (10.4.4 and newer), MacOS X Leopard (10.5.x)
• 100 MB of free hard disk space
• 256 MB RAM
• Intel, PowerPC G3, G4, or G5 processor running at 700 Mhz or more
• CD-ROM
• 1 USB port
• Internet connection
• Safari 3.0, Netscape 7.2 or Firefox 3.0 browser

Q: Does CarMD work on RVs?
A: Please be aware that CarMD is designed to work on cars, light trucks, SUVs and minivans. The tool does read diagnostic trouble codes for some Class A RVs, but it is not designed for this application.

 

Q: Are there parts of the vehicle that CarMD does not monitor?
A: The CarMD tester monitors all of the systems throughout the vehicle that are related to on-board diagnostics and its emissions output. This translates into coverage of approximately 80 percent of the vehicle’s systems. Some of the parts of the vehicle that are not monitored by OBD2 include: tires / tire pressure, ABS, airbags and sound system. The CarMD tool and website are meant to provide a basic overview of probable causes related to electronic and emissions related systems in your vehicle. This product should be used as a supplement to a regular automotive maintenance program, which also includes basic mechanical upkeep such as regularly checking your tire pressure, oil and fluids, etc.

Q: This tool is so affordable. Can it really do what you say it can?
A: Most definitely. CarMD is made and distributed by an automotive aftermarket manufacturer with nearly 40 years of experience making automotive test equipment. Our years of expertise and sheer product volume enable us to make this revolutionary tool and information available to you – at a very affordable price.

Q: Is CarMD compatible with the new Windows® Vista operating system?
A: CarMD software version 2.0.0 is now Windows VistaTM compatible.

Q: How do I get the Windows Vista Application Performing Interface (API)?
A: Current CarMD customers can download the most current Windows VistaTM-compatible software at no additional cost by logging on to your MyCarMD account and following the prompts. New customers can download it at the time of purchase.

Q: Are CarMD customers required to purchase a subscription fee or software updates?
A: No. The purchase of your CarMD tester includes lifetime vehicle coverage for up to 3 vehicles at a time and software updates at no additional cost.