Where can I get a diagnostics report for my car?

You can sign up for a monthly email report through your online account or by pushing your blue OnStar button. The diagnostics report includes information about your vehicle’s health like oil status, tire pressure, upcoming maintenance and more.

Why do car dealerships charge for diagnostic testing?

Dealerships often charge for diagnostic testing. What we want to help you avoid is paying to find a problem that is easy for an expert to diagnose. Cars are mass produced and so are many of their problems. The benefit of going to a dealership is that they are usually familiar with your type of vehicle and are aware of what the common problems are.

Where is the diagnostic link connector on a Chevy Avalanche?

Basic scan tools begin around $50 and can go up to as much as $5000 for professional devices. Open the driver’s side door of the Chevy Avalanche. Bend over under the driver’s side dash and locate the diagnostic link connector (DLC). It is on the left hand side of the steering wheel under the dash.

What’s the code on the Check Engine light?

The “check engine” light will flash Code 55 to signal the end of all codes. If your engine has stored no codes, the light will only flash Code 55.

How do I read computer codes on a 1997 Chevy truck?

Reading the engine codes on a 1997 Chevy truck was standardized with the implementation of on-board diagnostics 2 (OBD-II) in 1996. This allowed repair stations and dealership service centers to use the same equipment and the engine codes for most all vehicles.

What does DTC stand for in diagnostic code reader?

Code readers and scan tools will also display Stored Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), usually in numeric order. Many scan tools can also display Pending Trouble Codes. These are codes that indicate a fault has been detected, but that the fault has not yet repeated.

Where is the DLC outlet on a 1997 Chevy truck?

All 1997 Chevy truck models positioned the DLC on the lower side of the dashboard to the left of the steering column. Attach the trapezoid-shaped plug of the pocket scanner to the DLC outlet. Because of its shape, there is only one proper way to connect the plug to the DLC.