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When it comes to diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) after collision repairs, a common mistake is to simply clear the codes. However, this will not ensure all issues within a system have been repaired.
Wires and connectors can be damaged in a collision, and some electrical damage can be hard to see. Broken or chaffed wires can trigger diagnostic trouble code (DTC) and some systems to not function. You may need to use wiring diagrams in OEM repair information to determine where modules are located and how the wires are routed, to determine where a wire could have been damaged in a collision.
Some vehicles may require a test drive before post scanning to allow systems to trigger DTCs to the computer which can then be seen on a scan tool. It is important to search the DTCs in the OEM repair information to diagnose the issue causing the DTCs, and the steps required to fix the problem. It may take more than one test drive after making repairs and clearing the codes to see if all of the systems are working properly, or if there are still issues that must be corrected.
Making sure that all electrical systems are functioning properly will help ensure complete, safe, and quality repairs.
Additional I-CAR Collision Repair News you may find helpful:
- ADAS, Calibration, And Scanning Article Hotspot
- Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs): Don't Just Clear Codes
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Article validated in 2025