Checking the Engine Light Code
 

Hi,

Does anyone know if it's possible to find out the code when the engine light is on for a 04 reg Mazda 6?

I know in some other makes of car, its possible to plub in an LED into a particular place and check the flashes, or to plug in a laptop with certain software.

Is there anything similar for the mazda 6? (saves spending loads'a money on a dealer doing it.)

Thx in advance.

Go to your local autoparts store - they most likely have a code reader that you borrow and plug right into the OBDII port to read the codes.

OBDII Port
 

Thanks for that sstlaure.

I presume that it's quite easy to locate the OBDII port on the car. I've had a look through the users manual, but there's no mention of it. Haven't got under the hood to have a scan yet though.

If it's not obvious could you poss let me know where about it is (still a newbie here, but willing to learn all I can).

Found It
 

ha ha, found it. Right under the dash under the steering wheel. Next to try to figure out the protocol it uses.

That's the one.....All you have to do is plug the Code Reader into the port, then turn your car on to the ignition setting. It will not only give you the codes, but should tell you what the codes mean.

OBD II Comms
 

You don't really need to worry about the protocol, the scanner will automatically detect the correct protocol. PC interfaces are more expensive than a simple hand held scanner. Some OBD interfaces are now, or soon will be, using the DeviceNet CAN protocol. Here's all you might want to know about OBD communications at Wikipedia:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/On_Board_Diagnostics