What is a DTC fault code?
A Diagnostic Trouble Code is a standardized notation generated by the vehicle's Electronic Control Unit (ECU) when it detects a fault or abnormality. Each code is linked to a specific component or system.
Structure of fault codes
A typical DTC code (e.g., P0301) consists of four parts:
- P = Powertrain, B = Body, C = Chassis, U = Network
- 0 = Generic (SAE standard), 1 = Manufacturer-specific
- 3 = System category (e.g., ignition)
- 01 = Specific fault (e.g., cylinder 1 misfire)
How does FTLink help?
The FTLink system reads and records DTC codes in real-time. It displays the fault code with an explanation and sends an alert to the fleet manager, so the issue can be addressed before it becomes serious.