Question

diagnostic trouble codes (dtcs) are being discussed. technician a states that a pending dtc is set when the failure is damaging the catalytic converter. technician b states that dtcs can be cleared by the technician, or they can be cleared automatically by passing the test that set the dtc a specific number of times consecutively. who is correct?

a. technician a
b. technician b
c. both technician a and technician b
d. neither technician a nor technician b

Explanation:

• Technician A: A pending DTC is not set when the failure is damaging the catalytic converter. A pending DTC is a code that the vehicle's computer has identified a potential problem, but it has not yet confirmed it as a definite malfunction.
• Technician B: DTCs can be cleared by a technician using a scan tool. Also, in some cases, if the vehicle passes the relevant diagnostic test (the test that originally set the DTC) a specific number of consecutive driving cycles (not just a general “test” in a non - driving - cycle sense), the DTC can be cleared automatically.

Answer:

b. Technician B