DTCs on message center

[az'03Silverado]

Just wondering. If my message center can tell me that my washer fluid is low, why can't it tell me the codes when the SES light comes on? Why the need for a scanner?

[opsbear7]

I second this question...it has always puzzled me why it cant display the codes meanings through the text display...does anyone have any info on this?

[pwall]

Just wondering.  If my message center can tell me that my washer fluid is low, why can't it tell me the codes when the SES light comes on?  Why the need for a scanner?

 

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Cuz then you wouldn't have to take it to the dealership (spend money) or purchase a scanner (spend money) to get the codes. ;)

[ken1mod]

Cadillac used to display codes on climate control temperature display.

 

Ken

[cowboy02]

Just wondering.  If my message center can tell me that my washer fluid is low, why can't it tell me the codes when the SES light comes on?  Why the need for a scanner?

 

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Cuz then you wouldn't have to take it to the dealership (spend money) or purchase a scanner (spend money) to get the codes. ;)

 

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If you have onstar they can tell you what it is, it's like a free reading. Of course if you don't have onstar then you are stuck at the stealership!!

[ZE5]

I figured it was because codes arent as easy do decipher as everyone thinks. Its not like you get an emissions code and it tells you that your catalytic converter is plugged. It could say the downstream H02S is reading lean, but what is wrong with the system? is an injector plugged? Cat not working properly? H02S not reading correctly?

[Rolandd]

I figured it was because codes arent as easy do decipher as everyone thinks.  Its not like you get an emissions code and it tells you that your catalytic converter is plugged.  It could say the downstream H02S is reading lean, but what is wrong with the system? is an injector plugged? Cat not working properly? H02S not reading correctly?

 

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If you can get the codes with OnStar then I am inclined to discount this otherwise legitimate theory. My guess is there is a way to get the codes to display, even if just as a number. I spent too many years in the software industry to think that the developers of this system have not included a back door to get these codes. However, the lack of display probably sold more than one OnStar system to people as technical as those who roam this forum. On ODBC-I systems you usually had to turn the key on and off a bunch of times to have the check engine light flash out the code. I would hope that with an improved display, hardware, and software that the system could do at least but hopefully better than that.