Vehicle health and fault codes

Modern vehicles keep an eye on themselves. When the engine computer spots a problem, it logs a fault code. Because the FMM003 plugs into the vehicle’s OBD-II port, it can pass some of that information to the platform, so you hear about problems without waiting for a driver to mention the warning light.

Depends on the vehicle

Everything on this page relies on the vehicle sharing data over its OBD-II port. What you see varies by make and model, and some vehicles share very little. Check vehicle compatibility or contact us if you’re not sure about a vehicle.

Fault codes (DTCs)

A fault code, or DTC (diagnostic trouble code), is a short code the vehicle stores when it detects something outside normal limits. It usually looks like a letter followed by four digits, for example P0301.

On supported vehicles, the platform can show the fault codes the vehicle reports, so you can:

• see which vehicles have a problem logged;
• book them in before a small fault becomes a breakdown on a remote road;
• check whether a fault has come back after a repair.

A code is a clue, not a diagnosis

A fault code tells you where the vehicle thinks the problem is. It doesn’t tell you why. The same code can come from a worn part, a loose connector or a faulty sensor. Treat it as a reason to get the vehicle checked, not as the answer.

When a fault code comes up:

1. Note the code, the vehicle and when it appeared.
2. Ask the driver whether a warning light is on, and whether the vehicle is driving normally.
3. If the vehicle seems unsafe, or a red warning light is on, stop using it until it’s checked.
4. Book it in with your mechanic and give them the code.
5. After the repair, watch the platform to see whether the code returns.

Engine overheating

On supported vehicles, the platform can raise an alert when the vehicle reports the engine is overheating, and again when it has stopped. In the Territory heat, with long distances between towns, an early warning matters. If you get one, call the driver and get them to pull over safely and let the engine cool before going further.

You can choose who hears about overheating in your alert settings. See alerts and notifications.

OBD reports

The tracker can send OBD reports — snapshots of data read from the vehicle — to the platform. Which values appear depends on what the vehicle shares. Fuel level and odometer are covered in fuel and odometer.

Not seeing any vehicle data?

1. Make sure the tracker is firmly plugged in. See installing the FMM003.
2. Drive the vehicle for a while. Data comes through with the tracker’s regular updates.
3. Check odometer or fuel not showing — the same causes apply to fault codes.

If you still see nothing, contact us with the vehicle’s make, model and year.