Editorial Policy

At FixCarCodes, accuracy and driver safety come before everything else. Here's exactly how we create, review, and maintain our OBD-II diagnostic guides.

Meet Our Founder

Alex — Mechanical Engineer & Automotive DIY Enthusiast

I'm Alex, a mechanical engineer based in Minnesota with over 10 years of hands-on experience diagnosing and fixing cars. From mysterious check engine lights to tracking down intermittent misfires in Minnesota winters — I've been there.

I started FixCarCodes because I was tired of the same experience every car owner has: the check engine light comes on, you Google the code, and you get either a 45-minute YouTube video that doesn't match your car or a forum post from 2011 that ends with "did you ever figure it out?"

My goal is to give you clear, accurate diagnostic information — so you can either fix the problem yourself or at least walk into the mechanic's shop knowing exactly what's wrong. No more getting charged for "diagnostics" when you already know the code means your O2 sensor heater circuit is open.

Our Content Creation Process

Code Selection: We prioritize OBD-II codes that real drivers encounter most frequently, starting with emissions, ignition, and fuel system codes that trigger the majority of check engine lights.
Research: Every guide starts with OBD-II standards documentation, manufacturer technical service bulletins (TSBs), and established diagnostic procedures used by professional mechanics.
AI-Assisted Drafting: We use AI tools to help organize and draft comprehensive diagnostic guides. This allows us to cover more codes faster while maintaining consistency in format and safety warnings.
Human Review: Every guide is reviewed for technical accuracy, safety considerations, and clarity. We verify diagnostic procedures, sensor specifications, and repair steps against manufacturer data.
Quality Gate: Articles must meet minimum quality standards including comprehensive coverage (1,000+ words), accurate specifications, proper safety warnings, and clear severity ratings.
Ongoing Updates: When new TSBs are released or diagnostic procedures are updated, we revise our guides accordingly.

Our Standards

Accuracy: Sensor specifications, voltage ranges, and diagnostic procedures are verified against OBD-II standards and manufacturer documentation.
Safety First: Every guide includes severity ratings and clear guidance on whether a code means "get it checked soon" or "stop driving immediately."
Transparency: We clearly disclose that our content is AI-assisted and editorially reviewed. We don't pretend to be an ASE-certified shop — we're engineers and enthusiasts who research thoroughly.
Honesty: Severity levels are realistic. If a code means potential catalytic converter damage from continued driving, we tell you plainly.
Vehicle-Specific Notes: Where codes have different causes or procedures by make/model, we call that out explicitly.

Corrections & Feedback

Found an error? Know a vehicle-specific fix we should add? Email [email protected] and we'll investigate and update the guide. Mechanics, technicians, and fellow DIYers — your corrections make our guides better for everyone.

Important: FixCarCodes guides are educational resources, not professional mechanical advice. Never work under a vehicle without proper jack stands, disconnect the battery before electrical work, and consult a certified mechanic if you're unsure about any repair.