OBD2 Pending vs Confirmed Codes: Key Differences
Key Takeaway
Your scanner shows "pending" and "confirmed" codes. Here's what each means and which to worry about.
Pending vs Confirmed
| Type | CEL On? | What It Means | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pending | No | Fault detected once, waiting for confirmation | Monitor |
| Confirmed (Stored) | Yes | Fault confirmed across multiple drive cycles | Diagnose and repair |
| Permanent | Yes (or was) | Cannot be cleared by user/scanner | Must fix the root cause |
How a Code Matures
1. First detection: ECM detects an anomaly → stores as PENDING.
2. Second drive cycle: If the same fault occurs again → promoted to CONFIRMED → CEL turns on.
3. If not reproduced: Pending code auto-clears after a set number of clean drive cycles.
Why Pending Codes Matter
Pending codes are early warnings. They tell you something is developing before it becomes a confirmed problem. Catching a pending code can save you from a more expensive repair.
ProHow Steer Helps
Steer shows you both pending and confirmed codes, and alerts you to pending codes so you can catch developing issues early.
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