Codes and warning lights
What is freeze frame data?
Freeze frame data is a snapshot of the engine's conditions at the instant the control unit stored a fault: rpm, speed, temperature, load and mixture correction, among others. It helps reproduce the fault, because it tells you whether it happened cold, at idle or under acceleration.
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What data does it store?
In emissions diagnostics it usually includes the code that triggered it, calculated load, coolant temperature, fuel trims, manifold pressure or airflow, rpm and speed.
Many manufacturers also store their own environment data for each code: how many times it happened, the mileage or the battery voltage.
How is it used to find the fault?
If a lean condition was stored at idle with a hot engine, it points to a vacuum leak; if it was under hard acceleration, to a lack of fuel. A misfire that happened cold can have a different cause than one when hot.
With that data, the workshop repeats the same conditions in a test and checks whether the fault comes back.
Why is there sometimes no freeze frame?
It is erased when the codes are cleared. Also, standardized diagnostics store few frames and give priority to the most important faults, such as misfires or fuel system faults.
That is why it is worth reading and noting everything before clearing anything.
General guidance only: every manufacturer and model has its own details. Always follow your vehicle's manual and, if in doubt, ask a workshop.
Related
Related trouble codes
- P0171Mixture too lean (bank 1)
- P0300Random or multiple cylinder misfire detected
- P0128Coolant thermostat: coolant temperature below the thermostat regulating temperature
Related symptoms
- Engine warning light on and steady: what it means and what to do
- Car jerks when accelerating: causes and what to do
Learn more
See what your car is saying
The ECO-LITE reads the codes with their data from the moment of the fault and keeps them in the report that you and your workshop see.
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Frequently asked questions
Is freeze frame the same as a snapshot?
Yes, they are two names for the same data.
Is it lost when the battery is disconnected?
On many cars yes, like the codes. Read them before replacing the battery.
Is there one frame per code?
In the standardized part, usually not; with the manufacturer's data, often yes.