On our vehicle, the engine and operation system will often signal a lot of codes. Some indicate vehicle health and condition, while others display warning issues that must be fixed.
So, what is 7EA engine code?
This is one of the most popular ones, but most of us don’t bother about it. Is it dangerous and needs to be fixed immediately? How can you solve it at home?
What Is 7EA Engine Code?
In short, we can understand that engine code 7EA is an extra one and appears only when the OBD code readers need more information to scan for existing issues in the vehicle.
What Does It Mean?
Fortunately, the 7EA code is not an error or danger signal. For that reason, you don’t need to drive your car to the service center right away when seeing this.
The Cause
Similar to the 7EB engine code, this one appears when your OBD scanner can’t collect enough information to identify and indicate the current issues.
Another difference between them is the engine control unit. If the 7EA is displayed when the tool can’t scan ECU 3, the 7EB is for ECU 4.
How To Fix It?
To solve it, you need to clear the Check Engine Light first. After that, stop the scanning procedure and do it again. Sometimes, we have to repeat this step several times until it works.
If you have tried many times but still can’t fix it, the causes may come from your tool or other more serious engine issues.
How To Test 7EA Engine Code?
To understand what’s going on with the vehicle, you need to test the 7EA engine error code.
What should you prepare? OBD scanner is the only tool for this task.
The following instruction is for 7EA and 7EB engine codes testing. You can apply it to different car models, but in this post, we’ll take the 7EA code Chevy Traverse as an example.
Step 1: Have A Suitable OBD Scanner
If your car or light truck was manufactured before 1996, you should purchase an OBD-I scanner, which is more vehicle specific than the OBD-II.
However, we will focus more on OBD-II, which is now more popular for many vehicles. Remember to check the quality of the scanner beforehand, like a blown fuse.
Step 2: Identify The Diagnostic Link Connector (DLC) Location, Then Plug In The OBD Port
This is a 16-pin connector with a triangular shape commonly found beneath the left side of the dashboard.
If you can’t find the DLC, search for more information about it on the internet with your car’s model and year, or consult the owner’s manual.
After that, you just need to plug in the cable of the OBD scanner with this port.
Step 3: Turn On Your Ignition
Turn on the vehicle’s ignition but do not start the machine. When you turn on the ignition, the OBD scanner receives power and begins communicating with the vehicle’s onboard computer.
While the scanner is starting up, you’ll see a message like “establishing a link with OBD.”
Recheck the connector pins and the scanner connection when the scanner does not respond and light up when you turn on the Ignition.
If it’s still not working, ensure there’s power coming from the auxiliary power outlet in the car.
Because the same circuit runs the OBD system as the power outlet, the OBD scanner will not function if there is no voltage.
Step 4: Fill In The Vehicle Information
Some OBD scanners require you to enter the vehicle’s Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), model type, etc.
The reason behind this lies in some manufacturer-specific OBD codes, so if you enter more information, the scanner can provide more accurate information.
Step 5: Find The Menu
Then, on your OBD scanner, go to the menu. Each tool is different but usually referred to as Trouble Codes. This one often asks you to choose between Pending ones and Active ones.
- Active: active ones or malfunctions that keep your Check Engine Light illuminated. The fact that it is off does not mean that the code or malfunction has gone away; it simply indicates the setting conditions have not occurred for two or more vehicle operations.
- Pending: it indicates that the tool’s monitoring system can’t operate an emission control system at least once. If it fails again, the Check Engine Light will illuminate, and the malfunction will become Active.
Step 6: Read The Code
Go to the menu and select “Read Code.” The screen will return the results after scanning.
Usually, it will show the one that the car has. If the display shows code 7EA, it is not enough information to check ECU 3.
Step 7: Clear The Check Engine Light
As mentioned above, when facing the 7EA, you should clear the Check Engine Light and restart. You may have to repeat three or four times until the tool can work as usual.
FAQs
Is 7AE A Common Code? What Are The Most Common Engine Codes?
You may have heard about the 7E8 and 7EA engine codes or 7E9 and 7EB. They are considered some of the most common ones.
Moreover, some signaling issues that you should know about include the following:
- P0171 – P0175: Oxygen level sensing issues
- P0300 – P0305: Engine misfires
- P0411, P0440, P0442, P0446, P0455: Evaporative system
- P401: Exhaust gas recirculation
- P0420 and P0430: Catalytic converter
What Should I Do To Turn Off My Check Engine Light?
- Turn your ignition on and off to restart the system.
- Continue driving and let the Check Engine Light go off by itself.
- Disconnect and re-plugin the battery.
- Use the OBD scanner to turn it off
- Remove and replace the fuse.
- Fix the issues (with oxygen sensor, transmission, etc.)
What Are The Differences Between 7EA, 7E8, And 7E9 Codes?
Although they start with the number 7, the 7E8, 7EA engine code or 7E9 doesn’t indicate the same requirements as 7EB.
- 7EA: Call for more information for scanning the ECU 3.
- 7E8: 7E8 is a submenu for the ECU, not an issue one. If the tool shows this one, it indicates that the Engine Control Module (ECM) has issued a request signal.
- 7E9: When you see this, there is a transmission control module (TCM) request code. You can resolve this by repairing transmission system flaws or malfunctions.
Bottom Lines
What is 7EA engine code? Now, you’ve got the answer to this query. Obviously, it is not a fault code and what you should do is clear the Check Engine codes and then restart.
Remember to retry some times until you can scan the system as usual.
It’s essential to check your tool and ensure it’s qualified to test, as well.