Full fault-code library
Search or browse 9,533 codes across engine, transmission, brakes & ABS, airbag/SRS, body, and network systems—each translated into plain English. No internet needed.
Now available · Free for Android
Your car is talking.
Understand it.
CarLingo turns confusing vehicle fault codes into plain-English symptoms, likely causes, step-by-step repair procedures, and typical costs—so you can make smarter repair decisions.
Free to download · No account needed · Code library works fully offline
CarLingo
Here’s what your car means.
A clear answer before the repair conversation.
P0300
Needs attention
Random or multiple cylinder misfire detected
The engine has detected inconsistent combustion across more than one cylinder.
You may noticeRough idle
Check firstIgnition system
1Ranked fixes with difficulty & cost
2Step-by-step instructions
3Parts you may need
No mechanic jargon
9,533Fault codes
32,812Repair procedures
44,588Parts matched
22Warning lights explained
100%Offline code lookup
01 / FEATURES
Answers that lead somewhere.
Real repair procedures
Every code comes with ranked fixes: difficulty, estimated cost, labor time, step-by-step instructions, and the parts involved—so you know what a fair repair looks like.
Warning-light guide
All 22 dashboard lights explained by color: red means stop safely, amber means check soon, green and blue are information. Know which lights can wait and which can’t.
Lingo, your AI mechanic
Ask questions in plain language or snap a photo of your dashboard—Lingo identifies the light and explains what to do. Built right into the app.
Live OBD scanning
Pair a standard Bluetooth ELM327 adapter to watch live engine data, read the codes behind your check-engine light, and clear them when the repair is done.
Find a repair shop
Search by ZIP code or address to find nearby auto repair shops, then jump straight to directions. Plus a Garage to keep your vehicles saved on your phone.
02 / HOW IT WORKS
From warning light to a plan, in minutes.
1
Look it up—or scan it
Type a code, browse by system, photograph a warning light, or connect an OBD adapter and let CarLingo pull the codes straight from your car.
2
Understand it
Read what the code means, the symptoms it causes, and how serious it is—red-light urgent or safe to schedule—explained without jargon.
3
Fix it, or find who can
Follow the ranked repair procedures and parts list yourself, or find a nearby shop and go in knowing the likely fix and a fair price.
03 / LIVE SCAN
Your engine, live on your phone.
Plug a standard Bluetooth (BLE) ELM327 OBD-II adapter into your car’s diagnostic port, pair it in the Scan tab, and CarLingo streams live data and reads the exact codes behind the light.
- Live gaugesRPM · SPEED · TEMP
- Engine dataLOAD · THROTTLE · MAF
- Read fault codesTAP TO EXPLAIN
- Clear codes after repairWITH CONFIRMATION
- Battery voltageLIVE
04 / ASK LINGO
A mechanic in your pocket.
Lingo is CarLingo’s built-in AI assistant. Ask about a code, a noise, or a repair quote—or send a photo of a dashboard light and Lingo will identify it and tell you what to do next.
It answers in plain English, and it’s honest about urgency: what’s dangerous now, what can wait for the weekend, and what a shop should charge.
Runs in your browser — no install needed. Also built into the app.
05 / WARNING LIGHTS
Every light, explained.
The in-app guide covers all 22 common dashboard lights with what each one means and what to do about it. Here’s the full set:
Engine oil pressure
Coolant temperature
Brake system
Battery / charging
Airbag / SRS
Power steering
Transmission temp
Check engine
ABS
Tire pressure (TPMS)
Traction / stability
Low fuel
Glow plugs (diesel)
AdBlue / DEF
Washer fluid low
Driver assistance
High beams
Turn signals
Fog lamps
Cruise control
ECO mode
Parking lights06 / FIND A SHOP
When it’s a shop job, find a good one.
Some repairs need a lift and a pro. CarLingo searches repair shops near any ZIP code or address, shows them in a clean list, and opens directions in your maps app with one tap.
- Search by ZIP or addressFREE
- Nearby auto repair shopsUP TO 10 MI
- One-tap directionsGOOGLE MAPS
FOR REPAIR SHOPS
Own a shop?
Get found by drivers.
The CarLingo shop directory puts your business in front of drivers at the exact moment they’re looking for help. Listings are free while the directory grows—featured placements for shops that want to stand out.
07 / FAQ
Questions, answered.
Is CarLingo free to use?
Yes — CarLingo is free to download, and the code library, repair procedures, warning-light guide, and Ask Lingo are free to use, with no account needed. CarLingo is supported by its companion OBD adapter and featured shop listings, which is what keeps the everyday tools free for drivers.
Does it work offline?
The fault-code library, repair procedures, warning-light guide, and your saved Garage all work fully offline—handy in a parking garage or on the road. Ask Lingo and shop search need an internet connection, and the app tells you clearly when you’re offline.
What do I need for live scanning?
Any standard Bluetooth (BLE) ELM327 OBD-II adapter—the kind sold online for $15–$40. Plug it into your car’s OBD-II port (under the dash, driver’s side), pair it in CarLingo’s Scan tab, and you’ll see live data and fault codes. Code lookup and everything else in the app works with no adapter at all.
Which cars does it work with?
The code library covers gasoline and diesel cars, trucks, and SUVs—engine, transmission, ABS, airbag, body, and network codes. Live scanning works with any OBD-II vehicle (1996 or newer in the US).
Can CarLingo clear my check-engine light?
With an adapter connected, yes—CarLingo can clear stored fault codes after a repair, with a confirmation step so it’s never accidental. Remember: clearing a code doesn’t fix the problem; if the fault is still there, the light will come back.
Is there an iPhone version?
An iOS version is in development. The Android app is available now, and Ask Lingo works in any browser—including Safari on iPhone—right now.
What data does CarLingo collect?
Almost none. No accounts, no analytics, nothing collected in the background. Your vehicles and lookups stay on your device. The details are in our privacy policy.
Can CarLingo replace my mechanic?
No—and it won’t pretend to. CarLingo helps you understand the problem, judge urgency, and have an informed conversation with a professional. For red warning lights and safety systems, always see a qualified technician.
Get the app
Know the code. Understand the problem. Own the next move.
Free download · Android · Installs in under a minute. iPhone? Ask Lingo works in your browser today.