If a technician finds a code is pending, what should be the next step?

When a technician encounters a pending diagnostic trouble code (DTC), the appropriate next step is to verify the repair. A pending code indicates that a fault has been detected but has not yet turned into a confirmed code that would trigger the check engine light. This often means that the issue is intermittent or has not occurred consistently enough to warrant a hardened fault status.

Verifying the repair involves performing tests or checks to determine whether the issue persists and ensuring that any previous repairs or adjustments made have effectively resolved the problem. This is crucial for accuracy, as it helps prevent unnecessary part replacements and confirms that the vehicle will operate properly without reoccurring issues.

The other options may not be appropriate responses to a pending code. Ignoring the code would miss the chance to address a potential issue before it escalates. Clearing the code immediately does not provide relevant information about the current state of the vehicle and could mask ongoing problems. Replacing the entire sensor without verification could lead to unnecessary costs and may not solve the underlying issue if it isn't the root cause. Thus, verifying the repair is the most responsible and effective course of action.