CrankKey reference / OBD-II status

Pending, Confirmed, or Permanent? What an OBD-II Code Status Means

A code status describes what the vehicle’s monitoring logic recorded. It is not a diagnosis, failed-part finding, safety verdict, or guaranteed repair outcome.

The short version

Pending: a condition was detected but has not yet been confirmed.
Confirmed: the vehicle stored a fault after its monitoring logic verified the condition, commonly with the MIL commanded on.
Permanent: the fault is retained in non-volatile memory until the vehicle’s OBD system verifies it is no longer present; a scan tool or battery disconnect cannot erase it.

Before clearing anything, record the codes and status and save freeze-frame data. Clearing can erase clues and reset readiness monitors; it does not repair the fault. Start diagnosis with stored codes, use pending codes as supporting evidence, and follow vehicle-specific service and inspection guidance.

Continue with CrankKey’s related references: readiness monitors, freeze-frame data, and diagnostic terminology.