Introduction
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OBD stands for on-board diagnostics and monitors and regulates the car’s performance. Several sensors inside a car send information to the on-board computer system inside the vehicle.
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The OBD then regulates the car system and alerts the drivers of any problem. OBD is also helpful for the technicians who can plug into it and collect information regarding the vehicle to diagnose the problem further. Some old vehicle models have conventional OBDs that only indicate a malfunction indicator light on the vehicle’s dashboard but do not provide real-time data regarding the nature of the problem (1). However, modern cars have OBD ports into which a technician or driver can plug in the code reader and quickly identify the malfunction within the vehicle (2). So, OBD indicates the malfunctioning part by illuminating the particular warning light on the vehicle’s dashboard and provides real-time data regarding the nature of the problem in the form of diagnostic trouble codes.
History and Purpose of OBD
Although, the history of OBD goes back to 1968 when Volkswagen first introduced an analog OBD in the famous type-3 model. However, the OBD did not have many diagnostic abilities, and General Motors introduced OBD in the form of a ‘Computer Command Control’ system in all passenger vehicles in 1981 (1). Since then, different upgrades have been done in the OBD. The EU made every gasoline vehicle compulsory to have OBD in 2001. Similarly, the EU made it mandatory for every diesel vehicle to have OBD in 2004 (3). Australia and New Zealand also made it compulsory for cars to have OBD in 2006. Finally, the US and China made the vehicles follow some ISO standards that made it mandatory to include an on-board diagnostics system (3).
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This shows the importance of an on-board diagnostic system that informs drivers about potential vehicle errors and enables them to avoid serious accidents. Similarly, this system has also made it easier for the mechanics and technicians to figure out the actual car errors in less time.
To Reduce Emissions
OBD was primarily designed to reduce vehicle emissions. It monitors the engine and performance of other major components that can result in increased emissions. After analyzing the performance of these components, OBD alerts the driver in case of major component failure resulting in increased emission (2). And the on-board system was so successful that it was incorporated into the EPA implementation of the Clean Air Act.
To analyze Electronic Fuel Injection and Electronic Components
In addition, OBD was designed to increase the efficiency of electronic fuel injection. In the late 1980s, automakers started producing vehicles with electronic fuel injection rather than mechanical fuel injection (1). Hence, a computer-based diagnostic system became necessary to analyze the fuel injection and fuel flow into the engine. Another purpose of developing an on-board diagnostic system was the increasing number of electronic components. With the increase in electronic components, there was a need for a sophisticated monitoring system that would help the drivers/technicians identify the problems more accurately and quickly. OBD has thus changed over time to its recent form.
Basic Components of OBD and Codes
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The essential components of an OBD include different sensors, a central computer, a connection point, and different indicators. This completes an OBD for standardized access and readability.
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ECU and Sensors
It starts with the ECU that collects input from various sensors. ECU is further responsible for using this information to initiate different actions, such as fuel injection or displaying the warning lights in case of some malfunctioning sensor/parts (2). The second part of OBD includes sensors in every part of the vehicle, from the engine to the central electronic system. These sensors are responsible for sending the codes to ECU specifying the particular part and the signal parameters (4). The ECU then interprets these codes and initiates an action.
DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code
It is to be noted that ECU can read the sensor codes within its normal range. However, if the code lies outside the normal range of an ECU, then it saves the information as DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code). DTC is saved in numbers and alphabets that indicate the problem’s nature and source. The driver or technician can view this DTC by connecting a code reader to the OBD system. In the majority of the models, when ECU receives a DTC code, it illuminates a particular warning light on the vehicle’s dashboard (1). These lights are also known as malfunction indicator lights that warn the vehicle owner early that a part is malfunctioning. Some warning lights, such as a check engine or engine temperature light, indicate a significant problem. In contrast, some malfunction lights indicate a minor issue, such as a washer fluid light or stability control light (2).
DLC (Diagnostic Link Connector)
The final part of an OBD is a DLC (Diagnostic Link Connector). This port is usually present below the dashboard on the driver’s side. But the position of this port can also change in different vehicle models, makes, and variants. Especially in commercial vehicles, this port is located beneath the central console system in the dashboard.
The new vehicle models have an OBDII system, so the mechanic/driver can connect any connector with a type 2 cable. However, in older models, the type of connector tables can change depending on the type of OBD system.
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What is the difference between OBDII and OBD System?
There is no such difference when it comes to the concept of OBD. OBD and OBDII are on-board diagnostics designed to analyze the vehicle’s performance. OBDII is the second or latest generation of OBD invented in the 1990s (2). Another critical difference between OBD and OBDII is that the latter is integrated into the vehicle, whereas OBD is connected externally to the car’s console (1).
Furthermore, every manufacturer used their system when OBD was introduced in the vehicles. So, every OBD has its connector type and electronic interface requirement. Similarly, every vehicle’s OBD displayed particular codes, reporting different problems. This made it difficult for the drivers and mechanics to comprehend the codes (3). It is to be noted that OBD was introduced back in the 1980s when the internet was not standard, and the vehicle owners/technicians had to consult a code manually to determine the problem. The solution to this problem was introduced in OBDII, which was a step towards standardizing the codes, electronic interface, and cable types. Now that most vehicles have integrated an OBDII system, these vehicles will show the same standardized codes and have a similar electronic interface. Furthermore, the drivers/technicians can connect the code readers through a similar type of cable.
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So, OBDII performs the same function as OBD but with the added features of standardization and integration within the vehicle.
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Data Accessed from OBD
As discussed above, OBD was primarily defined to control the car’s harmful emissions. So, the primary data that can be accessed from OBD includes the emission control counter, vehicle identification number, ignition count, and calibration identification number. In addition, the technician can connect an external scanning tool or code reader to read the trouble codes and identify the problem. It is recommended that the drivers take their vehicles to a professional service center when a particular warning light is displayed on the vehicle’s dashboard.
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It is because the warning light is displayed by OBD when the code sent by the sensors is unreadable by the ECU. In this case, an external code reader must be connected to and read the DTC and fix the malfunction before any accident or a significant car problem.
The following table illustrates some common DTS and their meaning:
How can you access the OBD?
Although OBD displays the warning sign on the car’s dashboard, you need some external tools to analyze the trouble code.
Hand Code Scanner
An external scanner or code reader is the most common device technicians use to diagnose the trouble code. A driver can purchase a simple fault code reader scanner to read the code (4). This code can then be checked online to analyze the trouble code.
This scanner is helpful as the driver knows the malfunctioning component before visiting the technician. Using a fault code reader scanner is easy as you have to connect it to the OBD module with a connector cable and follow the steps written in the instruction manual.
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Advanced Code Readers
Another type of scanner is an advanced code reader used mainly by technicians. This scanner provides advanced information such as vehicle emission levels, can set the vehicle’s standard ECU levels, and access more advanced diagnostics. Some advanced scanners can also provide a real-time graphical representation of the engine performance, facilitating engine tuning and diagnosis. You can also use advanced mobile applications to analyze a DTC.
Mobile Based Applications
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The mobile or tablet can be connected with OBDII via a USB cable or Bluetooth and act as a simple/advanced scanner.
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You can read the DTC and figure out the real issue in the vehicle. You can reset the DTC in some DTC applications, hiding the warning light displayed on the vehicle’s dashboard. But it is to be noted that resetting the warning light does not resolve the underlying issue. It just hides the warning light, so you should take the car to a professional service center at the earliest to resolve the issue.
PC-Based Applications
Finally, PC-based applications can also be used to access OBD.
The advantage of using a PC instead of a handheld or mobile is that it provides a larger storage capacity for data storage and logging. Further, a PC can offer higher screen resolution to help read engine graphs and charts.
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Key Takeaways
So, OBD is an onboard diagnostic integrated within modern vehicles in the latest form (OBDII). It is responsible for analyzing the car’s parts and their performance. The OBD system usually consists of a multitude of sensors and ECU. If ECU cannot read the code, it stores the information in the form of DTC (diagnostics trouble code) and illuminates a particular warning light on the dashboard. This light can be helpful for the driver to analyze the underlying issue. Further, external connectors can be connected to the OBD to analyze DTC and resolve the case for the vehicle’s smooth performance.
FAQs
Multiple warning signs within a vehicle are displayed on the car’s dashboard when the OBD sends a DTC. These warning signs are an indication that there is trouble within the particular part. Sometimes, these warning lights/DTC indicate a minor problem, such as low fluids or dirty sensors. However, these warning lights can also suggest some severe component malfunctioning that can be detected by connecting an external OBD reader.
Usually, the OBD connector is located below the dashboard on the driver’s side. But the position can change depending upon the type of vehicle. For example, in commercial vehicles, the OBD is found below the central consoles. So, check your car’s instruction manual to get an idea about the OBD’s position in your vehicle.
You can buy an inexpensive code reader and connect it with the OBD using a connector cable. This can provide information regarding trouble codes that can be further analyzed using online platforms. In addition to this, you can also purchase some mobile applications and use your mobile as an OBD connector.
