OBD 2-OBD II

 

 

     OBD II or OBD 2 stands for on-board diagnostics ii and it was first introduced in 1994 in California and then in 1996 in all US. OBD II has all his functions embedded into the software and hardware of the car on board computer. This positioning helps the OBD 2 system to monitor all vehicle important functions. The monitorization is done through diagnostic routine which verify if the car is running properly. If a malfunction occurs then the OBD ii system will display a warning light like: „Check Engine” or „Service Engine Soon”. This data is stored in the OBD 2 system memory and then it can be used to detect malfunction and fix the problem.

 

     The OBD ii standard has improved from OBD i standard and it can and it can specify the message format, the electrical signal, the type of the diagnostic connector and the protocols available.

The OBD 2 system is powered through a pin connected with the car battery and it doesn't need auxiliary power supply, but if the car has problems with the electrical system then is necessary to connect the OBD ii scan tool to an external power supply to avoid data loss.

 

     OBD 2 scanner tools have the DTCs or obd trouble codes embedded into their software and thanks to the standardization one OBD 2 code reader can be used in any vehicle.

The OBD ii is not the final step in auto diagnostics, new and better systems are design, systems that will link cars with auto services, car manufacturers and even with other cars; one of this systems is OBD III. All this will be used to provide better diagnostics and to build cars that are more reliable, secure and will produce less pollution.