OBD-1 is in reference to Title 13 California Code 1968 titled "Malfunction and Diagnostic System for 1988 and Subsequent Model Year Passenger Cars, Light-Duty Trucks, and Medium-Duty Vehicles with three-way Catalyst Systems and Feedback Control." filed on 11-15-85. This required cars sold in California to have an on-board computer processor for on-board self diagnostics of computer sensed emission related components, fuel metering device and EGR (exhaust gas recirculation system).

OBD stands for On Board Diagnostic. There are 2 versions. OBD-I and OBD-II. In 1970 Congress passed the Clean Air Act and established the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This started a series of graduated emission standards and requirements for maintenance of vehicles for extended periods of time. To meet these standards, manufacturers turned to electronically controlled fuel feed and ignition systems.

OBD, or On Board Diagnostics, is a system used on automobiles to monitor some components and to detect malfunction. If some component is not functioning properly, information about the system is stored in an on-board computer so it can be recovered later by the service technician. OBD-II is the second and the most current version of this technology.

OBD-II is a government mandated diagnostic protocol that is primarily aimed at diagnosing emissions-related problems. An OBD-II scan tool will work in many different brands of cars. VAG-COM uses VW's proprietary diagnostic protocol and will only work in VW/Audi vehicles. Although you can use an OBD-II Scan Tool in an OBD-II compliant (1996 or newer) VW or Audi, an OBD-II Scan Tool can only talk to the engine, not the numerous other "intelligent" systems in the car.

OBD stands for On-Board Diagnostics and this is the second generation of this technology. Starting in 1996, all vehicles sold in the United States were required to include this technology. It requires a computer on board the vehicle that monitors the engine and power train systems and logs any problems that could cause the vehicle's emissions to increase. A failed OBD-II test means that there is a problem with the vehicle.

OBD stands for "on-board diagnos?tics," a computer-based system built into all model year (MY) 1996 and newer light-duty cars and trucks. OBD monitors the performance of some of the engines' major compo?nents, including individual emis?sion controls. The system provides owners with an early warning of malfunctions by way of a dashboard "Check Engine" light (also known as a Malfunction Indicator Light or MIL, for short).

On-Board Diagnostic systems (OBD) on 1996 and newer vehicles will be checked as part of Delaware’s vehicle inspection program. OBD technology benefits motorists, repair technicians and our environment. It’s good for motorists because it monitors the vehicles performance every time it is driven and identifies problems immediately allowing service to be done before more serious problems develop.

The OBD II offers a buffer that will keep you or us from damaging your vehicle. The OBD II is used strictly to retrieve and diagnose your vehicles information and is not designed to tamper with or change anything outside of its domain. The only thing that the OBD II can modify on your vehicle is the check engine light and the error codes associated with that function.

All cars built since January 1, 1996 have OBD-II systems. Manufacturers started incorporating OBD-II in various models as early as 1994. Some early OBD-II cars were not 100% compliant. There are three basic OBD-II protocols in use, each with minor variations on the communication pattern between the on-board diagnostic computer and the scanner console or tool.

Pre-OBD-II cars had connectors in various positions under the dashboard and under the hood. All OBD-II cars have a connector located in the passenger compartment easily accessible from the driver's seat. Check under the dash or behind or near the ashtray. A cable is plugged into the OBD-II J1962 connector and connected to AutoTap or another scan tool. AutoTap is available in PC/laptop or a Palm PDA versions.

In some ways they are do have an advantage, they are small and robust and are totally standalone, they cover all three protocols ( ISO,PWM and VPW ). However they do not have the same capability as software based systems and are specifically aimed at fault diagnosis, DTC retrieval etc ( see our shop for a more detailed description).

OBD II compliant vehicles must also have a 16-pin connector located in plain sight underneath the dash near the driver's seat. Alternatively it may be behind ashtrays or concealed by an easily removed plastic cover, sometimes with the letters "OBD" stamped on the outside.

With the key on and the engine off, the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) is checked to verify that it works; and, A cable is attached to the on-board computer connection (called a Data Link Connector or DLC) that checks the OBD system status. You can easily verify that you will pass the 1st criteria by confirming that the MIL bulb lights-up when the key is turned to the full on position without starting the engine. Then start the engine and see if the MIL stays on.

There are three types of interfaces that we offer (ISO, VPW, PWM). You can find out what interface your vehicle supports by viewing this document. If you are unable to locate your vehicle in the list (ignore the year), then contact us for further assistance.

The rule of thumb when it comes to emissions-related vehicle repair is that any modification that changes the vehicle from a certified configuration to a non-certified configuration is considered tamper?ing: this applies to both vehicle owners and repair facilities and is therefore a Federal offense. Replacing a catalyst with a straight pipe is one traditional example of tampering. Likewise, overriding the OBD system through the use of high-tech defeat devices, non-certified computer chips, etc.

Quality of components, construction and optics. While all models are based on the same technology, each type of microscope employs different construction, size, optical quality, magnification power and method of use. Since the end test results should be basically identical with all models, selection becomes a matter of preference. Additionally, overall quality of components generally tend to correlate with ease of use and successful results.