What do you know about OBD-II?

[Christmasanta]

Reading up on some gadget news today, I read that all cars manufactured since 2000 have OBD-II installed beneath the dashboard, which enables it to communicate with gadgets such as the ‘AutoBot’ (tracks your car) and CarTrip (stores your car data on an iPhone). I was wondering who has actually experience with using the OBD-II with these or similar gadgets? Sounds interesting..!

 

[wotan]

Sounds sinister, a good basis for charging for miles driven, or speed limits exceeded, Big Brother is watching you!

Wotan

 

[gblades]

Its not all cars since 2000. Its an American regulation that all petrol vehicles sold since 2000 and diesels sold since 2005 must have it. Due to some cars not being sold in that market and other implementing it earlier its not so straight forward to identify which cars have it. Some earlier ones may have the correct connector but are not ODB-II compatible.

I have a bluetooth adapter and an app for my phone which allows me to read engine management fault codes and various other data. On my Audi the socket is directly above the throttle peddle so ok for diagnostics but if you had something permantly connected you will be liable to knock it with your foot.

 

[stuartturbo]

Must admit never used them gadgets just the laptop if desperate. some cars let you read more info from it "live data" there one that will display any thing the the ECU reads speed temp of water air temp etc.
the plug has to be with in 60cm ( 2ft) of the steering wheel of special case with in reach of the driver
supposed to in a way as all cars have the same adaptor but still limited to what you can do via it ie vaux use it but you need software to read it properly in depth.
Ie off the shelf reader will give a generally but not always the full info

 

[ub7rm]

OBD2 allows diagnostics to be connected and the standard is universal so you can use a generic code reader to pull off the OBD2 fault codes. Most manufactures have taken it a lot further and with the right manufacturer specific readers you can get a hell of a lot more detail about the fault / live readings from all the engine sensors as well as auxiliary systems like HVAC systems etc.

VCDS is such a system used for VAG cars and its as good if not better than the system the dealers use.

 

[stuartturbo]

VCDS is such a system used for VAG cars and its as good if not better than the system the dealers use.

i USED TO USE VAGCOM for VW
currently use OP-Com for the vauxhall for the same reason
the generic gave a vague fault code where as dealer spec tool is much more specific.

 

[Wangerman]

Some fords have had OBD 2 since the middle 90's

 

[Christmasanta]

Its not all cars since 2000. Its an American regulation that all petrol vehicles sold since 2000 and diesels sold since 2005 must have it. Due to some cars not being sold in that market and other implementing it earlier its not so straight forward to identify which cars have it. Some earlier ones may have the correct connector but are not ODB-II compatible.

I have a bluetooth adapter and an app for my phone which allows me to read engine management fault codes and various other data. On my Audi the socket is directly above the throttle peddle so ok for diagnostics but if you had something permantly connected you will be liable to knock it with your foot.

yes, I was wondering about the iPhone apps that can be used, as well as some gadgets such as the Autobot. Which app are you using?


About whether it's mandatory or not.. read somewhere it has been in the US since 1996 for all Diesel cars..?

 

[gblades]

I use an android app called Torque.

I believe it was compulsory in the USA since 2000 for petrol and 2005 for diesel cars.

 

[willsmorke]

for made your car to OBD II, the you must require two things. The connector must be located within three feet of the driver and must not require any tools to be revealed. While the parameters, readings, required by OBD II regulations are uniform.