Page 5
For technical questions, please call 1-877-987-4248.
Item 57740
SAFETY
MAINTENANCE
SETUP
OPERA
TION
OVER
VIEW
Overview
OBD II On-Board Diagnostics
It is required by the EPA that all 1996 and
newer vehicles sold in the United States be
equipped with an OBD II computer system.
OBD II is an early warning system designed to
monitor engine, transmission, and emissions control
components by performing specific diagnostic tests.
When a fault condition is detected, the system captures
important data and activates the “Check Engine” light.
If the light comes on, the vehicle might have a
condition that wastes fuel, shortens engine life, or
causes excessive air pollution. If the problem that
caused the light to come on is addressed, for instance
a loose gas cap is tightened, the light will go out.
If the light comes on and stays on, a minor
engine fault condition is occurring and should
be addressed as soon as possible
If the light is blinking, a severe engine fault condition
is occurring and should be addressed immediately.
The Scanner connects to the vehicle’s
computer system and captures information
that can help identify the fault condition.
Vehicle Coverage
This Scanner is designed to work with
all OBD II compliant vehicles, including
those equipped with a CAN bus.
OBD II was installed in some 1994 and
1995 model year gasoline vehicles.
To verify if a 1994 or 1995 vehicle is OBD II compliant,
check the Vehicle Emissions Control Information
label, which is located in the engine compartment.
Definitions
• EOBD: European On-Board Diagnostics
Essentially the same as OBD II, with the same Data
Link Connector and Communication Protocols.
• Communication Protocol: Allows different systems
and sensors in a vehicle to communicate.
There are currently five Protocols:
CAN Bus
J1850 VPW
ISO 9141-2
J1850 PWM
ISO 14230 KWP
• CAN: Controller Area Network
Message-based Communication Protocol serial bus.
• CAN Vehicle
2008 and newer.
• Pre-CAN Vehicle
2007 and older.
• DLC: Data Link Connector
The 16-cavity connector on the vehicle
that allows communication between the
computer system and the Scanner.
• Drive Cycle
A set of driving procedures that, when met,
provide the Enabling Criteria for the I/M Monitors
to run and complete their diagnostic tests.
• Enabling Criteria
Operating conditions that must occur during
a Drive Cycle to cause the I/M Monitors to
run and complete their diagnostic tests.
• MIL: Malfunction Indicator Lamp
The vehicle’s “Check Engine” warning light
that activates when a DTC is stored.
• DTC: Diagnostic Trouble Code
A code stored in the computer system’s
memory, which helps to identify the fault
condition that is causing the MIL to activate.
• Freeze Frame Data
Operating conditions that are stored
when a DTC is stored.
• PID - Parameter Identification Data
Data returned by the vehicle’s Control
Modules to the Scan Tool.
