Cars & Vehicles / on-board-diagnostics
Facts about On-Board Diagnostics
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OBD-II systems use a standardized 16-pin connector, known as the Data Link Connector, typically located under the dashboard on the driver's side.
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European legislation required OBD-II equivalent systems, known as EOBD, on all petrol-engined passenger cars sold in Europe from 2001 onward.
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A malfunction indicator lamp, commonly called the check engine light, is triggered by On-Board Diagnostics when the system detects an emissions-related fault.
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On-Board Diagnostics systems communicate fault information through standardized Diagnostic Trouble Codes, allowing any compatible scan tool to read vehicle errors regardless of manufacturer.
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The OBD-II standard was mandated for all cars sold in the United States beginning with the 1996 model year.