What Is OBD2?
An OBD2 is a self-sufficient system of vehicles that denotes the automotive electronic system where the car is enabled to diagnose itself and report problems to the professional. The OBD2 system is an autonomous system that allows the professionals to find the actual fault that happened in the vehicle and perform the repairing process according to it. The OBD2 is a central protocol for all vehicles around the world. There are mainly two types of codes; they are generic and manufacturer-specific codes. The PCM generates the necessary information regarding the error codes. The entire OBD2 is a self-sufficient system that works digitally.
What year did OBD2 start?
The OBD2 has changed the entire complexion in the world of diagnosis of vehicles. It mainly started in late 1996 with the gasoline and diesel inducted cars and trucks. But there is the fact that the initial level OBD2 scanners could not detect the actual fault in the system, it simply blinked, and the check engine light could give the message that there was something fishy going around in the system. Those scanners could also detect the sealed fuel system, random misfires, and specific Exhaust Gas Recirculation system faults.
Historical Chronology of OBD2
The history of onboard diagnostics reminds us of the early 1950s. Several organizations fix the landmark for the standard, including the California Air Resources Board, the Society of Automotive Engineers, the International Organization for Standardization, the Environmental Protection Agency, etc. It’s significant to note that before digitalization, manufacturers were producing their own systems, and the types of equipment from each manufacturer and models from the original manufacturer had their own engine, connector type, and electronic interface requirements. They also used their original custom codes for addressing problems.
The first OBD1 system was launched in early 1988 in the United States of America, and gradually as the year advanced, the companies needed a more reliable source of the diagnostic system, so in 1996, they introduced the OBD2 system. The OBD1 device could read the ECM, EGR system, fuel delivery system, and oxygen sensor. But there was a problem: the devices were not universal, and each company used its specific scanning system. To eliminate this problem, the OBD2 was invented, and this time the device can read all the manufacturer’s vehicle codes and it can perform more advanced techniques.
Why is OBD2 so significant?
The OBD2 has changed the entire complexion of the vehicle arena. It has brought potential significance to the diagnosis system of the vehicles. OBD2 measures the all-over telematics and fleet management of the car. It is significant for,
- The OBD2 smears around the fault codes and suggests how to solve those codes to the professional.
- The OBD II can inspect the parts that are degrading fast and may cause havoc in the future. It can instantly sneak out the problems and signalize the Check engine light.
- It can measure driving speed, idling time, fuel engine level, management, and other information.
What’s the difference between an OBD1 and OBD2?
There is a set of trouble codes that the OBD2 scanner can sneak out that the OBD1 scan device can not measure. The main difference between these two is their ability to check the trouble codes. The OBD2 has a more advanced set of standardized vehicle protocols and system checks. Let us have a look into the differences between these two diagnostic systems,
OBD1 is a diagnostic system
Those cars support the OBD1 scanning device, which was made between 1988 and 1996. This diagnosing system is not a manufacturer-specific device. Rather than OBD1 is a more generic code-specific diagnostic system. The main disadvantage is that this scanner will not work on different models of the car. It is manufacturer-based, so every specific brand needs a different scanner. This device can only figure out the basic errors of the vehicle. It can read the engine performance, check out the emission and the combustion system, and produce warning signals. This device plays a pivotal role in managing the vehicle’s main engine. 
OBD2 is a diagnostic system
Almost all the vehicles that are manufactured after 1996 are compatible with the OBD2 scanning device. This scanner comes with more advanced technology, and they can find out and pinpoint the deepest error inside the car.
Some of the basic works that the OBD2 device can perform are Air Fuel Ratio, Freeze Frame Data, Battery Performance, Engine Performance, Oil Temperature, oil viscosity, Fuel Pressure, Smog Testing, O2 Sensors, Temperature of the coolant, etc. Some other advanced diagnoses that the car performs are the Misfirings, Video interface Overlay, Battery Information and performance, anti-brake Lock System, Video quality Relay, Air Bag issues, Key Coding, ABS, etc. online Programming, ECU Programming, PCM measurements, and so many other options.
What data can be retrieved from the OBDII?
The OBD2 scanner could retrieve these codes alongside the other variables in the system,
- The generic powertrain codes, including the engine and transmission
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), calibration Identification Number (CIN)
- Ignition counter-information, Emissions Control System counters
- The OCV data, camshaft rotational information
After connecting the device with the car, the mechanics can easily find the actual fault in the system of the car and can repair those particular portions as directed in the manufacturer-specific manual.
Is my car compatible with the OBD2?
It is a genuine assumption that the vehicles produced after 1996 are compatible with the OBD2 scanner. But exceptions could be present, but those exceptions can not be told as an example. The basic information regarding the OBD2 scanner is printed in the emission control information label attached to the vehicle hood. If the car is compatible with this system, the word OBD-II might be written on the cover. So if you do not find the label, then check for the ports of the OBD2 scanner underneath the driving wheel. If you find the ports, it is crystal clear that your car is OBD2 compatible.
What Is WWH-OBD?
WWH OBD stands for World Wide Harmonized onboard diagnostics. It is an international standard applied for vehicle diagnostics, implemented by the United Nations as part of the Global Technical Regulations (GTR), which includes vehicle data examination such as engine error codes and the problem in the OCV.
Final Words
Today OBD2 devices have not come in a day. It took decades to discover such a system that can easily decode and read any kind of problem in the vehicle. The OBD2 is that kind of self-sustainable technology that permits the professionals to pinpoint the exact location of the error and diagnose and repair the fault places in a quick moment. This article has discussed the brief history of the OBD2 device, its necessity, and its key features. As a car owner, you need to have in-depth knowledge of the OBD2 mechanism. I hope this article identically develops your understanding of the OBD2 scanning tools.