On-board diagnostics (OBD) refers to the automotive electronic system that provides vehicle self-diagnosis and reporting capabilities for repair technicians. An OBD gives technicians access to subsystem information for the purpose of performance monitoring and analyzing repair needs.
OBD is the standard protocol used across most light-duty vehicles to retrieve vehicle diagnostic information. Information is generated by engine control units (ECUs or engine control modules) within a vehicle. They are like the vehicle’s brain or computers.
In a typical passenger vehicle, you can find the OBD II port on the underside of the dashboard on the driver’s side of the car. Depending on the type of vehicle, the port could have a 16-pin, 6-pin or 9-pin configuration
What data can be accessed from the OBD II?
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The OBDII provides access to status information and Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) for:
Powertrain (Engine and transmission)
Emission Control Systems -
You can access the following vehicle information via the OBD II
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
Calibration Identification Number
Ignition counter
Emissions Control System counters