OBD & Scan Tool History
From early onboard diagnostics through OBD-II, CAN and modern scan tools.
When did EOBD become mandatory in Europe?
Short answer: EOBD is the European version of on-board diagnostics.
EOBD is the European version of on-board diagnostics. It became mandatory in the European Union for gasoline vehicles in 2001 and for diesel vehicles in 2004.
Where did OBD-II Mode 6 come from?
Short answer: Mode 6 was defined as part of the OBD-II diagnostic modes to report results of non-continuous monitor tests.
Mode 6 was defined as part of the OBD-II diagnostic modes to report results of non-continuous monitor tests. It gave technicians access to test values that previously were visible only to factory engineers.
Why were OBD readiness monitors introduced?
Short answer: OBD-II introduced readiness monitors to show whether emissions self-tests had run since codes were cleared.
OBD-II introduced readiness monitors to show whether emissions self-tests had run since codes were cleared. Inspection programs began checking them so a vehicle could not pass simply by clearing codes before a test.
How did basic code readers fit into OBD history?
Short answer: Inexpensive code readers became common after OBD-II standardized connectors and codes.
Inexpensive code readers became common after OBD-II standardized connectors and codes. They read and clear codes but lack the live data and functions of professional scan tools, and they brought basic diagnostics to consumers.
How did bidirectional control change scan tools?
Short answer: Early scan tools mainly read data and codes.
Early scan tools mainly read data and codes. Bidirectional control, which lets a tool command modules to run tests or activate components, became a key feature of professional tools as vehicles gained more electronic systems.
When did module programming become a routine repair task?
Short answer: Module reprogramming became routine in the 2000s as vehicles relied on more control modules and automakers issued software updates.
Module reprogramming became routine in the 2000s as vehicles relied on more control modules and automakers issued software updates. It created new demand for pass-thru tools and stable power supplies.
Why did vehicle communication interfaces become common?
Short answer: Vehicle communication interfaces connect a vehicle to a laptop or tablet.
Vehicle communication interfaces connect a vehicle to a laptop or tablet. They became common as PC-based diagnostics and wireless interfaces replaced many dedicated handheld scan tools.
How did UDS (ISO 14229) shape newer vehicle diagnostics?
Short answer: ISO 14229, Unified Diagnostic Services, standardized many diagnostic services used by modern control modules.
ISO 14229, Unified Diagnostic Services, standardized many diagnostic services used by modern control modules. It became common on newer vehicles and shaped how scan tools communicate with them.
Why did automakers begin using diagnostics over IP?
Short answer: Diagnostics over Internet Protocol (DoIP) uses Ethernet for faster data transfer.
Diagnostics over Internet Protocol (DoIP) uses Ethernet for faster data transfer. Automakers began adopting it on newer vehicles as module software grew and programming over slower networks took too long.
How did the right to repair movement develop in the automotive industry?
Short answer: The automotive right to repair movement sought access for independent shops to the same repair information and tools as dealers.
The automotive right to repair movement sought access for independent shops to the same repair information and tools as dealers. Efforts in the 2000s and 2010s, including a Massachusetts ballot measure in 2012, led to industry agreements on access to service information.
Why did automakers add secure gateways to diagnostic networks?
Short answer: Some automakers added secure gateway modules in the late 2010s to protect vehicle networks from unauthorized access.
Some automakers added secure gateway modules in the late 2010s to protect vehicle networks from unauthorized access. They affected aftermarket scan tools, which then needed authorized access to perform some functions.
Why did OBD-II breakout boxes become useful diagnostic tools?
Short answer: After OBD-II standardized the J1962 connector, breakout boxes let technicians monitor each pin's voltage and signals.
After OBD-II standardized the J1962 connector, breakout boxes let technicians monitor each pin's voltage and signals. They became useful for diagnosing communication problems as more modules shared the diagnostic network.
What role has CARB played in the history of OBD?
Short answer: The California Air Resources Board drove the creation of on-board diagnostics, first with OBD-I requirements for California vehicles and then with OBD-II rules.
The California Air Resources Board drove the creation of on-board diagnostics, first with OBD-I requirements for California vehicles and then with OBD-II rules. Federal requirements followed, making OBD-II standard on U.S. vehicles from 1996.
How did OBD-II change emissions inspection programs?
Short answer: After OBD-II became standard, many inspection programs checked readiness monitors and stored codes instead of running tailpipe tests on newer vehicles.
After OBD-II became standard, many inspection programs checked readiness monitors and stored codes instead of running tailpipe tests on newer vehicles. The approach became common in the late 1990s and 2000s.
Why did OBD-II standardize the diagnostic connector location?
Short answer: OBD-II rules required the diagnostic connector to be located in an accessible area of the passenger compartment, usually near the steering column.
OBD-II rules required the diagnostic connector to be located in an accessible area of the passenger compartment, usually near the steering column. This let inspectors and technicians find it quickly on any vehicle.
General guidance only. Follow the vehicle and tool manufacturer's procedures, and confirm vehicle coverage on the tool maker's list before buying.