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Information on diagnostics

OBD – On-board diagnostics Part 2: Details

Why does the OBD light go out again? What do the OBD diagnostic trouble codes mean? How do you read out the diagnostic trouble codes? Where is the OBD’s plug connection? This video gives you the answers.

Monitoring in the vehicle

The OBD monitors all systems and components that are relevant to exhaust gas. Some components are permanently monitored. Other components are only monitored when passing through a driving cycle – e.g. in the case of defined operating conditions, or when certain operating points are reached. Examples of cyclical monitoring include the catalytic converter, the fuel tank ventilation system and the exhaust gas recirculation. Only if a fault occurs in two consecutive driving cycles will the code be saved, causing the error lamp to light up. If the fault does not recur, the lamp will go out automatically after three consecutive cycles. After 40 faultless driving cycles, the diagnostic trouble code will also be deleted from the OBD memory again.


OBD diagnostic trouble codes

There are standardised diagnostic trouble codes for all vehicle types.
Code structure:
1) The first letter indicates the area in which the fault has occurred:
P stands for drive (Powertrain)
B for body (Body)
C for chassis (Chassis)
U for network systems (data bus)

2) The number in the second place:
0 stands for a standardised OBD code
1, 2, ... stand for manufacturer-specific codes

3) The third position indicates the assembly group of the fault:
1/2 = fuel supply
3 = ignition system/ignition misfires
4 = exhaust gas purification systems
5 = speed and idling control systems
6 = control unit and its output signals
7/8 = transmission/gearbox

4) The last two digits stand for the detected component and the type of fault
 


The diagnostic connection

The connection must be reachable via the driver’s seat. The plug connection is standardised, i.e. the plug assignment and transfer protocol are the same in all vehicles. 

OBD error lamp

When the ignition is turned on, the OBD error lamp (engine check lamp) will light up for the function check. If a fault related to exhaust gas occurs or if a fault is detected during self-testing of the control unit, the OBD error lamp will light up continuously. If serious faults that could cause damage arise, the light will flash. 


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