How to do Auto OBD Diagnostic Testing

Dec 29
10:18

2011

Woody Su

Woody Su

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On-Board Diagnostics (which short for OBD) system in the car manufacturing industry is over 15 years; it has made diagnosing car troubles much easier for the layperson.

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On-Board Diagnostics (which short for OBD) system in the car manufacturing industry is over 15 years; it has made diagnosing car troubles much easier for the layperson. Now every new car is equipped with an OBD 2 system that delivers information as a series of codes. When an error code comes up,How to do Auto OBD Diagnostic Testing Articles the "check engine" light will turn on the dashboard, showing to the driver that the car has a trouble. With some research, you can use your car's computer diagnostics to diagnose and fix car problems.

You'll Need OBD 2 scanner for this job.

Borrow an OBD 2 scanner from your local car parts store. Most national car parts companies, such as Murray's and O'Reilly's, will lend you the OBD 2 scanners. You'll need to leave collateral like a driver's license or credit card while you take the scanner out to work on your car in the parking lot.

Insert the OBD 2 scanner into your car's Data Link Connector (DLC). The DLC is generally located below the driver's-side dash, just left of center. It has 16 connection pins and should match the cord contained with the OBD 2 scanner. If you cannot find it, look up your car owner's manual or contact the car manufacturer. Your car must be power on, but don't launch the engine.

Power the scanner on and follow the on-screen instructions. The scanner may generate generic codes and manufacturer's specific codes. Generic codes are the same for every car. Look up the online guide for generic OBD codes to identify the problem. By the way, The OBD 2 scanner can't read manufacturer's codes. If your car is showing a manufacturer code, take it to your local dealership shop to translate the specific problem.

Look up with your mechanic once you've retrieved your car's trouble codes. He can discuss the kinds of repairs needed for your car's problem. I am glad to communicate with you, if you are interested in OBD 2 scanner.