What is the OBD 2 socket and what is connected to it, that socket of the car's on-board diagnostic system and which has more uses than simply reading the errors saved by the computer through it. The term OBD is an abbreviation for On-Board Diagnostics and refers to the automotive electronic system that provides self-diagnosis and reporting information.
With the help of such an OBD socket, the mechanics auto, electricians and auto technicians, being the ones who access subsystem information, can discover and monitor performance and at the same time repair. It should be known that the two versions, OBD and OBD 2 (On-Board Diagnostics Level II), both are versions of the communication interface, OBD is older, and OBD-II is the standard used today. All cars us, which enters the European market, must have a diagnostic system equipped with a socket compliant with the OBD II standard.
Where to look for the OBD socket
This 16-pin socket, usually hidden under the dashboard or near the central tunnel, is the gateway to the electronics MACHINE. Diagnostic system at board from each car must be configured so that, using diagnostic devices compliant with standard protocols, it is possible to read the basic parameters of the engine's operation and information about faults that may affect exhaust emissions.
The idea is that each diagnostician of a vehicle to be able to connect to the car's electronics and check if everything is working correctly. Finding the OBD socket should not cause major problems, although with each model of this car will be located in one place slightly different. If you encounter problems with its location, the easiest way is to search on the Internet, or ask someone who owns your model of car.
OBD socket purpose
The main purpose of the OBD socket is diagnostics. By connecting to the OBD system, you have the opportunity to read error codes and recognize what the problem is. Reading the code itself, however, is not everything, because the true art is its correct interpretation.
An interesting feature of an OBD socket in modern cars, equipped with electronics, is the ability to run a certain functionality of MACHINE independently and sometimes completely free of charge.
However, more advanced equipment allows much more, because not only can the parameters be visualized MACHINE, but various settings can also be modified.
Basically, accessing the OBD socket means taking control over MACHINE. Exist people quarreled with the law, who have been using immobilizer "unlockers" for several years and who know this very well.
What is the OBD 2 socket and what is connected to it
If you don't feel like going to a workshop every time auto, when a warning light comes on, you have different options: either buy a simple error scanner, connected to the OBD, or invest in a plug that fits into the OBD socket, equipped with a wireless communication module (wi-fi or Bluetooth), which can be used to communicate the car's electronics with a laptop, tablet or smartphone.
You also need Applications - simple error reading programs, which are free, or those with more reading capabilities, usually cost from a few tens to a few hundred lei. The choice of equipment is less important. A laptop or a smartphone is an individual choice depending on individual possibilities and preferences. Remember that sometimes it takes a few tries to find errors.
What matters is the schedule. There are free applications on the market, although they are not the best and are quite limited. One of the best choices, for the most frugal, is the program Torque Pro.
Finally
Now, after you have already found out what the OBD 2 socket is, let's refer to the effect of such a personal diagnosis. So, keep in mind that most devices will allow you to read and clear errors related to key drive unit sensors, or incorrect exhaust gas composition. exhaust. However, it will be difficult to verify the information stored in the ABS controllers, airbags, gearbox or power steering.
For this, you may need much more professional and dedicated equipment car brands specific. Unfortunately, universal devices, with specific protocols and codes, are not able to read them. Why this difference? This is due to the use of more pins. The specification of the socket requires the use of only 9 pins, while in the connector there are up to 16. The rest is freely used by the manufacturer's programs.
