OBD stands for “On-Board Diagnostics.” It is a computer-based system originally designed to reduce emissions by monitoring the performance of major engine components.
A basic OBD system consists of an ECU (Electronic Control Unit), which uses input from various sensors (e.g., oxygen sensors) to control the actuators (e.g., fuel injectors) to get the desired performance. The “Check Engine” light, also known as the MIL (Malfunction Indicator Light), provides an early warning of malfunctions to the vehicle owner. A modern vehicle can support hundreds of parameters, which can be accessed via the DLC (Diagnostic Link Connector) using a device called a scan tool.
There are two kinds of on-board diagnostic systems: OBD-I and OBD-II.
OBD-I
OBD-I refers to the first generation OBD systems which were developed throughout the 1980s. These early systems use proprietary connectors, hardware interfaces, and protocols. A mechanic who wanted to access diagnostic information typically had to buy a tool for every different vehicle make. OBD-I scan tools that support multiple protocols are supplied with an array of different adapter cables.
OBD-II
In the early 1990s, Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) and International Standardization Organization (ISO) issued a set of standards which described the interchange of digital information between ECUs and a diagnostic scan tool. All OBD-II compliant vehicles were required to use a standard diagnostic connector (SAE J1962), and communicate via one of the standard OBD-II communication protocols.
OBD-II was first introduced in model year (MY) 1994 vehicles, and became a requirement for all cars and light trucks starting with MY1996.
Communication protocols used in modern vehicles are incompatible with standard computer protocols (RS-232, USB, and so on). An OBD adapter (sometimes referred to as “vehicle interface adapter”) is an electronic device that allows a computer to access the vehicle network. It is similar in operation to a computer modem or a gateway, in that it translates messages from one protocol to another.
Normally, the data flows both ways — to and from the ECU. For example, in order to display the RPM or trouble codes, the following series of events must take place:
1、Software sends a request for RPM to the OBD adapter via one of the standard channels (e.g., USB).
2、OBD adapter receives the request, and retransmits it to the ECU on one of the OBD protocols (e.g., J1850).
3、The ECU responds with the data, the OBD adapter relays the reply back to the software.
4、The software decodes the reply, and displays it to the user.
OBD-II offers a standard way to access many types of data, including:
Real-time parameters: RPM, speed, pedal position, spark advance, airflow rate, coolant temperature, etc.
Status of “Check Engine” light
Emission readiness status
Freeze frame: a “snapshot” of parameters at the time a trouble event has occurred.
Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).
Oxygen sensor test results
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
Number of ignition cycles
Number of miles driven with MIL on
There are 3 main jobs that the antifreeze in coolant performs to keep the engine coolant temperature normal:
1、It prevents the coolant from freezing during cold weather.
2、It raises the boiling temperature of the coolant to prevent overheating during hot weather.
3、It fights corrosion.
Your vehicle is equipped with an Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor screwed into the engine's block or cylinder head, which determines the temperature of the engine coolant. If the operating temperature exceeds what your owner's manual says is acceptable (usually between 200 and 230 degrees F), it's time to get your cooling system checked to avoid overheating, and a possible breakdown.
Possible Causes for Engine Coolant Temperature Fluctuation：
1、Leak in the cooling system letting the pressure drop which.
2、decreases the boiling point of the coolant.
3、Bad or stuck thermostat. Or bad radiator cap.
4、Low coolant allowing air to get into the system.
5、Bad water pump or drive belt.
6、Debris in front of the radiator restricting air flow.
7、Mechanical issues such as a bad head gasket.
8、Bad cooling fan or accessories.
You can use vLinker iCar series to keep an eye on your engine coolant temperature.
When the Check Engine light is illuminated, your vehicle's on-board diagnostic system is telling you that there is a potential problem with your engine or transmission. The severity of the problem can very from innocuous (like a loose gas cap) to something that can cause the failure of a critical component.
Generally, you can tell whether the problem requires immediate attention, just by looking at the Check Engine light:
1、A steady light typically indicates a problem with the emission control system: bad oxygen sensor, a loose gas cap, etc.
2、A flashing light indicates a serious problem like a misfire, which should be taken care of right away to avoid expensive repairs.
You can use vLinker、iCar series to read out the trouble codes that will help you pinpoint the source of the problem, research the severity, and discover potential fixes. Once you make the repairs (or tighten the gas cap), you can use the scan tool to clear the trouble codes and turn off the Check Engine light.
Yes, our Vgate iCar Pro is an upgraded version of Vgate iCar3.
The product has updated more wake-up methods, such as: wakes on OBD bus activity, wakes on Battery Voltage, etc.
Reading the fault code of the power system is no problem, as long as your car is the OBD2 standard protocol.
Yeah!
Our products are applicable to 12V petrol vehicles compatible with standard OBD2 protocols, 12V small diesel vehicles with a load of 6.5T or less supporting the OBD2 protocols after 1996. Do not use on a 24V power diesel car.
There are two reasons that get timeouts when try to connect.
1. Confirm whether the connection type is set to the corresponding WIFI or BT when you use the APP.
2. Confirm that your car model is within the OBD2 standard.
our products only used for car power system.
That our current product version has not yet opened these features.
If you want to customize in large quantities, our products can change these.
These features are not currently available for non-customization.
