Manual

Introduction
WHAT IS OBD?
OBD2 1
WHAT IS OBD?
The Enhanced CanOBD2 Diagnostic Tool is designed to work on
all OBD2 compliant vehicles. All 1996 and newer vehicles (cars,
light trucks and SUVs) sold in the United States are OBD2
compliant.
One of the most exciting improvements in the
automobile industry was the addition of on-
board diagnostics (OBD) on vehicles, or in more
basic terms, the computer that activates the
vehicle’s “CHECK ENGINE” light. OBD1 was
designed to monitor manufacturer-specific
systems on vehicles built from 1981 to 1995.
Then came the development of OBD2, which is
on all 1996 and newer vehicles sold in the U.S. Like its predecessor,
OBD2 was adopted as part of a government mandate to lower vehicle
emissions. But what makes OBD2 unique is its universal application for
all late model cars and trucks - domestic and import. This sophisticated
program in the vehicle’s main computer system is designed to detect
failures in a range of systems, and can be accessed through a universal
OBD2 port, which is usually found under the dashboard. For all OBD
systems, if a problem is found, the computer turns on the “CHECK
ENGINE” light to warn the driver, and sets a Diagnostic Trouble Code
(DTC) to identify where the problem occurred. A special diagnostic tool,
such as the Enhanced CanOBD2 Diagnostic Tool, is required to retrieve
these codes, which consumers and professionals use as a starting point
for repairs.
The Enhanced CanOBD2 Diagnostic Tool provides the additional ability
to retrieve enhanced DTCs from most Chrysler/Jeep, Ford/Mazda and
GM/Isuzu vehicles. The types of enhanced data available depends on
the vehicle make.
To learn more about vehicle Computer Control Systems and
OBD2, see COMPUTER ENGINE CONTROLS on page 14.