what is On-board diagnostics

Most drivers today are familiar with the lights and indicators on their dashboard, especially the dreaded check engine light. However, did you know these lights are the surface level indicators for a complex system of diagnostic signals that constantly work to monitor the health of a vehicle? From personal vehicles to commercial trucks, these systems, called OBD systems, have become a standard, making vehicle diagnosis and maintenance easier than ever before. On-board diagnostics (OBD) is an term referring to a vehicle's self-diagnostic and reporting capability. OBD systems give the vehicle owner or repair technician access to the status of the various vehicle sub-systems. The amount of diagnostic information available via OBD has varied widely since its introduction in the early 1980s versions of on-board vehicle computers. Early versions of OBD would simply illuminate a malfunction indicator light or "idiot light" if a problem was detected but would not provide any information as to the nature of the problem. Modern OBD implementations use a standardized digital communications port to provide real-time data in addition to a standardized series of diagnostic trouble codes, or DTCs, which allow a person to rapidly identify and remedy malfunctions within the vehicle. A basic OBD system consists of a central system, a network of sensors, a connection point and indicators, creating a complete monitoring system with standardized access and readability.