What does OBD detect?
2 Answers
OBD detection is to check whether the vehicle's pollutant emissions exceed the standard. The details are as follows: 1. Locate and describe the faulty parts or components for easy maintenance; 2. Alert for faults that cause excessive emissions, to remind of the increased environmental impact due to pollutant emissions. Methods to reduce OBD failure include: 1. Refuel at regular gas stations and use the fuel grade recommended by the manufacturer; 2. For diesel vehicles equipped with selective catalytic reduction devices, use qualified urea produced by reputable manufacturers; 3. When the OBD light is on, promptly take the vehicle to a 4S shop for repair; 4. Use the vehicle normally without overloading or exceeding limits; 5. Do not modify, shield, or dismantle the OBD system control device without authorization.
I remember that time when the check engine light suddenly came on while I was driving, and I immediately went for an OBD scan to find out the cause. Simply put, an OBD scan uses the car's built-in diagnostic system to scan for various vehicle issues. It can monitor the emission control system in real-time to check for problems, such as whether the catalytic converter or oxygen sensor has failed, as these components control the car's pollutant emissions. If the system detects an abnormality, it stores it in a fault code, and we can use an OBD scanner to connect to the port under the steering wheel and read the code to identify the issue. For example, a P0420 code might indicate low efficiency in the emission system. This helps me avoid blindly troubleshooting during repairs and allows me to address the problem directly. Beyond emissions, it can also check the engine's operating status, such as incorrect ignition timing or transmission issues, as well as faults in safety systems like ABS. I recommend car owners perform an OBD scan before annual inspections or long trips to avoid breakdowns on the road or fines for excessive emissions. Nowadays, many car apps make this process as easy as grocery shopping—saving money and being eco-friendly.
