OBD2 Explained - A Simple Intro [v2.0 | 2021] 🌟

What is OBD2 (On Board Diagnostics)?

CAN bus (ISO 11898) is a vehicle bus standard that enables robust, efficient and decentralized communication between electronic control units. It is today the de facto standard in practically all automotives (cars, trucks, tractors, buses, motorcycles, ...), maritime vessels, aerospace applications and industrial machinery.

In short, OBD2 is your vehicle's built-in self-diagnostic system. It enables access to vehicle Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC) to e.g. enable mechanics to use OBD2 scanners to diagnose and resolve issues (as indicated by the Malfunction Indicator Light, or MIL). In addition, the OBD2 protocol provides access to a range of real-time parameters such as speed, RPM, throttle position and more - across different car brands. This makes it key to various use cases, such as car fleet management, automotive development & diagnostics for OEMs, fuel optimization and more.

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In this "v2.0" updated video tutorial we explain the OBD2 standard:

- 00:00 Introduction
- 00:25 Basics of OBD2
- 01:11 The OBD2 connector (pin-outs, type A & B)
- 01:52 OBD2 vs CAN bus
- 02:38 The history of OBD2
- 04:00 The future of OBD2 (OBD3, data access, electric vehicles)
- 04:59 How to record OBD2 data in practice
- 06:00 The OBD2 frame message structure (incl. OBD2 PIDs)
- 08:49 Example: OBD2 message request/response
- 09:23 OBD2 DBC file and decoding of OBD2 PIDs
- 09:40 OBD2 data logging use cases

This video is part of our extremely popular series of CAN protocol intros. Below you'll find links for our full playlist, as well as the more detailed articles.

If you're interested in learning more about logging CAN bus data, we recommend that you check out our below intros to our CANedge CAN bus data loggers, our CANmod sensor-to-CAN modules and our free software/API tools:

Learn about CAN bus data logging:

Learn about the CANedge and CANmod:

See also our intros to practical OBD2 logging & software:

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At CSS Electronics we specialize in simple-to-use, pro specs and interoperable CAN bus data loggers - like the CANedge and CLX000 series. The devices let you record raw data from e.g. cars, trucks, industrial machinery and other CAN based applications onto an 8-32 GB SD card. The devices are interoperable, meaning you can process the data in your favorite existing software - or use our 100% free and open source software/API tools.

We offer 100% free technical sparring - contact us:

[Bnkrsss]

Thank you for this video. Belive or not I'am making notes.

[laserguidedbrick]

Very helpful - Thanks. It pretty much negates the argument I've had with EV conversion shops not wanting to convert cars from 199? onwards because of CAN codes. Programmatically it would be very easy to emulate the signals coming from an ECM and inject it into the BUS especially since it's all based on an international standard.

[David_Mash]

Can we filter what information is released via response pids if we feel the manufacturer is offering more information than necessary?

[alejandroperez]

You're referring to OBD-II as a connector, as a protocol and as a standard... and that's confusing

[Chevifier]

In other words F*$& my creative ideas to Turn my car into and Android that talks and spits out relative data by speech. I can technically still do it but I'll have to maintain a constant connection to the OBD2 interface😅

[Automotivesp]

awesome video...we could make a lot of money together..

[clarenceroller]

How about a simple question?, Can an OBD2 display on a HUD things like(I have a Maverick, hybrid) each battery's charge condition, throttle position, oil pressure and temperature, coolant temperature, non-engineering gooble dee gook. Is there a list someplace of things like that, thing that the HUD can readily display?