Specifications and Analysis of Digitized Diagnostics of Automobiles: A Case Study of on Board Diagnostic (OBD II)

Abstract

On-board diagnostics, (OBD) is an automotive term that refers to a vehicle's self-diagnostic and reporting ability. OBD systems enable owner of vehicles or automobile repair technician to gain access to the condition of the various vehicle subsystems. Modern motor vehicles are highly sophisticated machines that incorporate development in electrical, electronics and mechanical engineering. The traditional "trial-and-error" mode of diagnosis could no longer be efficient to meet up with the need for maintenance and repairs on such vehicles. Therefore, this probes a challenge to meet up with the technological trend, and hence it becomes imperative to adopt new mode of diagnosis with high efficiency on the new generation motor vehicles. To facilitate and enhance the early detection of faults and malfunctions related to emissions control components, different diagnostic tools like Launch X-431 and Autel Maxidiag (Elite Series) were used and from the research carried out and the various results obtained from the various diagnostics of some selected automobiles from German Make, American Make, and Japanese Make vehicles, the diagnostics results provided an appreciated feedback through the triggering of Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) and thereby with the use of diagnostic scan tools, the failures and faults within the engine compartment were detected. It was evident that On Board Diagnostic has the capacity to facilitate and enhance the early detection of vehicle malfunction and faults related to emissions control components and as a result reducing high emissions caused by emission related malfunctions.