Re: Diagnostics

[christian147@domain.elided]

>No, that is US OBD / OBD2 rules, which do not apply in Europe. They
>have recently mandated a common socket for diagnostics, but no
>common standard for how that socket communicates

Yes there is a common standard for communication.  It doesn't stop the
manufacturer from adding other communication paths if they want, but one
tool can extract DTCs (diagnostic trouble codes) from all 1996 and later
cars sold in the US.  The DTC are standardized also, but the standard
allows the manufacturer to use unique tests with unique DTCs if they are
at least as sensitive as the test in the standard.  Any OBD11 reader will
be able to read the DTC it just won't be able to define it for you.  Also
any OBD11 compliant car should have a tag under the steering column
surround to tell you where the socket is located, its part of the
standard.  Thank the independent repair industry for the commonality in
the standard.

Chris Hall

--
to be removed from alfa, see /bin/digest-subs.cgi
or email "unsubscribe alfa" to majordomo@domain.elided