OBD 2 Pinout Explained
On-Board Diagnostics II, or OBD2, is a self-diagnostic and reporting system in modern vehicles. It consists of an Electronic Control Unit, several sensors, and indicator lights. The sensors inspect the various subsystems within the vehicle and report any faults and abnormalities to the ECU.
Of course, simply reporting faults would be pointless if there was no way to read the errors and act on them. Hence, the ECU generates Diagnostic Trouble Codes and stores them for inspection by external OBD scanners. These codes are accessed through an OBD2 connector plugged into the 16-pin OBD port.
Consequently, repair technicians can analyze the error codes using a scan tool attached to the other end of the connector.
Are you confused by the various terminology thrown about? Read on to learn what an OBD2 connector is and its purpose in your vehicle.