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Now you too can understand the details of diagnosing OBDII vehicles! This book is both an OBDII bible and the first complete guide to diagnosing modern automobiles; both for absolute beginners and advanced technicians alike. If you want to understand the principles of electronic diagnostics, this book is for you! Detailed descriptions will answer all of your questions and more. It is the most comprehensive collection of information on OBDII ever printed. Now, the secrets of experienced technicians can be yours! Author Peter David, longtime technician at many fine dealerships, presents this interesting subject in layman's terms. Peter has been an automotive technician for nineteen years, with expertise in European and Exotic vehicles. He spent over twelve years at various dealerships such as Aston Martin, Jaguar and Mercedes-Benz, and spent an additional seven years as Shop Foreman for an independent repair facility. Several years ago he joined the team of ToolRama as Chief Researcher and has devoted his experience to the development of one of the leading diagnostic tools in the automotive world.

Contents top

Ever wondered what makes an automotive engine run? In the first chapter, Basic Concepts of an Engine, you will get an understanding of how an engine really works. If you are not familiar with the basics of an engine, OBDII will not make much sense. We are not going to get into complex issues, just simple facts. The Basics of Powertrain Control Module (PCM) chapter is an introduction to the layman's world of automotive electronics. It should satisfy your curiosity about what is inside the computer box controlling your entire engine and OBDII diagnostics. The next part of this book is about the History of OBDII. Before you can really understand what something is, you must first understand why and where it came from. The origin of OBDII dates all the way back to 1955. Since then, it has been a rocky road from the clean air activists to the independent automotive repair shops. Many people and organizations fought hard to bring about what we have today. In addition, in the history chapter, we will discuss all the organizations that helped OBDII become what it is today. After the history, we will explain what makes up OBDII. We call it the Anatomy of OBDII. Think of it as a human body: OBDII has many parts, and each part is crucial to its existence. We will dissect each part of OBDII, including the diagnostic connector; the protocols and their classifications; the break down of the fault codes and the terminology of each component. Next, on to the protocols: with an understanding of the parts of OBDII, the next logical step is what language OBDII speaks. You will learn in the chapter Understanding OBDII Protocols, how the control units communicate. In addition to the control units, a scan tool must use these protocols as well. You will be enlightened by learning about the pulse widths, modulations, high-speed communications and all four possible bus interfaces in OBDII compatible vehicles. The next section discusses what you use to diagnose OBDII equipped vehicles. This is commonly known as the OBDII Scan Tool. We will talk about what types of tools are out there. You could have a handheld stand-alone scanner, or a PDA type, or even just software that you can install on your laptop. After you know the hardware, you must know what its capabilities are. Now that you have decided which tool to use, how are you going to use it? In the chapter Diagnostics with a Scan Tool we will show you how to check which system is monitored; how to retrieve faults; how to check what the engine was doing when the fault happened; real time data values; and oxygen sensor monitoring. Now, for the meat and potatoes of the book: diagnosing the vehicles. We will cover the Big Three, as well as Asian and European vehicles. You want faults? Well, we've got faults! All P0xxx type faults and an explanation are found in the Appendix A of this book. In addition, we offer diagnostic tips on some common problems with OBDII, and all the P1xxx type faults for GM, Ford and Daimler-Chrysler vehicles. Read each chapter:     - OBDII Diagnostic Tips for GM     - OBDII Diagnostic Tips for Ford     - OBDII Diagnostic Tips for Daimler Chrysler OBDII in Europe? Yep, it is called EOBD. I think you can figure out what that means. Hint, E equals Europe... OBDII reached Europe to help clean up the air over there also. Don't think that the ozone layer is only affected in the US. Where will OBDII go in the future? Find out in the chapter Future of OBDII. Will there ever be an OBDIII? After a hard day of repairing cars, it is nice to come home to Justina's Kitchen and have a wonderful meal. (If your wife is upset that you bought yet another automotive book, just show have this chapter...). Appendix A is a complete list of OBDII Generic fault codes. This is not just a simple list; it is also diagnostic help for each fault. With each fault, see a brief diagnostic tip to guide you in the right direction for diagnosis. Appendix B is a complete list of Acronyms that OBDII adapted from the SAE. Appendix C is a complete list of Terms and definitions that OBDII adapted from the SAE.