Do you wonder what the “check engine” light on your dashboard is trying to tell you? Have you ever had a technician say they need to “diagnose” your vehicle?
On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) is a built-in electronic communication system designed to identify and help analyze problems which affect vehicle emission systems. OBD monitors the performance of the engines’ major individual emission related components. The system informs drivers when an emission related failure has occurred by illuminating a “Check Engine” light on the instrument panel.
If the light comes on and stays on, or is blinking, the OBD system has detected a problem. Your vehicle is telling you it requires service. If left unaddressed, these conditions could also cause damage to your vehicle.
A modern repair shop will use a scan tool to diagnose the cause of your vehicle’s problem. The technician will connect the scan tool to your vehicle’s computer (usually through a connector under the dashboard) and download information that can pinpoint the problem. The technician can then repair the vehicle based on manufacturer recommendations. Your vehicle’s system in conjunction with a scan tool helps a repair technician properly diagnosis your vehicle quickly and reliably.