The On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) system in your car is an electronic diagnostics program that has been around since the late 1960s. It monitors your vehicle’s performance and can detect problems that may cause your car’s Check Engine light to turn on.
You can easily check the Check Engine light in your car by plugging in an OBD scanner to the OBD port located under the dashboard. What used to be accessible only to auto mechanics is now accessible to anyone.
The scanner can read the trouble codes (DTCs) and provide additional details about the problem. Some advanced scanners can even forecast potential failures!
FAQ
What is OBD?
OBD stands for On-Board Diagnostics. It is an electronic diagnostics program in your car that can detect problems that may cause the Check Engine light to turn on.
How do I check the Check Engine light using an OBD scanner?
You can check the Check Engine light in your car by plugging in an OBD scanner to the OBD port located under the dashboard. The scanner will read the trouble codes (DTCs) and provide additional details about the problem.
Can an OBD scanner forecast potential failures?
Some advanced OBD scanners can forecast potential future failures in your car based on the detected problems.
Final Thoughts
Understanding your car’s On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) system can save you time and money. By detecting problems early, you can fix them before they become major issues. So the next time your Check Engine light turns on, grab an OBD scanner and check it out!
