What is OBDII?

OBDII stands for On Board Diagnostics system second generation. This is a powerful diagnostic program created to add more precise tests and procedures to the vehicles PCM, so it can better protect the catalytic converter from damage.

OBDI was used in auto's starting in 1988 and remained standard through 1996. It didn't have any of tests and monitors incorporated into the OBDII system so when some problems arose damage to the catalyst would be the the result causing major pollution and driveability problems. All vehicles sold in the U.S. were required to phase in the OBDII system into 1996 and later models. Some vehicles in 1994 and 1995 had the OBDII system built in as well, this can be determined by reading the under hood label. OBDII was designed to alert the vehicle's operator that the emission's levels are 1.5x greater than originally certified by the U.S.EPA by illuminating the MIL lamp (malfunction indicator lamp). Also the addition of OBDII enables the PCM to monitor the emissions over the entire life of the vehicle.