The history of the OBD2 standard and why it exists today

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Today, we have the OBD2 standard to help us figure out what’s wrong with our vehicles. Can you imagine putting your ear to your car’s hood and listening for weird clanking noises, bucking, or other abnormalities, to determine if something is wrong? There was a time when that is what mechanics did, if you can believe it!

When you Google car scanners or OBD2 scanners, it is not immediately apparent why that title is used. But “OBD” and “OBDII” are diagnostics standards, established specifically for the automotive industry, in the late 70s and early 80s, which were eventually expanded upon. They make working with the advanced technologies inside modern vehicles much simpler.

To understand where they come from and why, we have to take a brief journey back in history.

Unlocking modern diagnostics

Between the 1960s, and 70s, vehicles began to advance considerably, including much more complex systems, which featured very technical solutions for assessing various problems. A great example is the modern instrumentation that was born in this age. You see, much older vehicles, like the old-school classics, didn’t have a lot of instrumentation. Instead, engineers relied on their senses and expertise to find what was wrong. An oil leak or loud and unorthodox engine sounds meant mechanical issues, for instance. Even a weird smell could be a sign.

But again, as vehicles became more advanced, we needed a tried-and-true method to diagnose and confirm problems. Volkswagen actually incorporated one of the first onboard computer systems in fuel-injected Type 3 classic models. However, it was analog-based with no true diagnostic functions.

The first similar, machine-based diagnostic system was introduced and developed by General Motors in the 80s.

Called ALDL, or the assembly line diagnostic link, it read error codes in vehicles to help determine what was going awry. Unfortunately, it was much too broad and didn’t provide the appropriate context needed for troubleshooting.

Recognizing this system essentially worked, but needed to be improved, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) pushed to build a standard upon the idea. It was also to help reduce emissions and improve air quality, which was abysmal in Los Angeles during that time. A reliable detection and reporting standard would allow engine and vehicle problems to be identified earlier and fixed, ultimately helping to reduce harmful emissions.

And that’s when we were introduced to the OBD standard, or on-board diagnostic capabilities technologies. It would eventually be mandated in all new cars going forward.

And that’s when we were introduced to the OBD standard, or on-board diagnostic capabilities technologies. It would eventually be mandated in all new cars going forward.

Unlike today's scanners, the original OBD devices were not universal. They did not work between models and brands. Instead, they were designed to only work on a per-vehicle basis. The error codes weren’t standardized either. That meant you could have two entirely different codes for the same engine problem across even the same brand of vehicles. Needless to say, it made things confusing and frustrating, and there were some growing pains.

Eventually, OBD 1.5 was introduced in the early to mid 90s, with better implementations, and that was expanded upon with OBD2 (OBD-II), which came in 1996.

The Modern OBD2 Standard Is Nationalized

When it was rolled out, OBD2 became a nationwide standard for automotives. It was around this time that computers became commonplace in vehicles, too, which is something we widely recognize in our vehicles today, albeit they’re much more complex.

OBD2 in its early iterations, also helped pave the way for vehicle telematics, a method of assessing and monitoring vehicles of all types, using GPS, on-board diagnostics, and electronic components.

Modern vehicles built after 1996 included OBD-II or OBD2 ports, which allowed mechanics, engineers, and consumers to plug in the appropriate devices and identify error codes. The biggest difference with the new, upgraded standard is that not only did those codes provide valuable context, they were also organized and consistent. The OBD scanners were also improved to access more vehicle information, like VIN (Vehicle Identification Numbers), ignition details and emissions control systems.

Basically, thanks to the continual improvement of this standard, everyone now has a way to plug into their vehicles, see what’s wrong, and enact specific repairs or fixes. There’s virtually no more guesswork involved, and that leads to better automotive care, smarter preventative maintenance, and just better life cycles for vehicles all around.

Why everyone should have a car scanner that meets the OBD2 standard

As we’ve mentioned in previous articles, it’s important that everyone has an OBD2 scanner available, regardless of their skill level, expertise or profession. You don’t need to be a mechanic or a vehicle expert to use these devices.

While there are more advanced models that can provide better information, something like the Innova 1000 is excellent for everyone — even those with no vehicle knowledge. You can plug this little device into the OBD2 port in your vehicle, figure out why the check engine light is on, clear notifications, and more.

When all is said and done, it’s equally valuable and practical that the automotive industry had proponents pushing the OBD2 standard forward, and also that we use it collectively today. It has vastly changed the modern vehicle industry for the better.

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