OBD
Transportation & Travel abbreviation · Automotive
| Stands for | On-board diagnostics |
|---|---|
| Categories | Transportation & Travel |
OBD stands for On-board diagnostics, an automotive abbreviation.
Vehicle self-diagnostic system that monitors engine and emissions components and stores fault codes, which mechanics read with a scan tool. California required early forms on new cars from the late 1980s.
Example: Plug a cheap OBD reader into the port under the dash and it will tell you why the light is on.
Usage notes
First-generation systems (OBD-I) varied by manufacturer and were limited. The standardized second generation, OBD-II, became mandatory in the US for 1996 models. In Europe the equivalent is EOBD. Insurance telematics dongles and some fleet trackers plug into the OBD port.
Related abbreviations
More automotive abbreviations
- MPI – Multipoint injection
- MPV – Multi-purpose vehicle
- MSRP – Manufacturer's suggested retail price
- MT – Manual transmission
- NACS – North American Charging Standard
- NCAP – New Car Assessment Program
- OBD-II – On-board diagnostics II
- OEM – Original equipment manufacturer
- OHV – Off-highway vehicle
- OTA – Over-the-air updates
- OTD – Out-the-door price
- PCM – Powertrain control module