This article will identify the parameters that provide the greatest amount of useful information and take a look at the new parameters that are being phased in. As you can see, the quality and quantity of data has increased significantly. 2 on page 56 shows data from a CAN-equipped 2005 Dodge Durango. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) revisions to OBD II CAN-equipped vehicles will increase the number of potential generic parameters to more than 100.

Most vehicles from that era will support 13 to 20 parameters. As many as 36 parameters were available under the original OBD II specification. 1 on page 54 was taken from a 2002 Nissan Maxima and shows the typical parameters available on most OBD II-equipped vehicles. The good news is the recent phase-in of new parameters will make OBD II generic data even more valuable. And all of that information is available on an OBD II generic scan tool that can be purchased for under $300. I've found that approximately 80% of the driveability problems I diagnose can be narrowed down or solved using nothing more than OBD II generic parameters. That's why my first choice is an OBD II generic scan tool. Unfortunately, most technicians don't have extra-deep pockets. The question asked by many is, 'Which scan tool should I use?' In a perfect world with unlimited resources, the first choice would probably be the factory scan tool. One of the best places to start is with a scan tool. If you don't have a good starting point, driveability diagnostics can be a frustrating experience.

Cen tech obd ii updated