In its simplest terms, OBD-II data logging is a way for your car to track information about how it is running. This information is stored on a small computer in your car called an onboard diagnostics (OBD) computer. When you take your car in for a check-up, the mechanic can use this information to find out what is wrong with your car.

What is a Vehicle Data Logger?

Enables the management of vehicles and fleets in real-time. Data loggers are telematics devices that receive and record data sent from automotive sensors and electronic control units. In addition to storing data in the internal memory, wireless technology can be used to collect and analyze data in real-time.

What is OBD2?

From car diagnostics to fleet optimization, OBD2 is a key component of automotive data logging.

In this article, we cover the basics of OBD2, how it is related to CAN, how to log OBD2 data, and the PIDs for OBD2 parameters.

To put it very simply, OBD 2 data logging is the process of recording information about a vehicle's performance as it travels.

This information can be used to help diagnose problems with the vehicle and improve its overall performance.

One common analogy for understanding OBD 2 data logging is to think of it as a "digital black box" that records everything that happens while the car is in use.

Your vehicle's built-in self-diagnosis system is called On-Board Diagnostics (OBD).

You probably know what it is already by experience. When was the last time you saw the dashboard malfunction light come on?

That's your car telling you there's something wrong, and you should take it to a mechanic.

In this case, your mechanic will connect the OBD-II 16-pin connector under your driver's wheel using an OBD2-compatible scanner.

Thus, he can read the Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) and understand the problem without dismantling your car!

What is the origin of OBD?

In 1991, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) mandated the OBD system in all new cars to control emissions.

In 1994, the CARB made OBD2 mandatory for cars sold after 1996.

OBD2 is a standard recommended by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) for standardizing diagnostic codes and connectors across manufacturers (in accordance with SAE J1962). Following that, OBD2 became mandatory in the USA for cars and light trucks sold in 1996 and in the EU in 2001 for petrol cars and in 2004 for diesel cars. Also, for heavy-duty vehicles (since 2010) as well as medium-duty vehicles (since 2005).

Almost all vehicles are fitted with the OBD-II system today. In addition to facilitating easy error resolution, the standardization of DTCs keeps manufacturers from locking car owners into using proprietary diagnostic tools.

What Information Does OBD2 Provide?

An OBD-II scanner device is used by auto mechanics and owners to view the data collected by the system. In addition to providing data about temperature, coolant, crankshaft and camshaft, engine speed, and throttle position, this device can also provide you with information about your car's engine RPM. After you have completed all the necessary checks or repairs, you will need to reset the system in order to clear the error codes and prevent the check engine light from coming back on.

Can You Read Mileage Through OBDii?

On-board diagnostic dongles can't read a vehicle's actual odometer, which might surprise you. On the other hand, OBD dongles figure out an approximate mileage based on the location of the car and when the driver started and stopped driving.

How Does OBD2 Differ From CAN?

The difference between OBD2 and CAN bus is that OBD2 is a 'higher layer protocol' (think of it as a language) while CAN bus is a communication method (think of a telephone).

It is actually possible to communicate using five different bus systems (signaling protocols) with the OBD-II system. CAN bus (ISO 15765) has been a compulsory protocol for OBD-II for all the cars sold in the US since 2008 and is now the standard in the industry.

What does OBD2 mean to me?

If you are a mechanic, then you care about diagnostic trouble codes, whereas regulatory agencies care about emission data. OBD-II, however, actually includes a fairly wide range of standardized parameter IDs (PIDs), which can be extracted from most regular automobiles.

You can then get live OBD2 data from your car for some key parameters - and that's pretty awesome! The vast majority of this information is also available outside of the OBD-II protocol, but these CAN messages are often proprietary. To decode them, you would require a database of conversion rules/parameters, which is not always available. So, for example, car hobbyists would have to reverse engineer (CAN sniffing/hacking) to access such data. Therefore, the OBD-II standard is often the most convenient way to access basic vehicle data parameters. The article on the standardized OBD-II PIDs on Wikipedia is excellent.

I Want To Get Started! What OBD-II Recorder Do I Need?

In the hands of both hobbyists and more advanced CAN sniffers / CAN hackers, OBD-II can provide interesting data. For the same reason, you will find many tools that give you access to the data in different ways.

OBD2 Scanners/Code Readers:

Generally, used to read and clear diagnostic trouble codes. A mechanic uses them, for example, to determine the cause of a malfunctioning indicator lamp (MIL). Different OBD2 scanners cover different code sets and have different capabilities.

OBD2 Data Loggers Feature:

Used to log OBD-II data from a car over time to an SD card, for example - this can be useful for post-analysis and for analyzing patterns, correlations, etc. In addition, for diagnostic and optimization purposes, a data logger provides a "black box" view of data patterns before and after the diagnostic code has been executed.

Bluetooth or WiFi-enabled OBD-II data loggers are also employed in, e.g., vehicle fleet management to optimize fuel efficiency, prevent unsafe driving, and perform proactive remote diagnostics via the features supported by OBD-II.

OBD2 Data Interfaces:

The device provides real-time data on OBD-II parameters. These applications can include visual displays or apps that guide drivers on fuel efficiency or performance or serve as a live health check. CAN sniffing or car hacking can also be accomplished using advanced OBD-II interfaces that stream OBD-II data along with proprietary CAN bus data.

OBD 2 Data Logger Facts at a Glance

OBD2 data logging works by recording data from your vehicle's onboard diagnostic system.

This data can be used to troubleshoot problems with your vehicle or to track your driving habits.

OBD ii data logging devices typically connect to your vehicle's OBD2 port and can be used with a laptop or desktop computer.

Some OBD II data logging devices also have built-in displays, so you can see the data in real-time.

OBD 2 data logging can be used to monitor a variety of engine parameters, including engine speed, throttle position, and engine temperature.

OBD2 data logging can also be used to monitor emissions-related data, such as exhaust gas temperature and oxygen sensor readings.

OBD2 data logging can be used to track fuel economy data, as well.

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How Does OBD-II Data Logging Work?