Q. What is CAN?

A. CAN is short for Controller Area Network. CAN is the newest addition to the OBDII standard and will be the required electrical interface for all vehicles beginning in the model year of 2008.
 

Q. What is OBD II?

A. OBD stands for On Board Diagnostics. The ¡°II¡± signifies the version of the OBD specification being used. OBD¡¯s roots go all the way back to early 1970¡¯s. In order to combat smog problems in LA, the EPA started requiring car manufacturers to provide emission control systems on the vehicles they manufactured. In 1988 a set of standards was developed by the SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) including a standard connector plug and set of diagnostic test signals. This was OBDI.

OBD II is a more sophisticated standard that was introduced in the mid-’90s. It monitors parts of the chassis, body and accessory devices, as well as the diagnostic control network of the car. On-Board Diagnostic systems are in all 1996 and newer cars and light trucks.
 

Q. What is the difference between OBD I & OBD II (On-Board Diagnostic I & II)?

A. OBD I covers: For d and Chrysler vehicles 1983-1995, Jeep vehicles 1991-1995, and GM vehicles 1982-1995. Import vehicles used other diagnostic standards prior to 1996. OBD II covers all vehicles 1996-present.
 

Q. What is the difference between a Code Reader and a Code Scanner?

A. Readers and Scanners both display vehicle computer fault codes with descriptions. Scanners have the additional function of providing real-time component voltage and current outputs. Some examples of these components are: 02 Sensors, Fuel Injectors, Throttle Position Sensors, and Transmission Sensors.