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submitted 3 months ago* (last edited 3 months ago) by recreationalcatheter@lemm.ee to c/showerthoughts@lemmy.world

Modern cars have MASSIVE digital displays, loads of computers systems monitoring every subsystem and internal diagnostics running to the OBDII ports.

Why the hell can't we get diagnostic feeds on our console or infotainment center?

I'm not aware of any car manufacturers selling their own diagnostic ASICs, so it's not an extra margin to squeeze afaik...

What gives? Any insight into this beyond the usual muh corporate profits conjecture?

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[-] madnificent@lemmy.world 3 points 3 months ago* (last edited 3 months ago)

There is a standard connector which existed before big screens landed in cars, the OBD2 connector. Dongles are cheap and you can read the output from your phone or computer. Some dongles support bluetooth. The connector is mandated in some markets and I guess that makes it less interesting to add a redundant interface inside of the car. It's fun to try if you're interested. Manufacturers can extend the error codes IIRC.

Tesla has a service mode on the display through which you can scan the car for faults, run a battery test, ... It is password protected but the password is publicly available.

[-] over_clox@lemmy.world 2 points 3 months ago

Usually I wouldn't be that guy, but it's OBD2, not ODB2.

OBD - On Board Diagnostics

[-] madnificent@lemmy.world 1 points 3 months ago

Updated my comment to reflect this. Thanks for clearing out the confusion.

[-] I_Miss_Daniel@lemmy.world 0 points 3 months ago

Once it may have been called ALDL instead. My '95 Commodore has one. Assembly Line Diagnostic Link. Same physical connector.

[-] Beldarofremulak@discuss.online 1 points 3 months ago

ALDL was proprietary to GM kind of like apple and their connector tomfoolery. In 1990-something CARB probably didn't want to buy all the different diagnostic tools so they said if you want to drive in California your car needs OBD-II. Now, I can check and clear codes on any modern car with a $35 tool.

1996 model year.

this post was submitted on 20 Dec 2024
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