Benefits of on-board diagnostics apps - inCarDoc
Administrator
posted this
07 June 2023
Onboard diagnostics system was first introduced in the late 1970s and early 1980s, but it became more standardized and widely used starting in the 1990s. It monitors the condition of key vehicle components and allows you to detect malfunctions even before they occur. Driver can go to the service station for profound OBD diagnostics, or use inCarDoc for basic engine scanning for malfunction.
What is the OBD2?
The OBD2 meaning: On-Board Diagnostics -II, is a standardized system of the second generation (since 1996) for monitoring the technical condition of a car. If you were wondering: is an "on—board diagnostics" built into electronic control units that monitor the operation of the engine, exhaust system, transmission and other components. It was created to reduce harmful emissions and simplify maintenance. Today, almost every modern car is equipped with a similar system. Hope, we fully reveal the interest in what is an OBD2 vehicle.
How does the system work?
The car is equipped with a special diagnostic connector. It is enough for the user to connect an adapter to it to access the data through the application. This connector is called what is an OBD2 port — it is usually located under the steering column and has a standard 16-pin interface. Through it, data is transmitted in real time to the inCarDoc application.
The OBD2 system records errors in the form of special codes that are stored in memory. Scanners or applications are used to read this data. That’s where knowing what is an OBD2 scanner comes in handy — it’s a device or software that reads diagnostic trouble codes and parameters from a vehicle.
Differences between OBD2-I and OBD2-II
The first version of the system appeared back in the 1980s and was called OBD-I. It did not have a common standard and differed from one manufacturer to another. The situation changed with the introduction of OBD2-II in the mid-90s. This version already supported universal data transfer protocols, which made it easier to work with cars. If you're asking what does OBD2 stand for, it's second—generation On-Board Diagnostics, internationally accepted.
| Key Features of the OBD-II | Key Features OBD-I | |
| ✅ Standardized Connector – one tool works with all car brands, 16-pin D-shaped connector, typically located under the dashboard near the driver's seat. ✅ Universal Protocols – Supports multiple communication protocols (e.g., CAN, ISO 9141, KWP2000). ✅ Real-time Data Access – Reads sensor data like engine RPM, speed, fuel consumption, and emissions. ✅ Check Engine Light (CEL) Diagnosis – Helps identify issues triggering the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL). ✅ Emission Control Monitoring – Essential for emissions testing and compliance with regulations. |
❌ Manufacturer-Specific Systems - tools designed for one brand (e.g., GM, Ford, Toyota) often didn’t work with another. ❌ Basic Diagnostic Capability - Mainly designed to detect basic engine and emission problems. ❌ Limited Data Access - Limited to reading stored fault codes. ❌ No Universal Software or Hardware Support |
Unlike the previous version, the OBD2 II system allows you to transfer much more data, including in real time, and also provides support for advanced diagnostic protocols.
What is the OBD2 scanner and when is it used?
OBD2-II is actively used in car service stations for profound on-board diagnostic. Professional tools offer ECU programming solutions and wider DTC scanning. Such a check can be carried out once a year, or even for a year and a half. It will reveal the cause of the malfunction in the car, or even prevent it.
inCarDoc app is a mobile app that can be used with Bluetooth/Wi-Fi OBD-II Adapter, also called ELM327 adapters. It offers to launch casual engine diagnostics. Using the adapter and the app, the user can monitor dynamic parameters, read and store DTC history and clear trouble codes.
Advantages of using inCarDoc
PNN Soft's inCarDoc app has become a reliable solution for diagnosing vehicles that support OBD2-II. It is available for Android and iOS, and has both a free and an extended PRO version.
Here's what the app offers:
- reading and decoding fault codes;
- real-time display of engine parameters;
- recording and exporting data;
- working in the background;
- GPS-a bundle of parameters with a route;
- flexible settings and updated interface.
One of the unique features is manual command entry via the console, as well as setting up units of measurement (metric and imperial systems).
The application uses a standard connection interface. For those who are interested: what is an OBD2 connector is a physical connection between the adapter and the car that provides access to information.
Stay in DTC control with inCarDoc - OBD2-II scanner
You no longer need to go to the service to find out the cause of the error — now your smartphone and adapter are enough. The inCarDoc application allows you not only to quickly find errors, but also to monitor the operation of the car in real time — all this is convenient, safe, and economical.
