Your OBDII app might have put you on a federal list
About this episode
The Drivecast digs into how consumer OBD2/OBD-II tools and apps—especially EZLink—may have helped people bypass diesel emissions controls, while also raising data-privacy concerns. Hosts connect diesel “delete” and ECU reflashing to a DOJ case: in 2021 the DOJ sued EZLink on behalf of the EPA, and Section 230 protections were later overturned. They also discuss DOJ subpoenas to Apple and Google for user data, and how OBD2 tools can be used for both legitimate code clearing and potentially risky tracking or tampering.
OBD2 devices
"Today, we're talking about consumer data privacy, OBD2 devices, consumers defeating their vehicle mission systems, and the federal government."
An OBD2 device is a gadget you plug into your car to read information about how it’s running. Some of these gadgets send that information to an app or online, which can create privacy concerns.
OBD2 (On-Board Diagnostics, version 2) devices plug into a car’s diagnostic port to read vehicle data and trouble codes. Many consumer OBD2 add-ons also connect to apps or the cloud, which is why they can raise data-privacy questions.
defeats to break the law
"Today, we're talking about consumer data privacy, OBD2 devices, consumers defeating their vehicle mission systems, and the federal government. Now, where have we heard this before?"
They’re talking about ways people can bypass or trick a car’s emissions controls. That can be illegal because those systems are meant to keep the car from polluting too much.
The segment is referring to “defeats” as in tampering with or bypassing vehicle emissions/engine control logic. In the U.S., this can violate the Clean Air Act because it undermines emissions systems designed to reduce pollution.
EasyLink
"Two years ago, EasyLink was in the news for its products, how they were being used, and what they were enabling consumers to do with their vehicles."
EasyLink is the company discussed in the story. The government is looking into whether their products helped people change cars in ways that could be illegal for emissions reasons.
EasyLink is the company mentioned as being involved with OBD2-related products and how they could be used. The Department of Justice is described as investigating whether EasyLink helped customers modify vehicles in ways that may violate the Clean Air Act.
Clean Air Act
"Now, five years later, the book is opened again, and the Department of Justice is looking at how EasyLink might have assisted customers in modifying their vehicles in a way that violates the Clean Air Act."
The Clean Air Act is a U.S. law that limits air pollution. The episode mentions it because bypassing a car’s emissions controls can break that law.
The Clean Air Act is a major U.S. federal law that regulates air pollution. In this context, it’s cited because modifying vehicles to bypass emissions controls can be treated as illegal under the Act.
Department of Justice
"Now, five years later, the book is opened again, and the Department of Justice is looking at how EasyLink might have assisted customers in modifying their vehicles in a way that violates the Clean Air Act."
The Department of Justice is the U.S. government agency that investigates and enforces federal laws. In this segment, it’s the agency looking into the EasyLink situation.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) is the U.S. federal agency responsible for enforcing federal laws through criminal and civil cases. Here, it’s described as investigating EasyLink’s role in potential Clean Air Act violations.
emission systems
"So since emission systems were put in place on diesel pickup trucks, the aftermarket has been finding ways to remove that."
Emission systems are the parts in a truck that help it pollute less. They’re designed to meet government rules and the car can often tell if they’re working.
Emission systems are the factory hardware and controls that help a diesel or gasoline engine meet pollution limits. They typically include components that reduce soot and nitrogen-oxide (NOx) emissions, and they’re monitored by the vehicle’s onboard diagnostics.
aftermarket
"So since emission systems were put in place on diesel pickup trucks, the aftermarket has been finding ways to remove that."
The aftermarket is everything that isn’t the original factory setup—like companies and shops that modify cars after purchase. Here, it’s about people selling or installing emissions-related deletes or bypasses.
The aftermarket is the non-factory parts and services ecosystem—companies and shops that modify vehicles after they’re sold. In this segment, the aftermarket is described as producing or installing parts/software intended to remove or bypass emissions equipment on diesel trucks.
software tuned
"shops, tuners, aftermarket companies that either built and manufactured these parts or installed them or provided software tuned."
“Software tuned” means changing the truck’s computer settings. In emissions-related cases, that can be used to bypass the pollution-control behavior the truck normally follows.
“Software tuned” refers to reprogramming a vehicle’s engine control software (ECU/PCM) to change how it runs. When used in emissions-deletion discussions, tuning can alter how emissions controls operate and how the truck reports compliance.
EZLink
"So that's kind of how we see EZLink wrapped up in this... they provided a platform that tuners could then misuse to install on their trucks and defeat their emission systems."
EZLink is a tool/platform mentioned in the episode. The discussion is about whether it was used to help bypass a truck’s emissions controls, even if it wasn’t the company directly creating the “tune.”
EZLink is referenced as a platform used by tuners in the diesel emissions-deletion ecosystem. The hosts’ point is that EZLink may not have been directly writing the tunes, but it provided a tool that could be misused to bypass emissions systems.
emissions deletes
"did EZLink do this on purpose to enable emissions deletes? Or did they simply provide a platform that other people abused?"
“Emissions deletes” are changes that remove or disable the truck’s pollution-control parts. The truck then runs without those systems doing their job.
“Emissions deletes” are modifications intended to remove or disable emissions-control equipment and/or the software logic that manages it. The term is commonly used in the diesel world when trucks are altered to run without the factory emissions systems.
diesel delete
"There are multiple ways you could do a diesel delete system on your truck... We talked about OBD2 and diesel delete."
A diesel delete usually means removing emissions parts from a diesel truck and changing the truck’s computer so it doesn’t use them anymore. It’s controversial because it can make the truck pollute more and may be illegal.
A “diesel delete” typically refers to removing emissions-control hardware on a diesel truck (like the DPF and EGR) and then updating the ECU so the engine no longer uses or monitors those systems. It’s controversial because it can increase emissions and may violate emissions laws depending on location.
reflash your ECU
"it’s essentially just what method you take to reflash your ECU after you've removed diesel particulate filter exhaust gas recirculation system."
Reflashing the ECU means changing the truck’s computer software. After removing emissions parts, people often reflash it so the truck stops trying to use or monitor those parts.
“Reflash your ECU” means updating the engine control unit’s software so it changes how the engine and emissions systems operate. In the context of emissions deletes, it’s often used to alter or disable checks and controls related to removed emissions equipment.
diesel particulate filter
"reflash your ECU after you've removed diesel particulate filter exhaust gas recirculation system."
A diesel particulate filter is a part on many diesel trucks that catches the smoky soot in the exhaust. It periodically cleans itself by burning that soot off.
A diesel particulate filter (DPF) is an emissions-control device that traps soot particles from a diesel engine’s exhaust. It periodically burns off the collected soot (called regeneration) to keep the filter from clogging.
exhaust gas recirculation system
"reflash your ECU after you've removed diesel particulate filter exhaust gas recirculation system."
An EGR system sends some exhaust back into the engine to help it burn cleaner. It’s mainly used to reduce harmful nitrogen pollution.
An exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system routes a portion of exhaust gas back into the engine’s intake. This lowers combustion temperatures and reduces nitrogen oxides (NOx) formation, which is a key target for diesel emissions regulations.
Section 230
"Section 230 is what protects companies like Facebook and Instagram from being legally punished for illegal activity that takes place on this platform."
Section 230 is a U.S. law that gives internet platforms some legal protection for content or actions from other people. The hosts are using it as a comparison to explain how liability works.
Section 230 is a U.S. law that limits when online platforms can be held legally responsible for content posted or actions taken by third parties. The transcript uses it as an analogy for legal protections and how liability may or may not apply in the described scenario.
OBD2 tool
"So that's why you can't refer to EZLink as a diesel tuner because really they manufacture an OBD2 tool that people then use to flash software, clear codes, things like that."
OBD2 is a standard port in most cars. An OBD2 tool connects to it so you can read and clear error codes, and in some cases help with software updates.
An OBD2 tool plugs into a car’s OBD-II port to communicate with the vehicle’s onboard computer. It’s commonly used to read diagnostic trouble codes, clear them, and sometimes to support software changes like flashing.
flash software
"they manufacture an OBD2 tool that people then use to flash software, clear codes, things like that."
Flashing software means updating or rewriting the car’s computer code. Tuners do this to change how the car runs, and sometimes to affect emissions behavior.
“Flashing” software means rewriting the vehicle’s electronic control unit (ECU) programming. In the tuning context, this can change how the engine and emissions systems operate, often to alter performance or disable emissions-related functions.
clear codes
"they manufacture an OBD2 tool that people then use to flash software, clear codes, things like that."
Cars store error codes when something goes wrong. Clearing codes can turn off the warning light, but if the problem is still there, the codes usually come back.
“Clear codes” refers to erasing stored diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) from the car’s computer. It can temporarily remove warning lights, but it doesn’t fix the underlying problem that caused the codes to be set.
electronic logging devices
"Fleets can use it to keep track of electronic logging devices, you know, like if it's, if you have a big commercial fleet."
Electronic logging devices are used in commercial trucking to automatically record when a driver is driving and when they’re off duty. They help fleets follow hours-of-service rules.
Electronic logging devices (ELDs) are fleet compliance tools that record a commercial driver’s driving time and duty status. The transcript suggests fleets can use an OBD-II-connected device to support ELD tracking in commercial operations.
tamper with OBD2 ports
"So much of that has been because of the deregulation and relaxed emphasis on criminal charges against people that tamper with OBD2 ports with the EPA."
Tampering with the OBD-II port means interfering with the car’s diagnostic access. If it’s used to bypass emissions monitoring, it can violate emissions rules.
Tampering with OBD-II ports usually means using access to the vehicle’s diagnostics to bypass or alter emissions-related behavior. Because the OBD-II system is tied to monitoring and compliance, changes can be treated as illegal anti-tampering violations.
diesel defeat device
"the reason we're talking about this is it's being used as a diesel defeat device, right, [514.3s] to, to, to defeat emissions regulations, tools and, and, and infrastructure in the trucks."
It’s a trick in some diesel vehicles that makes the emissions system behave differently depending on the situation. That can help the truck pass tests, but it may pollute more during normal driving.
A diesel defeat device is software or hardware that changes how a diesel engine controls emissions in order to reduce emissions compliance during testing or certain conditions. The goal is often to make the truck appear to meet regulations while operating differently in real-world driving.
emissions regulations
"to, to, to defeat emissions regulations, tools and, and, and infrastructure in the trucks. [519.2s] But the reality is, is this is a scan tool."
Emissions regulations are laws about how much pollution vehicles are allowed to produce. The point is to keep cars from releasing too many harmful gases.
Emissions regulations are government rules that limit pollutants produced by vehicles, especially from diesel engines. Diesel defeat devices and other tampering strategies are discussed because they can undermine the intended emissions-control behavior.
OBDII
"But the reality is, is this is a scan tool. [521.5s] This is a device that, like you said, you clear codes, you know, you got code in your car."
OBD-II is the car’s built-in diagnostic system. It stores error codes when something isn’t working right, and apps or scan tools can read those codes.
OBD-II (On-Board Diagnostics, second generation) is the standardized onboard computer system used in most modern vehicles to monitor engine and emissions-related components. Scan tools and apps can read diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and help identify what’s causing a check-engine light.
scan tool
"But the reality is, is this is a scan tool. [521.5s] This is a device that, like you said, you clear codes, you know, you got code in your car."
A scan tool is a gadget that talks to your car’s computer. It can show what error codes are stored so you can figure out what might be wrong.
A scan tool is an OBD-II device (or app interface) that communicates with the car’s onboard computer to read and sometimes reset diagnostic trouble codes. Enthusiasts use them for troubleshooting, while shops use them to diagnose emissions and drivability issues.
tuned diesel trucks
"So if you go on their website, you wouldn't find any reference to using this two [566.2s] tuned diesel trucks. [567.1s] That is very clear."
“Tuned diesel trucks” refers to diesel vehicles that have been modified with aftermarket engine calibration (a tune) to change performance and/or how emissions systems operate. Depending on the tune, it can range from benign drivability changes to illegal emissions defeat strategies.
oxygen sensor
"or, you know, being able to clear a code [840.5s] after they've replaced an oxygen sensor on their car at home. That's where I think the real danger [846.0s] is in this."
The oxygen sensor checks the exhaust to see how much oxygen is left over. If it’s not working right, the car can light a warning and store a code.
An oxygen sensor (often called an O2 sensor) measures how much oxygen is in the exhaust. That feedback helps the engine control fuel mixture, and it can trigger trouble codes if the sensor is faulty or if the system isn’t reading correctly.
clear a code
"or, you know, being able to clear a code [840.5s] after they've replaced an oxygen sensor on their car at home. That's where I think the real danger [846.0s] is in this."
Clearing a code means resetting the car’s warning message in its computer. If the problem is still there, the warning usually comes back.
“Clearing a code” means erasing stored diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) from the car’s computer using a scan tool or app. It doesn’t fix the underlying problem by itself—if the fault is still present, the code typically returns after the system runs again.
power limitations
"There has been lots of talks about stopping power limitations whenever you run low on diesel exhaust fluid. This becomes a matter of both safety and reliability."
Power limitations are when the truck intentionally makes less power. Automakers do this when the emissions system isn’t working right or when required fluids like DEF aren’t available.
In modern diesels, “power limitations” are software-controlled derates where the engine output is intentionally reduced when emissions-related conditions aren’t met. This can happen when DEF is low or when the emissions system detects faults, and it’s designed to keep the vehicle from operating in a non-compliant state.
DOJ
"And there are quite a few differences too between that Trump pardon and what we're talking about here between the DOJ and Easy Link. But still, it just shows that President Trump is willing to get involved in cases like this..."
DOJ is the U.S. Department of Justice. It’s the government agency involved in the legal case the hosts are talking about.
DOJ stands for the U.S. Department of Justice. In this context, it’s the federal agency pursuing or handling the legal case involving Easy Link, and the hosts discuss how that enforcement could set precedent for other companies.
DPF
"Deleting a diesel truck's emission systems is not as simple as taking a hacksaw to a DPF. There is more to it than that."
A DPF is a filter on many diesel trucks that catches soot. If you remove it, the truck can pollute more and may not run correctly without extra changes.
DPF stands for diesel particulate filter, a component that traps soot (particulate matter) produced by a diesel engine. Over time it needs regeneration (burning off the trapped soot), and removing or bypassing it can increase emissions and trigger fault codes.
software tuning
"It requires not only software tuning, but you have to make sure that everything is set up to run properly without that."
Software tuning means changing the truck’s computer settings. If you remove emissions parts, the computer usually needs to be adjusted too so it doesn’t complain or run poorly.
Software tuning refers to changing the engine control software (ECU calibration) to alter how the truck runs—often including emissions-related logic. When emission hardware like a DPF is removed, tuning is commonly used to prevent the vehicle from detecting missing components and to adjust fueling/airflow behavior.
diesel exhaust fluid
"requiring diesel exhaust fluid even as it's efficient as it is. It's true. I just interviewed engineers from Ford's Power Stroke team, from the Cummins Duramax team."
Diesel exhaust fluid is a special liquid added to some diesel trucks. It helps clean the exhaust so the truck puts out fewer harmful gases.
Diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) is a urea-based liquid injected into a diesel’s exhaust to help reduce harmful nitrogen oxides (NOx). It’s a key part of modern diesel “aftertreatment” systems, which clean exhaust before it leaves the tailpipe.
after treatment systems
"engineers from Ford's Power Stroke team, from the Cummins Duramax team. They have all spoken about how much more efficient modern diesel after treatment systems have become"
Aftertreatment systems are the parts on a diesel that clean the exhaust after the engine has already burned the fuel. They help the truck meet emissions rules.
Aftertreatment systems are the emissions-control components on modern diesels that treat exhaust after combustion. They use devices and fluids (like DEF) to capture and convert pollutants before they exit the tailpipe.
tailpipe
"I believe they said 90 to 95 percent they're able to capture before it exits the tailpipe."
The tailpipe is the exhaust outlet at the back of the vehicle. In the context of diesel emissions, it’s where you’d otherwise see pollutants leaving if the aftertreatment system isn’t capturing and converting them effectively.
Ford F-250
"I think that it's easy for folks to make an enemy out of truck owners because they say, oh, they all drive a $90,000 Platinum F-250."
The Ford F-250 is a big, heavy-duty pickup truck. The episode mentions it because diesel emissions equipment can cause issues that leave owners without a working truck.
The Ford F-250 is a heavy-duty pickup known for towing and hauling, and it’s commonly used as a platform for diesel engines and emissions equipment. In this episode, it’s referenced as an example of the kind of truck that can be affected by modern diesel emissions systems.
deleted or defeated system
"Is it possible someone could have bought a truck with a deleted or defeated system and they wouldn't know it?"
A “deleted” or “defeated” emissions system means someone has modified the truck so its emissions equipment doesn’t work the way it was designed to. That can cause problems later, even if it seems to help in the short term.
A “deleted” or “defeated” emissions system refers to modifications that remove or disable factory emissions equipment (or its controls) so the truck can run without the intended emissions controls. This can reduce compliance with emissions regulations and may trigger reliability or shutdown behavior depending on how it’s done.
deleted and tuned
"Used to you would see that it would say, you know, deleted and tuned. And that was a selling point for folks until the government started cracking"
It usually means someone removed emissions parts and then changed the engine’s computer settings to match. That can affect how the truck runs and whether it passes emissions checks.
“Deleted and tuned” describes pairing emissions hardware removal (“delete”) with an engine calibration change (“tune”). The tune typically adjusts fueling and exhaust/aftertreatment behavior to compensate for the missing emissions components and to avoid certain fault codes.
paper trail
"So the likelihood that a seller would disclose that, especially with any kind of paper trail is that that's far less likely than it used to be."
Here, “paper trail” means written records that could prove what was done to the vehicle. If there’s documentation, it can be harder for a seller to avoid responsibility.
In this context, “paper trail” means records (like receipts, invoices, or software/inspection documentation) that can show emissions-related modifications were performed. The host is suggesting that sellers are less likely to advertise or disclose deletes when documentation could be used against them.
straight piped
"he may not know to ask whether or not it's been straight piped with the DPF removed."
“Straight piped” usually means the exhaust was modified to remove emissions-related parts. The truck may sound louder and can be harder to keep legal for emissions testing.
“Straight piped” means replacing the exhaust system with a setup that removes restrictive emissions equipment, so exhaust flows with fewer controls. It’s commonly discussed alongside diesel emissions deletes because it can increase noise and change backpressure while bypassing emissions monitoring.
Request an Explanation
Heard something you'd like explained? We'll add it to this episode.
Sign in to request explanations for terms you heard.
Want to learn more?
Browse our glossary for plain-English explanations of automotive terms, jargon, and concepts.
Help improve this episode
See something that's not quite right? Our annotations are AI-generated and can sometimes miss the mark. Click the flag icon on any annotation to suggest a correction.