Glossary / General

OBD2

41 Episode Mentions

Too Afraid to Ask

OBD2 is a built‑in computer in cars that checks for problems and can give error codes when something isn’t working right.

Technical Definition

OBD2 (On‑Board Diagnostics, second generation) is a standardized system that monitors vehicle performance and emits diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs). All cars made after 1996 must support OBD2.

Hear It Discussed

"It's just like OBD2. And then I'm like, I can't let this thing sit."
Savage Geese, The Truck-Jeep Love Child, What Your Mechanic Buys | Episode 1,021 Everyday Driver Car Debate 16:37

"It's OBD2. It'll say you haven't driven far enough. I'm slowly turning into a right winger who hates California. In order to pass smog, you have to drive your car more."
Festive Meats and an Italo-Texan Odyssey Bring a Trailer Podcast 13:58

"We're gonna talk about the emissions controls that are on all of your cars. I think 1996 and later has a system called OBD2. We'll talk a little bit about the background of that, what it exists,..."
Can The 911 GT3 S/C Be A Real GT3? — The Carmudgeon Show w/ Jason Cammisa & Derek Tam-Scott — Ep 234 The Carmudgeon Show 01:40