SSP 175 – On-Board Diagnostic System
Far-reaching, man-made changes to the atmosphere are looming on the horizon. They will have serious consequences for the Earth’s biosphere unless, among other measures, pollutant emissions from motor vehicles are drastically reduced and controlled.
The On-Board Diagnostic system (OBD) was introduced for this purpose. OBD is a diagnostic system integrated into the vehicle’s engine management system that continuously monitors components affecting exhaust emissions. If a fault occurs, OBD detects it, stores it, and indicates it via the self-diagnosis fault warning lamp (MIL).
OBD II is the second generation of engine management systems with diagnostic capability. Compared with periodic vehicle inspections, OBD II offers the following advantages:
Continuous monitoring of pollutant emissions
Early detection of malfunctions
Comprehensive diagnostic functions that simplify troubleshooting and fault rectification for workshop personnel
In the long term, the diagnostic system will be expanded to enable detection of exhaust system faults that negatively affect emission behavior using a simple OBD reader, even during spot checks.
Self-Study Program No. 175 was originally developed and published specifically for the U.S. market. Due to recent developments (introduction of the U.S. Beetle model to the European market), this SSP has been updated and incorporated into the program under No. 175.