01-1
 
     
On Board Diagnostic (OBD) 
     
On Board Diagnostic (OBD), basic 
information
 
      The control module of a system with OBD 
detects malfunctions during vehicle operation 
and stores them as Diagnostic Trouble Codes 
(DTCs) in a permanent memory. The DTCs 
remain intact in the memory if the power supply 
from the battery is interrupted.  
      The OBD function relates to the electrical and 
electronic parts of a system; in other words it 
only registers malfunctions which have an effect 
on the electric signals.  
      On Board Diagnostic (OBD) helps technicians 
perform a more targeted diagnostic 
troubleshooting. Use the VAG1551/1552 Scan 
Tools (ST) or the VAS5051 tester to achieve the 
potential offered by On Board Diagnostic (OBD). 
To do this, the scan tool and the respective 
control module must exchange data. They must 
communicate with each other.  
      The Data Link Connector (DLC) is the interface 
for communication between the control module 
and the scan tool.  
      Troubleshooting is started by connecting the 
scan tool to the Data Link Connector (DLC). This 
establishes a data link between the control 
Pa
ge 1 of 12 On Board Dia
gnostic 
(OBD
)
11/20/2002 htt
p://127.0.0.1:8080/audi/servlet/Dis
play?action=Goto&t
yp
e=re
pair&id=AUDI.B5.SU02.01.1 
         
        
        01-8
      
Note:  
     For example: Pressing buttons -0- and -3- 
selects the "Brake Electronics" address word 03. Rapid data transfer 
Q
03 Brake electronics
    
Indicated on display:  
Rapid data transferScan tool sends address word 03 -  Press -Q- button to confirm input.
    Indicated on display after entering address word 03:  
Note:  
If a malfunction occurs when establishing communication between the 
VAG1551 scan tool and the control module, refer to the four displays and 
instructions that follow. 
Rapid data transfer 
HELP
Control module not respondin
g!
     
Rapid data transfer 
HELP
K-wire not switchin
g to Ground / B+
    
-  Press the "HELP" button to print a list of possible causes of the 
malfunction. 
Rapid data transfer 
HELP
No si
gnal from control module
    
 Electrical Wiring Diagrams, Troubleshooting & Component Locations    -  Test cable connections for data link connector wire -K-.-  Test power supply and Ground (GND) connections for ABS control 
module (w/EDL) -J104-. 
Pa
ge 9 of 12 On Board Dia
gnostic 
(OBD
)
11/20/2002 htt
p://127.0.0.1:8080/audi/servlet/Dis
play?action=Goto&t
yp
e=re
pair&id=AUDI.B5.SU02.01.1