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 
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11/20/2002 htt
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