On Board Diagnostic (OBD) Systems

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 7 other vehicles, including the 2001 Volkswagen Jetta, 2000 Volkswagen Jetta, 2000 Volkswagen Golf, 2000 Volkswagen GTI, and 1999 Volkswagen Jetta. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

OBD II

OBD is an abbreviation for the On Board Diagnostic System.

California OBD-II applies to all gasoline engine vehicles up to 14,000 lbs. Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) starting in the 1996 MY and all diesel engine vehicles up to 14,000 lbs. GVWR starting in the 1997 MY.

Several states in the Northeastern United States have chosen to adopt the California emission regulations starting in the 1998 MY and are known as "Green States".

Green States receive California-certified vehicles for passenger cars and light trucks up to 6,000 lbs. GVWR. Starting in the 2004 MY, the other Federally-mandated vehicles over 8,500 lbs. will start phasing in OBD-II.

Starting in 2004 MY, gasoline-fueled Medium Duty Passenger Vehicles (MDPVs) are required to have OBD-II. Federal OBD-II applies to all gasoline engine vehicles up to 8,500 lbs. GVWR starting in the 1996 MY and all diesel engine vehicles up to 8,500 lbs. GVWR starting in the 1997 MY.

OBD-II system implementation and operation is described in the remainder of this document.