2.6 OBD II Definitions
Power-train Control Module (PCM) – OBD II terminology for the on-board
Computer that controls engine and drive train。
Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) – Malfunction Indicator Light (Service
Engine Soon,Check Engine) is a term used for the light on the instrument
panel。It is to alert the driver and/or the repair technician that there is a
problem with one or more of vehicle’s systems and may cause emissions to
exceed federal standards。If the MIL illuminates with a steady light,it
indicates that a problem has been detected and the vehicle should be serviced
as soon as possible。Under certain conditions,the dashboard light will blink
or flash。This indicates a severe problem and flashing is intended to
discourage vehicle operation。The vehicle onboard diagnostic system can not
turn the MIL off necessary reairs are completed or the condition no longer
exists。
DTC – Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC) that identify which section of the
emission control system has malfunctioned。
Enabling Criteria – Also termed Enabling Conditions。They are the
vehicle-specific events or conditions that must occur
within the engine before
the various monitors will set,or run。Some monitors require the various to
follow a prescribed “drive cycle” routine as part of the enabling criteria。
Drive cycles vary among vehicles and for each monitor in any particular
vehicle。
OBD II Drive Cycle – A specific mode of vehicle operation that
provides conditions required set all the readiness monitors completing and
OBD II drive cycle is to force the vehicle to run its onboard diagnostics。
Some from the PCM’s memory or after the battery has been disconnected。
Running through a vehicle’s complete drive cycle will “set” the readiness
monitors so that future faults can be detected。Drive cycles vary depending
on the vehicle and the monitor that needs to be reset。For vehicle specific
drive cycle,consult the vehicle’s
Owner’s Manual。
Freeze Frame Data –
When an emissions related fault occurs,the OBD
II system not only sets a code but also records a snapshot of the vehicle
operating parameters to help in identifying the problem。This set of values is
referred to as Freeze Frame Data and may include important engine
parmeters such as engine RPM,vehicle speed,air flow,engine load,fuel
pressure,fuel trim value,engine coolant temperature,ignition timing
advance,or closed loop status。
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