Build a Raspberry Pi OBD2 analyzer

This project turns the Raspberry Pi into an OBD2 on-board diagnostic tester. So, the RPi can read OBD2 vehicle data, it can read and clear emissions-related diagnostic trouble codes and inspection/maintenance readiness monitor data. The OBD2-Analyzer NG uses a Diamex DXM OBD2 module interfacing with a vehicle bus on one side and providing a serial interface on the other side. The Raspberry Pi features a serial interface at its GPIO pins. Both serial interfaces operate with 3.3V line drivers and are easy to connect.

Summer is just around the corner, so it’s time to start thinking about taking a break. If you are planning on driving somewhere this summer season, we have the perfect product for you to ensure vehicle safety so your holiday can get started without a hitch. We are bringing you the K2L901 OBD USB KKL Diagnostic: a simple device that you can plug into your vehicle to run a diagnostics test and make sure that everything is in working order.

Firmware update for OBD2-Analyser NG. OBD2 software for OBD2-Analyser NG with Bluetooth module running on PC and Raspberry Pi with Bluetooth adapter.

Update 2015/12/12: The new OBD2-Analyser NG firmware V1.6.0 is released.

An article on how to prevent tampering with vehicle immobilizer systems through the OBD-II diagnostic connector. Vehicle immobilisers are fitted as standard to modern cars and heavy goods vehicles. Anti- theft mechanisms have become more sophis- ticated but so have the methods employed by crooks. Nowadays once the thief has gained access to a vehicle they will most likely use an electronic deactivation tool which seeks to disable the immobiliser, once this has been accomplished a blank transponder key/card can be used to start the engine.

The cheapest way to diagnose faults on a modern car is to connect its OBD-II interface to a (notebook) PC running suitable diagnostics software. However, a wired connection is not always the most suitable, and self-contained OBD testers are a rather expensive and less flexible alternative to using a PC. An interesting option is a wireless OBD interface with a radio interface to a PC: the homebrew solution described here allows the choice of using either Bluetooth or ZigBee.

A full sized car parked next to your bench may technically be a good solution but in most cases just isn’t not possible. You don’t need to resort to expensive professional equipment to do the job. The MiniSim OBD simulator device described here is a low-cost and efficient unit which simulates communication from a vehicle’s OBD port and can communicate using four of the most popular OBD protocols.

The hand-held OBD Analyser NG featured in the September 2009 edition of Elektor has an open-source operating system and a built-in expansion port. Both enable a Bluetooth module to be integrated with ease. Now at the other end of an RF link you can view engine parameters and faults on a netbook or notebook PC!

The compact OBD2 Analyser in the June 2007 issue was an enormous success — not surprising for an affordable handheld onboard diagnostics device with automatic protocol recognition and error codes explained in plain language. Now enhanced with a graphical display, Cortex M3 processor and an Open Source user interface, the next generation of Elektor’s standalone analyser sets new standards for a DIY OBD2 project.

OBD — the On Board Diagnostic for vehicles — was originally conceived as a system to reduce exhaust emissions and produce better air quality. Since its introduction, the ecological aspect of the diagnostic system has taken something of a back seat. These days the OBD is a key element in vehicle servicing for all garages. It has also become something of a marketing tool in the competition between dealership garages and independent garages. Information gleaned from the OBD connector can also be of interest to the manufacturer’s sales department. When the next generation OBD-3 system is introduced, it may be able to pass vehicle information over a radio link to a roadside monitor as we drive by, and the politicians will convince us the system is in our best interests to improve air quality…