GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 103 ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM — OBD II O NBOARD D IAGNOSTIC S YSTEM (OBD II) C YBERSECURITY EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE PROGRAMS Your vehicle is equipped with a sophisticated Onboard Diagnostic system called OBD II. This system monitors the performance of the emissions, engine, and transmission control systems. When these systems are operating properly, your vehicle will provide excellent performance and fuel economy, as well as engine emissions well within current government regulations. Your vehicle is required to have an OBD II and a connection port to allow access to information related to the performance of your emissions controls.
Authorized service technicians may need to access this information to assist with the diagnosis and service of your vehicle and emissions system Ъ page188. In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass an inspection of your vehicle's emissions control system. Failure to pass could prevent vehicle registration. For states that require an Inspection and Maintenance (I/M), this check verifies the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) is functioning and is not on when the engine is running, and that the OBD II system is ready for testing. 3 If any of these systems require service, the OBD II system will turn on the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL).
It will also store diagnostic codes and other information to assist your service technician in making repairs. Although your vehicle will usually be drivable and not need towing, see an authorized dealer for service as soon as possible. WARNING! ONLY an authorized service technician should connect equipment to the OBD II connection port in order to read the VIN, diagnose, or service your vehicle. Normally, the OBD II system will be ready. The OBD II system may not be ready if your vehicle was recently serviced, recently had a depleted battery or a battery replacement. If the OBD II system should be determined not ready for the I/M test, your vehicle may fail the test.
CAUTION! If unauthorized equipment is connected to the OBD II connection port, such as a driver-behavior tracking device, it may: Prolonged driving with the MIL on could cause further damage to the emission control system. It could also affect fuel economy and driveability. The vehicle must be serviced before any emissions tests can be performed. Be possible that vehicle systems, including safety related systems, could be impaired or a loss of vehicle control could occur that may result in an accident involving serious injury or death. If the MIL is flashing while the vehicle is running, severe catalytic converter damage and power loss will soon occur. Immediate service is required.
Access, or allow others to access, infor mation stored in your vehicle systems, including personal information.