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Updated List of OBD2 Protocols by Make and Model for Improved Compatibility and Performance
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If you are looking for high quality products for your car or motorbike, look no further. We are sure you will find the perfect product for you at Racext. Do not hesitate to contact us with any questions or requests. We are here to help you make your vehicle perfect.In today’s world, owning a car has become a necessity rather than a luxury, and it’s essential to ensure that your vehicle runs smoothly and efficiently. Luckily, modern vehicles come equipped with an onboard diagnostics system (OBD2), which is mandated by law for vehicles manufactured in 1996 or later. This system allows car owners to communicate with their vehicles and monitor their performance.
To establish a connection between the car and the scanner, every vehicle is equipped with a Data Link Connector (DLC). The OBD2 protocol is responsible for making this connection and enabling communication between the vehicle and scanner.
It’s important to note that there are two types of OBD2 protocols – A and B. The primary difference between the two is the number of connectors or pins they have. It’s crucial to know which protocol your vehicle uses to select the right scanner for your vehicle.
Now, let’s delve deeper into the five types of OBD2 protocols that are currently in use. By understanding these protocols, you’ll be able to diagnose any issues that your vehicle may be experiencing more effectively.
The first type of OBD2 protocol is SAE J1850 PWM. This protocol is used in Ford and General Motors (GM) vehicles and is characterized by a 41.6 Kbps data transfer rate.
The second protocol is SAE J1850 VPW, which is similar to PWM but has a lower data transfer rate of 10.4 Kbps. This protocol is used in Chrysler vehicles.
ISO 9141-2 is the third OBD2 protocol and is used in Asian and European vehicles. This protocol has a data transfer rate of 5 baud init, 10.4 Kbps, and 41.6 Kbps.
The fourth protocol is ISO 14230-4 KWP (Keyword Protocol 2000). This protocol is used in Asian vehicles and is characterized by a data transfer rate of 10.4 Kbps.
Lastly, we have ISO 15765-4 CAN (Controller Area Network), which is the most common OBD2 protocol in use today. This protocol is used in most vehicles manufactured after 2008 and has a data transfer rate of 500 Kbps.
In conclusion, understanding the different OBD2 protocols is crucial for any vehicle owner. By identifying the protocol used by your vehicle, you’ll be able to choose the right scanner to diagnose any problems accurately. Moreover, the OBD2 system is a useful tool for monitoring your vehicle’s performance and ensuring that it runs smoothly.
Types of OBD2 protocols

Below, you will find OBD2 protocols by vehicle make and model:
SAE J1850 PWM

Connectors with pins 2 and 10 are SAE J1850 PWM protocol. It operates at 41.6 kb/sec and is mostly found in Ford vehicles. The signal produced by it is Pulse Width Modulation.
SAE J1850 PWM must have pins 2, 4, 5, 10, and 16.
SAE J1850 VPW
This protocol is found in GM vehicles. It works at a speed of 10.4 kb/sec with variable pulse width.
SAE J1850 VPW must have pins 2, 4, 5, and 16. The biggest difference between VPW and PWM is that this OBD2 protocol has no pin 10.
ISO 9141-2
Next, ISO 9141-2 is an old protocol that is mostly found in European vehicles that were built between 2000 and 2004. You will find this protocol on some Chrysler and Asian vehicles as well.
It uses pin 7 and pin 15 is optional (pin 4, 5, and 16 are must-haves). The operating speed is 10.4 kb/sec and this protocol uses asynchronous serial communication.
ISO 9141-2 protocol
ISO 14230 KWP2000
ISO 14230 KWP2000 is a well-known communication protocol used in the automotive industry. This protocol utilizes an asynchronous serial communication method that operates at a speed of 10.4 kbps per second. It is commonly used in Asian vehicles, as well as in vehicles manufactured after 2003 that come equipped with a pin 7 ISO 9141 K-Line, with pin 15 being an optional feature. Additionally, this protocol is also utilized in various Chrysler models and many European vehicles.
Although ISO 14230 KWP2000 is similar to the ISO 9141-2 protocol, which also uses the same pins, it can be challenging to identify the correct OBD2 protocol due to their similarities. It is essential to determine the correct protocol when diagnosing a vehicle’s OBD2 system, as this information is crucial to communicate with the vehicle’s onboard computer.
Therefore, it is necessary to have a clear understanding of the communication protocols utilized in a particular vehicle to accurately diagnose and troubleshoot issues. Knowledge of the specific protocols will help identify the correct pins and connectors required to access the OBD2 system and extract the necessary information for repair or maintenance.
In summary, ISO 14230 KWP2000 is a widely used protocol in the automotive industry, especially in Asian and European vehicles, and a pin 7 ISO 9141 K-Line is a common feature. The similarities between ISO 14230 KWP2000 and ISO 9141-2 protocols can make identifying the correct OBD2 protocol challenging. Therefore, having a clear understanding of the communication protocols used in a particular vehicle is crucial for accurate diagnosis and troubleshooting.
ISO 15765-4 CAN (SAE J2480)
In the realm of automotive technology, the ISO 15765-4 CAN protocol has become an integral part of modern vehicles manufactured in the United States, specifically those produced in the year 2008 and beyond. To ensure proper functionality, this protocol requires five specific pins – 4, 5, 6, 14, and 16 – to be present.
Interestingly, the OBD2 protocol utilizing ISO 15765-4 CAN has four distinct variants. The first is ISO 15765-4 CAN with a 250 Kbaud transmission rate and an 11-bit identifier. The second also has a transmission rate of 250 Kbaud but has a longer 29-bit identifier. The third variant has a faster transmission rate of 500 Kbaud and shares the 29-bit identifier length with the second variant. Lastly, the fourth variant shares the same transmission rate of 500 Kbaud as the third variant but utilizes the shorter 11-bit identifier.
It is worth noting that the ISO 15765-4 CAN protocol relies on a two-wire communication method and can support data transfer rates of up to 1 Mbps. Overall, the ISO 15765-4 CAN protocol has emerged as a critical element of modern automobile communication and maintenance systems, allowing for seamless and efficient transmission of diagnostic and control information between various vehicular components.
Lastly, the ISO 15765-4 CAN is found in modern vehicles (US) that are built in 2008 or later.
This protocol must have pins 4, 5, 6, 14, and 16.
Furthermore, this OBD2 protocol has 4 variants:
- ISO 15765-4 CAN (250 Kbaud, 11 bit ID)
- ISO 15765-4 CAN (250 Kbaud, 29 bit ID)
- ISO 15765-4 CAN (500 Kbaud, 29 bit ID)
- ISO 15765-4 CAN (500 Kbaud, 11 bit ID)
It works on a two-wire communication method and can handle up to 1 Mbps.
What are the ways to check my OBD2 protocol?
OBD2 protocols: Must-have pins for the connector
The easiest way to identify an OBD2 protocol is to look at the alignment and availability of the pins.
Here’s what you need to focus on:
- If there are pins 2 and 10 in the connector with metallic pins 2, 4, 5, 10 and 16 then it’s a J1850 PWM protocol.
- If you can see pin 2 and material contacts inside pins 2, 4, 5, and 16 but there’s no PIN 10 then it’s a J1850 VPW protocol.
- If the connector has pin 7 and an optional pin 15 then it could be ISO 9141 or ISO 14230 KWP2000. The metallic contacts inside the pins are 4, 5, 7, 15, (plus 16).
- If there are both pins 14 and 6 in a connector with material contacts 4, 5, 6, 14 and 16 then it’s an ISO 15765 CAN protocol.
Which OBD2 protocol is supported by my vehicle?
Understanding the OBD2 protocol supported by your vehicle is crucial when it comes to performing diagnostic scans or troubleshooting issues related to your car. The OBD2 connector is a standardized interface found in most vehicles produced after 1996. This connector is usually located underneath the dashboard, near the driver’s side, and allows a diagnostic tool to communicate with the vehicle’s onboard computer system.
There are two main types of OBD2 connectors, namely Type A and Type B, each having 16 teeth. Type A connectors are typically found in 12V vehicles, while Type B connectors are common in 24V vehicles. The Type A protocol has a D-shaped female plug, which looks like it’s sandwiching a tongue. On the other hand, the Type B protocol has a disrupted groove in the center that prevents a Type A male connector from fitting in. However, you can plug a Type B male connector into a Type A female connector.
It’s important to note that while both connectors have a similar appearance, the Type A protocol has a tongue that’s split into two, whereas the Type B protocol has a continuous tongue. Identifying the type of connector and protocol supported by your vehicle is the first step in connecting the diagnostic tool to your car’s computer system.
Each pin on the OBD2 connector serves a specific purpose. The upper row of the connector has eight pins, while the lower row also has eight pins. Pin 1 on the upper row is used for OEM COMM, while Pin 2 is for J1850 Bus+. Pin 3 is for OEM Reserved, and Pin 4 is for framework/car chassis ground. Pin 5 holds sensor signal ground, and Pin 6 is for OEM COMM pins, which also contains Pins 4, 5, 6, 15, and 16. Pin 7 denotes the K-line, while Pin 8 is for OEM Reserved.
On the lower row, Pin 9 is for OEM COMM, and Pin 10 is for J1850 Bus- (negative). Pins 11-14 are for OEM Reserved, while Pin 15 is for ISO 9141-2 L-line. Finally, Pin 16 powers the adapter.
In conclusion, identifying the OBD2 protocol and connector type supported by your vehicle is essential when it comes to scanning for diagnostic trouble codes or troubleshooting issues related to your car’s computer system. By examining the OBD2 connector pins and their respective functions, you can easily determine the appropriate diagnostic tool to use and accurately diagnose any problems affecting your vehicle.
You can examine OBD2 connector pins to find out which protocol is supported by your vehicle.
- OBD2 connector types
Type A: This type of OBD2 protocol has 16 teeth altogether, 8 on the upper row and 8 on the bottom. It seems as if it’s “Sandwiching a Tongue”. This protocol is a female plug with a D-shape look.
Type A protocols are found in 12V vehicles.
Type B: This one has 16 teeth as well but it’s a bit different from Type A protocol. It has a disrupted groove in the center which restricts a Type A male connector from sitting in it. However, you can plug a type B male plug into a type A female plug.
In appearance, it looks quite like Type A but there’s one notable difference – the sandwiching of Tongue is split into two.
Type B protocols are found in 24V vehicles.
- OBD2 connector pins interpretation
Since we know that every connector has 8 upper rows and 8 lower rows, let’s find out what each pin is meant for.
Pins on the upper row
Pin 1: It is used for OEM COMM.
Pin 2: J1850 Bus+ is found here.
Pin 3: OEM Reserved.
Pin 4: Framework/car chassis ground.
Pin 5: Holds sensor signal ground.
Pin 6: Most of the modern cars have OEM COMM pins. It also contains pins 4, 5, 6, 15, and 16.
Pin 7: It denotes the K-line.
Pin 8: OEM Reserved.
Pins at the bottom row
Pin 9: OEM COMM.
Pin 10: A J1850 Bus- (negative) is found on this pin.
Pin 11–14: OEM Reserved
Pin 15: ISO 9141-2 L-line.
Pin 16: This pin powers the adapter.
Bottom line
We hope this information will help you identify your vehicle’s OBD2 protocol. It can be a bit difficult since they all look the same but you will get it if you pay attention to the design and pins.
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Updated List of OBD2 Protocols by Make and Model for Improved Compatibility and Performance
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