What causes the OBD system indicator light to light up? What should I do if the OBD system indicator light is on?

OBD, or On-Board Diagnostics, is a system that checks the engine’s operation and monitors vehicle emissions to ensure they don’t exceed standards. If emissions exceed limits, the OBD warning light will illuminate immediately. Therefore, when the OBD light is on, it indicates a problem with the vehicle’s emissions and requires immediate inspection. So, what causes the OBD indicator light to illuminate? And what should you do if the OBD indicator light is on? Let’s find out.

What is an OBD system? What is the function and principle of an OBD system?

OBD stands for OnBoard Diagnostics, which means on-board automatic diagnostic system. The OBD system works by recording fault information and related codes when an emissions fault occurs. This information is then communicated to the driver via the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) or the check engine warning light. Repair personnel use specialized equipment from the vehicle manufacturer to read the fault codes, quickly locating the fault and facilitating vehicle repair, significantly reducing the time required for manual diagnosis. Let’s learn more about the OBD system.