Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Trip Detection Logic
OBD-II data streams are prioritized. When 2 messages attempt to establish communications on a data line at the same time, only the message with higher priority will continue. A new segment of the software called the Diagnostic Executive coordinates the protocol for recording and displaying diagnostic procedures.
Trip is a single key-on-run-key-off cycle which satisfies the enable criteria for a specific diagnostic function. Criteria may vary slightly to satisfy differing diagnostic functions. For this reason, the definition of trip may vary with the specific application. The Diagnostic Executive uses trip information in setting and erasing DTCs.
After engine has reached normal operating temperature, Diagnostic Executive checks if on-board diagnostic tests have been completed since last ignition cycle . Executive checks if tests have passed during current ignition cycle, and if fault(s) identified by diagnostic tests is currently active. Executive also checks if fault identified has been active during current ignition cycle and what operating conditions were present at the time of failure. A malfunction will set one of 4 types of DTC:
- Type A
Turns the MIL on the first time an emission related failure occurs. The MIL will flash at a rate of once per second to alert the operator of potentially damaging levels of misfire, which could possibly destroy the catalytic converter. - Type B
Will only turn MIL on if an emission related condition occurs during 2 consecutive driving cycles. Conditions such as incorrect fuel trim will be stored in the freeze-frame data until the fault is detected a second time. If the fault is not detected during 3 consecutive driving cycles, the MIL light will be turned off. - Type C
This is a non-emission related type and will not activate the MIL. It will turn on a CHECK TRANSMISSION service light, or other non MIL service reminder light. - Type D
Is non-emission related, will not turn on service light, but will store DTCs for present faults.
NO RELATED
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
Pair factory procedures with proven DIY tools so the instructions are easier to execute.
Affiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- β’ You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- β’ Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- β’ The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- β’ You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- β’ You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.