1980: General Motors introduces the first data link on their 1980 Eldorado and Seville models.These systems are also analog in nature, though some provide rudimentary diagnostic capability through factory tools, such as the Kent Moore J-25400, compatible with the Datsun 280Z, and the Cadillac Seville.

1975: Bosch and Bendix EFI systems are adopted by major automotive manufacturers in an effort to improve tail pipe emissions.This system is entirely analog with no diagnostic capabilities. 1968: Volkswagen introduces the first on-board computer system, in their fuel-injected Type 3 models.You can help by converting this section, if appropriate. This section is in list format but may read better as prose. Modern OBD implementations use a standardized digital communications port to provide real-time data in addition to a standardized series of diagnostic trouble codes, or DTCs, which allow a person to rapidly identify and remedy malfunctions within the vehicle. Early versions of OBD would simply illuminate a malfunction indicator light (MIL) or ' idiot light' if a problem was detected, but would not provide any information as to the nature of the problem. The amount of diagnostic information available via OBD has varied widely since its introduction in the early 1980s versions of on-board vehicle computers. OBD systems give the vehicle owner or repair technician access to the status of the various vehicle sub-systems. On-board diagnostics ( OBD) is a term referring to a vehicle's self-diagnostic and reporting capability.

Used to connect to the SAE J1962 Data Link Connector (DLC) found in many cars of the era. Various angles and details of a 'MaxScan OE509' - a fairly typical onboard diagnostics (OBD) handheld scanner from the first decade of the 21st century.

Ssangyong diagnostic tool