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FAQ: What OBD-II Protocols Are There?
There are five different OBD-II communication protocols:
- J1850 PWM
- J1850 VPW
- ISO9141
- ISO14230 (also known as Keyword Protocol 2000)
- CAN (ISO15765/SAEJ2480)
What do these mean to me?
Well, generally you will need to know which protocol you have when you buy a code reader or OBD-II tool. Sometimes manufacturers label the products for Ford, GM, etc. so it may be easy. However here is the quick way to tell what you have.
Note: At time of writing, I do not know if this is a 100% fool-proof method of telling what protocol you have. Be sure to check with a dealership or repair manual if in doubt.
To tell which protocol you have, see the table below:
| Standard | Pin 2 | Pin 7 | Pin 10 | Pin 15 | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PWM | must have | - | must have | - | The connector must have pins 2,4,5,10, and 16 |
| VPW | must have | - | - | - | The connector must have pins 2, 4, 5, and 16, but not 10. |
| ISO | - | must have | - | may have | The connector must have pins 4, 5, 7, and 16. Pin 15 may or may not be present. |
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