Secrets Under the Hood – Understanding OBD2 Diagnostics

On-Board Diagnostics – a day-to-day activity for professionals but a novelty to beginners. With the development of automotive software, daily drivers are becoming more interested in performing DIY diagnostics as the market has become saturated with different OBD2 scanners. But what do we actually know about OBD2 diagnostics, and why have OBD2 scanners become so widespread in recent years? Let’s quickly dive into the basics and cover the main key points.

What Is the OBD2 System and How Does It Work? 

OBD2 diagnostics (On-Board Diagnostics Second Generation) is the latest diagnostic standard introduced in the late 90s. OBD2 systems use digital communication to access control units via the vehicle diagnostic port, better known as the OBD2 port, which can usually be found under the dashboard, right under the steering wheel.

Once a diagnostic tool is connected to a vehicle, it then uses the OBD2 system to scan different car components. The transmitted data then shows different standardized DTCs (diagnostic trouble codes), which make It easier to identify specific problems by relaying specific trouble code information.

Why Is It Important for Modern Cars?

OBD2 diagnostics do more than vehicle maintenance and repair. By becoming something that daily drivers can perform on their own, it fosters a transparent and efficient relationship between vehicle owners, technicians, and regulatory bodies – especially when new car models have improved software. OBD2 ensures that vehicles operate within the defined performance and emission standards. This promotes road safety, environmental protection, and consumer confidence.

Diagnostic tools have also vastly improved in terms of their compatibility and features. Various scanning tools are available that plug into the OBD connector to access OBD functions. Some are very advanced, heavy, and expensive, while others are more beginner-friendly. They can be sorted into PC-based scan tools, analysis platforms, and even hand-held or mobile device-based tools. These are the most easy to use, but be careful before buying. Make sure to research what features these devices can offer for your car. Some are basic OBD2 readers, others offer extensive features, like car coding and easy car feature customizations from smartphones via dedicated mobile apps. If that sounds like something you’d prefer, take a look at OBDeleven, maybe it’s what you’re looking for.

Benefits of OBD2 Diagnostics 

  • Enhanced troubleshooting – ability to real-time data on vehicle performance, making it easier to identify problems, leading to faster, more accurate troubleshooting.
  • Cost and time efficiency – no more trial-and-error repairs. OBD2 diagnostics minimize the time and cost of fixing automotive issues by pinpointing exact issues.
  • Emission control – by detecting emission-related problems and triggering warning indicators, OBD2 helps ensure compliance with environmental regulations.
  • Preventive maintenance – regular diagnosing allows to identify potential issues earlier which in turns prevent those issues from becoming major problems.

Wrapping up 

OBD2 diagnostics have changed the way we diagnose and understand vehicle issues. That’s why OBD2 scanners have become an essential tool in most drivers’ glove compartments. And as technology continues to advance, we can expect even more advanced and user-friendly OBD2 scanners to become available to professionals and everyday drivers.

REVOLOGY GT500 KR SHELBY MUSTANG

This exquisitely-built recreation of an iconic “King of the Road” – REVOLOGY GT500 KR SHELBY MUSTANG – drives as good as it looks, blogs Howard Walker.

REVOLOGY GT500 KR SHELBY MUSTANG

The KR initials said it all. Back in 1968, Ford’s Shelby GT500 KR was the undisputed “King of the Road. Although factory underrated at just 335 horsepower, the 428-cubic-inch big-block Cobra Jet V-8 was actually cranking out close to 400 horsepower. For comparison, the standard 428 Police Interceptor GT500 engine was rated at 360 horsepower! The Shelby KR and the factory 428 Cobra Jet Mustang, were the fastest, most potent Mustangs you could buy in 1968.

Fast forward to 2023 and there’s a new Shelby GT500 KR King of the Road Mustang grabbing the attention of enthusiasts. This one, the latest creation from Orlando, Florida-based Revology Cars, also comes with a big V-8, but with a tad more horsepower. Think 710!

And when we say “new” it’s exactly that. This is not some concours-quality restoration based on an original 55-year-old rust-bucket Mustang. Revology’s Shelby GT500 KR is fresh from the ground up, with an all-new steel body, modern Ford running gear, and assembled with a single-minded focus on quality and craftsmanship.

“The trouble with restored 1960s cars is that they might look cool, but they still drive like a 1960s car, with 1960s reliability. We build cars that are fun to drive, and are designed to be driven,” Tom Scarpello, Revology founder and CEO tells Chronicles during a recent visit to Revology HQ to try out his brand-new KR.

Back in 2014, Scarpello set-up Revology to realize a dream of building brand new versions of Ford’s classic Mustang, rather than simply restoring them, or creating so-called “restomods” using new parts in old cars. Up until then he’d enjoyed a powerhouse corporate career with the likes of Nissan, Infiniti, Jaguar, and finally Ford, where he headed-up operations for the Blue Oval’s high-profile SVT performance division.

What Scarpello did differently was to bring his combined manufacturing and marketing experience to low-volume, specialist production. Today Revology operates out of a sprawling, 51,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility on the outskirts of Orlando where, on an iPad-controlled assembly line, a workforce of 94 hand-build five-to-six cars a month. So far, he’s delivered over 170 cars!

Part of Scarpello’s success is also down to restricting what the company offers, keeping Revology’s line-up strictly limited to the 1966 to 1968 Mustang, in convertible, 2 2 fastback, and Shelby GT350/GT500 forms, each riding on the same platform.

As you might expect, he charges for perfection. Prices range from just under $250,000 for a ’68 Mustang GT 2 2 Fastback, to $320,000-and-up for this latest GT500KR. And with an options list that would make Porsche proud – think $11,195 for a full Nappa leather interior, $8,145 for Shelby 10-spoke alloys, and $4,895 for an ear-bleeding Focal K2 stereo – few Revology Mustangs go out the door for less than $350,000. See this new GT500KR in the metal, its cherry Royal Maroon paintwork with Wimbledon White Le Mans stripes gleaming in the searing Florida sun, and you can’t help but be wowed.Scarpello, with his encyclopedic Mustang knowledge, explains the original KR was a landmark model, on account of it being built for just one year – 1968. It was also the first Shelby fitted with the Ford 428 Cobra Jet V8. Depending upon the source, 1968 Shelby GT500 KR Mustang productions numbers range from 1,251 to 1,571 which includes a single KR supposedly built for Hertz! Looks-wise, Revology’s KR is a near photocopy of the original. It features the same distinctive, angled grille opening, the same lightweight fiberglass hood with those air-gulping nostrils, the same unique rear lights. The only minor visual difference; new 17-inch alloys instead of the original’s 15s, and LED lights.Pop the hood of the REVOLOGY GT500 KR SHELBY MUSTANG and here’s where everything changes. Squeezed tightly into the engine bay is a supercharged, Roush-tuned Ford 5.0-liter Coyote V-8 packing 710 horsepower and 610 pound-feet of torque. It’s mated to a 10-speed automatic, with the option of a six-speed Tremec stick.

Slide into that gorgeous retro interior, with its acres of hand-stitched ivory Nappa leather, real walnut on the dash, and shiny chrome accents, and soak in the details. Those neat hand-crank window winders? They’re actually electric; you push down to lower, pull up to raise. And closing the door produces the kind of solid, precision “thunk” you hear on a Mercedes G-Wagen. Fire-up the big V-8, and listen to the lovely whoomph as it ignites, then immediately settles into a delicious throaty burble. Hello 1968!  If there’s a criticism, it’s that the gear selector is straight out of the Mustang parts bin, with no attempt to age-relate. But that classic, thin-rim wood steering wheel is just lovely to hold. Don’t go looking for an airbag; like an original ’68 Shelby, there isn’t one. REVOLOGY GT500 KR SHELBY MUSTANGAt the first hint of an open road, standing on the throttle sees this new KR surge forward with a soul-stirring soundtrack of induction roar, supercharger whine and V-8 bellow. It’s loud but not excessively so, and at 75 mph-plus cruising speeds, it’s positively hushed. Red light goes to green, and off the line this pony can really giddyup. Car and Driver recently clicked the stopwatches on a Revology GT500 with the same engine as the KR and recorded a 0-to-60 mph time of just 3.7 seconds. That’s almost half a second quicker than the latest 2024 Mustang Dark Horse. Impressive.

Through the Orlando back roads, the Revology KR feels nimble and agile, courtesy of modern, nicely-weighted hydraulic rack and pinion steering. While the ride is sportscar firm, lumps and bumps are soaked up with refined ease. And in stop-start traffic, the car never gets old-car temperamental, its a/c providing an icy blast that would make any summer-weary Floridian smile.Scarpello and his team have done an impressive job creating a REVOLOGY GT500 KR SHELBY MUSTANG that has all the style and visual drama of an original KR, but with the latest mechanicals to easily make it a daily driver. As the Revology boss likes to boast: “We don’t build them like they used to”.

For more information about the REVOLOGY GT500 KR SHELBY MUSTANG and other modern-day Ponycars, please visit https://revologycars.com/

How to spot secondhand car scams

Gareth Herincx

3 days ago
Auto News

Older cars

Buying a used car has never been so fraught with danger, so Metro Bank has come up with some essential advice.

September sees an influx of secondhand car scams as approximately a million drivers take possession of their new 73-plate cars and trade in their current vehicles, which means more used cars than normal hit the market.

Scammers capitalise on this seasonal influx in car sales by offering the best deal, when in reality, the vehicle is unlikely to even exist. These deals are often advertised via online auction sites such as eBay and Gumtree or via social media, where images are taken from genuine sellers to convince buyers that they have the vehicle.

“Cars are generally people’s second largest asset after their homes, so it’s vital to slow down and take your time when researching and purchasing to ensure you are not being scammed,” advises Metro Bank’s Head of Fraud & Investigations, Baz Thompson.

“Scammers know that used car sales rocket when the new licence plate comes out, so be extra cautious at this time of year.”

Sometimes criminals may use cloned websites with slight changes to the URL to trick drivers into thinking they are purchasing from a genuine website. For any driver looking to lease/finance a vehicle, there is also a risk with this method. Criminals can appear to be a be a leasing or finance company to encourage you to pay a deposit, which you will never receive a vehicle for.

How to spot secondhand car scams

  • Vehicles considerably cheaper than market average, prices are too good to be true – you can check the going market rate on www.webuyanycar.com or www.parkers.co.uk.
  • Seller requesting funds via bank transfer.
  • Website you’re getting the vehicle from has recently been launched.
  • Social media posts/ads.
  • Anyone contacting you out of the blue or approaching you with a ‘deal’.
  • Being told the vehicle will be shipped to you, and you can return if dissatisfied.
  • Being pressured in to making a quick decision.
  • When leasing/financing – there are no credit/affordability checks completed.
  • Offered no or extremely low deposit options.

How to protect yourself against car scammers

  • Request to see the vehicle in person if possible, if not possible arrange a video call and only send a deposit if you are absolutely certain it is genuine.
  • Ask for details about the car such as the vehicle identification number (VIN) and check this information matches the V5 document.
  • Always get a full vehicle history check for peace of mind (although this doesn’t always ensure the vehicle is being sold genuinely).
  • Check sellers/company’s independent reviews.
  • Our advice is to avoid making any payments ahead of seeing the car, but if you are certain the seller / dealer is genuine only make payments via secure online payment platforms and don’t come away from platform as there may be no protection off platform.
  • Offer to pay a small deposit once you have seen the car and the remaining balance on delivery.
  • Ensure any emails/contact you receive relating to the purchase/lease of a car are from the genuine merchant.
  • Look out for format and grammatical errors/changes in contact.

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ISO GRIFO: A WORK OF ART!

Scale model sculpture created for the launch of the Grifo 90 – ISO GRIFO: A WORK OF ART! – like a full-size vintage Grifo is a rare collectible.

ISO GRIFO: A WORK OF ART!

At a press conference In Modena, Italy on June 12th, 1991, IsoRivolta’s Piero Rivolta announced the return of Grifo nameplate and revealed the styling buck for the 1993 Grifo 90. A front/mid engine Supercar powered by a Corvette DOHC LT5 engine; the Grifo 90 was the successor to the legendary Iso Grifo GT of the 1960s-1970s.

For the press and investor reveal of the new Supercar, Rivolta commissioned local Modena artist/sculptor, Mimmo Francia to create a ceramic sculpture of a black vintage Grifo II – ISO GRIFO: A WORK OF ART! – 17 ½ inches long, weighing 15-plus pounds. A total of 800 were produced, each signed and numbered by the artist.

I was handling PR and media relations for Piero Rivolta in North America at the time and attended the event. My sculpture, signed and numbered “121 of 800”, complete with illustrated booklet of Francia’s work, gift card from IsoRivolta, and its gift/presentation box is for sale. Also included are press invitation list, event invitation letters in Italian & English, actual invitation card, and two color photos of the reveal of the Grifo 90.

ISO GRIFO: A WORK OF ART!

ISO GRIFO: A WORK OF ART! Condition: Mint. Price: $1,750 plus insured shipping (within USA only) costs. For more information, please contact: MLSchorr@Verizon.Net

Five most common driving offences revealed

Gareth Herincx

1 day ago
Auto News

Speeding remains the most common offence on British roads with almost 200,000 people caught between January and March this year alone, according to the latest data.

A Freedom of Information request by leading temporary car insurance provider Cuvva to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) highlighted the top five mistakes drivers made in the first quarter of 2023 that resulted in penalty points being added to their licence.

Most drivers issued with penalty points for exceeding the limit on public roads (156,457) were hit with an SP30 offence code – particularly worrying because speed is one of the main factors in fatal road accidents.

After speeding, the next most common offence was driving uninsured. Despite it being a legal requirement, the data shows a staggering 10,286 drivers took to the road without cover (IN10).

If you are caught driving a car uninsured in the UK, you could be faced with a fixed penalty of £300 and six penalty points. If the case goes to court, you could get an unlimited fine or even lose your driving licence.

In some cases, the police have the ability to seize or even destroy the car that is being driven uninsured.

Using a mobile phone at the wheel (CU80) is one of the fastest rising driving offences (35% up on the same period last year). This reflects a crackdown after changes to the Highway Code last year made it illegal to even touch your phone while driving. That includes browsing playlists when queueing in traffic.

The fifth most-common driving offence that led to penalty points was for car owners failing to give information regarding who was driving their car when an offence was committed (MS90).

Five most common road offences

  1. SP30: Exceeding statutory speed limit on a public road – 156,457 drivers
  2. SP50: Exceeding speed on a motorway – 38,386 drivers
  3. IN10: Using a vehicle uninsured against third party risks – 10,286 drivers
  4. CU80: Breach of requirements as to control of the vehicle, such as using a mobile phone – 7,135 drivers
  5. MS90: Failure to give information as to identity of driver etc – 5,224 drivers

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