1996 Caprice/Impala - OBD II
On-Board Diagnostics reach a new level of sophistication with the implementation of OBD II (On-Board Diagnostics Second Generation). The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) monitors the emissions system and its components to detect deterioration or malfunction.
- The PCM stores and retrieves diagnostic messages to help technicians diagnose and fix problems quickly and accurately
- The PCM alerts the driver by illuminating the "Service Engine Soon" light when it detects a
deterioration in the performance of any of the monitored systems
- Unlike first-generation systems that signaled only system failures, OBD II alerts the driver to have the
vehicle serviced before experiencing a possible break down or incurring more expensive repairs.