OBD2 Data Logger: The Ultimate Guide to Vehicle Data Recording and Analysis

Want to unlock the wealth of data hidden within your car’s onboard computer?

This comprehensive guide delves into the world of OBD2 data logging, explaining its benefits, applications, and how to effectively record and utilize your vehicle’s data. Whether you’re a car enthusiast, a professional mechanic, or managing a vehicle fleet, understanding OBD2 data logging can provide invaluable insights. We’ll explore the advantages of using an Obd2 Data Logger, provide practical use cases, and introduce you to tools like the CANedge, designed for advanced data acquisition and analysis.

OBD2 Telematics Dashboard Browser Free Open Source

Discover why an OBD2 data logger is essential for modern vehicle diagnostics, performance optimization, and telematics applications. Learn how to harness the power of your car’s data with user-friendly and powerful solutions.

Tip: Watch our brief introductory video to quickly grasp the essentials of OBD2 data logging!

Understanding OBD2 Data Logging: How It Works

To begin, let’s recap the fundamental principles of OBD2 (On-Board Diagnostics II). OBD2 is a standardized system present in most modern vehicles, offering access to a wealth of parameters related to engine performance, emissions, and vehicle health. These parameters, known as OBD2 PIDs (Parameter IDs), provide a standardized way to monitor and diagnose vehicle systems across different makes and models.

Logging OBD2 data is a straightforward process, typically involving three key steps:

Configuration: Set up your OBD2 data logger by selecting the specific OBD2 PIDs you wish to record. This customization allows you to focus on the data most relevant to your needs, whether it’s engine RPM, vehicle speed, fuel consumption, or sensor readings.
Connection: Physically connect the OBD2 logger to your vehicle’s OBD2 port, usually located under the dashboard. An OBD2 adapter might be necessary for certain logger models to ensure seamless connectivity. Once connected, the logger begins recording data as you drive.
Extraction & Decoding: After your data logging session, extract the recorded data from the logger, often via an SD card. Utilize free software or APIs to decode the raw data using an OBD2 DBC file. This process translates the raw data into human-readable values, such as kilometers per hour or revolutions per minute, making the information usable for analysis.

For detailed instructions and guides, refer to these resources:

CLX000 OBD2 guide
CANedge OBD2 guide

Top 4 Key Benefits of OBD2 Data Logging

The ability to collect data from virtually any car using an OBD2 logger unlocks a range of powerful benefits. Here are the top four advantages:

1. Driver, Vehicle, and Part Optimization

OBD2 data logging empowers you to gain deep insights into driving behavior and vehicle performance. By analyzing parameters like speed, acceleration, braking patterns, and engine load, you can:

Optimize Driving Habits: Identify areas for improvement in driving style to enhance fuel efficiency, reduce wear and tear, and promote safer driving.
Fine-tune Vehicle Performance: For car enthusiasts and performance tuners, OBD2 data provides critical information to optimize engine parameters, improve horsepower, and enhance overall vehicle responsiveness.
OEM Part Analysis: Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) can leverage OBD2 data to rigorously evaluate the real-world performance and durability of prototype parts and components under diverse driving conditions.

2. Diagnostics of Intermittent and Rare Issues

Troubleshooting elusive car problems that occur sporadically can be incredibly challenging. OBD2 logging offers a solution by enabling you to capture data precisely when these issues arise.

Capture Ephemeral Events: Record data continuously while driving, ensuring that when a rare issue manifests briefly, you have a detailed log of the vehicle’s condition around the event.
Pinpoint Root Causes: Analyze the recorded data from the period surrounding the issue to identify anomalies in sensor readings, engine parameters, or system behavior, leading to faster and more accurate diagnostics.
Reduce Diagnostic Time: By providing concrete data points, OBD2 data loggers significantly reduce the guesswork often associated with intermittent fault finding, saving time and resources in repair processes.

3. Enhanced Car Fleet Management

For businesses managing vehicle fleets, OBD2 telematics provides a powerful suite of tools to optimize operations and reduce costs. Leveraging OBD2 WiFi loggers and similar technology enables:

Driver Behavior Monitoring: Track driving habits across the fleet to identify risky behaviors, implement targeted training, and improve overall driver safety.
Fuel Cost Reduction: Analyze fuel consumption patterns to identify inefficient routes, aggressive driving, or potential vehicle maintenance issues impacting fuel economy.
Preventative Maintenance: Monitor vehicle health parameters to proactively identify potential mechanical problems before they escalate into costly breakdowns, minimizing downtime.
Compliance and Reporting: Easily generate reports on vehicle usage, mileage, and other key metrics for regulatory compliance and internal performance tracking.
Dispute Resolution: Provide objective data in case of accidents or disputes, offering a factual record of vehicle operation.
Predictive Maintenance: Implement advanced analytics on historical OBD2 data to predict potential component failures and schedule maintenance proactively, further reducing downtime and costs.

4. Data Control and Custom Integration

Unlike closed, proprietary systems, using an OBD2 WiFi logger that provides raw data access offers unparalleled flexibility and control over your vehicle data.

Raw Time-Series Data: Record and own the raw, unprocessed time-series data directly from your vehicles, giving you complete control over your data assets.
Flexible Data Extraction: Extract data via SD card for offline analysis or configure wireless upload to your own server for real-time monitoring and processing.
Open APIs for Customization: Integrate your OBD2 data logger with your existing systems and platforms effortlessly using open APIs. This allows for custom dashboard development, bespoke analytics, and seamless integration with other data sources.
Vendor Independence: Avoid vendor lock-in by choosing open solutions that allow you to process and utilize your data with the tools and platforms of your choice.

Which of these benefits align with your OBD2 logging objectives? Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your specific needs!

Introducing the CANedge OBD2 Data Logger

The CANedge series of CAN bus data loggers are expertly engineered for robust and versatile OBD2 data logging. With optional GPS/IMU, WiFi, and 3G/4G capabilities, the CANedge is ideally suited for both basic and advanced OBD2 telematics applications.

PLUG & PLAY: The CANedge is designed for immediate out-of-the-box operation. Its standalone functionality ensures hassle-free data logging. Effortlessly connect your vehicle to your server infrastructure for seamless data integration.

PRO SPECS: Equipped with extractable SD card storage ranging from 8GB to 32GB, dual CAN/LIN channels, CAN FD support, zero data loss technology, 50 µs RTC resolution, and error frame detection, the CANedge delivers professional-grade performance. It also supports the industry-standard MF4 data format.

COMPACT & RUGGED: The CANedge boasts a remarkably compact size (8 x 5 x 2 cm) and a robust aluminum enclosure, making it suitable for demanding automotive environments. It is 100G shock-proof and features 5+ LEDs for status indication, along with configurable 5V power output on channel 2.

WIFI/LTE CONNECTIVITY: Seamlessly push your logged data via WiFi or 3G/4G to your designated server. The CANedge incorporates end-to-end security protocols and supports Over-The-Air (OTA) updates for continuous improvement and feature enhancements. Learn more about secure CAN bus logging and telematics.

GNSS + 3D IMU: The integrated GPS/IMU provides high-accuracy positioning and motion data. Benefit from 3x improved accuracy through sensor fusion, capturing detailed information on position, speed, distance, acceleration, and vehicle attitude.

INTEROPERABLE & OPEN SOURCE: Leverage free, open-source software and APIs for seamless data processing. Convert MF4 data to ASC/CSV formats, utilize DBC support for decoding, and integrate with Python for custom applications and dashboards. Explore our CAN bus software and API tools.

Learn more about the CANedge series

Software Example: Custom OBD2 Dashboards

The CANedge ecosystem includes tools for creating free, customizable browser-based dashboards. Visualize your OBD2 data in real-time, set up alerts for critical parameters, and gain immediate insights into your vehicle’s performance.

Enhance your dashboards by combining OBD2 data with GPS/IMU data using a CANedge device equipped with GNSS/IMU capabilities.

Experience the power of data visualization with our online playground or delve deeper into dashboard creation with our introductory resources.

Playground
Dashboards Intro

Get Your OBD2 Data Pack

Ready to start working with real-world OBD2 data?

Download our comprehensive ‘OBD2 Data Pack,’ which includes:

Our expertly curated OBD2 DBC file for efficient data decoding.
A collection of 25+ car DBC files (reverse engineered) for broader vehicle compatibility.
Over 100 MB of real OBD2 data captured from 10+ different cars, providing a rich dataset for experimentation.

Download Now

OBD2 data pack

Practical Use Case Examples for OBD2 Data Loggers

Here are some real-world examples illustrating the versatility of the CANedge OBD2 data logger:

OEM Field Testing of Vehicle Parts

Do you require robust CAN/OBD2 data logging from vehicles deployed in the field?

For OEMs conducting late-stage field trials of prototype equipment, the CANedge1 is an ideal solution. Its compact size, plug-and-play simplicity, and easy pre-configuration make it perfect for collecting OBD2 and CAN data from multiple vehicles over extended periods, such as months. Data can be periodically retrieved and analyzed using industry-standard CAN tools or the free asammdf GUI/API.

CANedge1 Product Page

Vehicle Telematics for On-Road Fleets (OBD2 + GNSS/IMU + 3G/4G)

Need to establish advanced OBD2 telematics for your on-road vehicle fleets?

The CANedge3, equipped with 3G/4G connectivity, enables near real-time wireless data transfer of recorded OBD2 data. Utilize your own SIM card to upload data from vehicles directly to your cloud server. The open APIs facilitate automated data processing, including OBD2 DBC decoding. CANedge3 devices support over-the-air updates for remote management. Furthermore, the integrated GPS/IMU adds valuable location, speed, acceleration, and orientation data to your telematics solution.

CANedge3 Product Page

Case Study: OBD2/CAN Telematics Implementation

Volkswagen logo case study

Discover how Volkswagen successfully deployed the CANedge2 to log both OBD2 and raw CAN data to SD cards and automatically push data to their self-hosted server for comprehensive analysis.

“The CANedge2 enabled us to achieve rapid deployment with flexible configuration options, and the level of support we received was exceptional!”

Learn More About the Volkswagen Case Study
Explore 100+ Case Studies

OBD2 MDF4 Data Logger Pro

OBD2 Data Sample from an Audi A4

To help you get started, we provide downloadable OBD2 data samples recorded with the CANedge from an Audi A4.

You can also download our free, open-source OBD2 software to experience the process of decoding raw OBD2 data firsthand.

Raw OBD2 Data
Decoded OBD2 Data (Google Sheets)
Free OBD2 Software

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About OBD2 Data Logging

The OBD2 protocol (SAE J1979) defines a standardized set of vehicle parameters available for logging. However, the specific OBD2 data supported varies across different car models, with older vehicles often offering fewer parameters.

Here are some commonly available standard OBD2 parameters:

Fuel system status
Engine load
Coolant temperature
Fuel trim
Fuel pressure
Intake manifold pressure
Engine RPM
Vehicle speed
Intake air temperature
MAF air flow rate
Throttle position
Air status
Oxygen sensor status
Runtime since engine start
Distance with MIL on
Fuel tank level input
System vapor pressure
Absolute load value
Hybrid battery pack life
Engine oil temperature
Engine fuel rate
Torque
VIN (Vehicle Identification Number)
Various DTCs (Diagnostic Trouble Codes)

For more detailed information, consult the OBD2 PID Wiki page or the official SAE J1979 standard.

To decode raw OBD2 data from a CANedge OBD2 data logger into meaningful physical values (e.g., km/h, RPM), you need a database of decoding rules and appropriate software.

We provide a 100% free OBD2 DBC file containing the majority of standardized Mode 01 (Service 01) OBD2 PID decoding rules, based on resources like the OBD2 PID Wiki page.

Our OBD2 DBC file utilizes extended multiplexing to facilitate OBD2 decoding. For further understanding, refer to our DBC intro and OBD2 intro, which explain how to interpret raw CAN frames containing OBD2 responses.

Load your raw OBD2 data and the OBD2 DBC file into our free software tools, such as asammdf or our OBD2 dashboard integrations, to visualize decoded OBD2 parameters like Speed, Engine Speed, MAF, and Fuel Level.

A significant advantage of this approach is the ability to easily modify the OBD2 DBC to incorporate proprietary OBD2 PIDs. You can also combine the OBD2 DBC with proprietary CAN DBC files to enable comprehensive CAN/OBD2 car data logging.

What is UDS (Unified Diagnostic Services)?

The Unified Diagnostic Services protocol (UDS, ISO 14229-1) is another communication protocol used in automotive ECUs. While OBD2 focuses on on-board diagnostics during vehicle operation, UDS is designed for off-board diagnostics when the vehicle is stationary. UDS diagnostic tools can send request messages over the CAN bus to retrieve information from specific ECUs.

How to Make UDS Requests over ISO-TP (ISO 15765-2)

Requesting OBD2 PIDs is relatively simple, with single-frame requests and responses. In contrast, UDS requests may involve multi-frame communication using transport protocols like ISO-TP. A UDS data logger initiates a request with service ID (SID) and data identifier (DID), and the ECU responds with a sequence of frames, including first frame, flow control frame, and consecutive frames containing the payload. Logging UDS data requires tools capable of sending custom CAN frames and handling flow control, as well as software to reconstruct and decode multi-frame UDS responses.

UDS and OBD2 Extended PIDs for Enhanced Car Data Logging

UDS service IDs and data identifiers are sometimes combined into ‘extended OBD2 PIDs,’ such as 0x220101. Utilizing UDS service 0x22 requests allows access to car data beyond standard OBD2 PIDs. For example, some electric vehicles provide State of Charge (SoC%) data via UDS requests under service 0x22.

Using CANedge as a UDS Data Logger

The CANedge can be configured to send UDS requests by transmitting request frames and managing flow control frames. Log files with UDS responses can be analyzed using tools like CANalyzer (after converting MF4 data to Vector ASC) or processed with our free Python CAN bus API to create UDS dashboards, such as for visualizing State of Charge (SoC%) from EVs. Our GitHub API examples include UDS response data and a UDS DBC file for decoding Hyundai Kona EV SoC%. For more details, see our EV data logger article or contact us.

Is My Car OBD2 Compatible?

Most cars and light trucks are OBD2 compliant. OBD2 has been mandatory in the USA since 1996 and in the EU since 2003 (EOBD).

However, OBD2 data availability varies by vehicle model and year. Older cars may support fewer parameters. Some manufacturers are restricting OBD2 data access. While most cars use CAN for OBD2 communication, older US cars (pre-2008) and some EU brands may use different protocols.

Check your OBD2 connector: Ensure your OBD2 connector has metal pins in positions 6 (CAN High) and 14 (CAN Low) as illustrated in our OBD2 connector diagram. If unsure, send us a picture for verification.

Five OBD2 signal protocols exist:

ISO 15765 (CAN): Predominant, mandatory in US vehicles since 2008.
SAE J1850 (PWM): Ford standard.
SAE J1850 (VPW): General Motors standard.
ISO 9141-2: Chrysler and some EU/Asian vehicles.
ISO 14230 (KWP2000): Primarily EU manufacturers.

The CANedge/CLX000 supports CAN-based OBD2. Contact us if you have compatibility questions.

For a preliminary check, use this resource: OBD2 compatibility (cars). Also, see our OBD2 intro guide.

You can also use an OBD2 logger to check supported Mode 01 OBD2 PID IDs by requesting ‘Supported PIDs’ parameters (IDs 00, 20, 40, 60, 80, A0, C0) and analyzing the response data bits (see the OBD2 PID Wikipedia article for details).

OBD2 vs. J1939 Data Logging

OBD2 data logging is generally used for cars and light trucks. For heavy-duty vehicles (trucks, tractors, etc.), J1939 data logging is typically required. J1939 is a standardized protocol for heavy-duty vehicles, enabling data decoding across brands. A J1939 DBC file is necessary for decoding J1939 data, and the CANedge/CLX000 can function as a J1939 data logger.

CANedge vs. CLX000 for OBD2 Logging

Both CANedge and CLX000 data logger series support OBD2 data logging.

For SD card logging, the CANedge series is recommended as the 2nd generation, optimized for logging applications. For auto-uploading log files to your server, the CANedge2 is ideal for OBD2 telematics and OBD2 dashboards.

For real-time OBD2 data streaming via USB to a PC, the CLX000 series, such as the CL2000, is recommended.

Can I Stream OBD2 Data in Real-Time?

Yes, the CLX000 series supports real-time streaming of raw CAN and OBD2 data via USB. See our OBD2 streaming guide.

Raw CAN Data vs. OBD2 Data Logging

Connecting a CAN logger like CANedge or CLX000 to your OBD2 port typically records raw CAN bus data by default. This raw CAN data is used for internal vehicle communication.

OEMs may need raw CAN data and possess CAN databases (DBC files) for decoding. For non-OEMs, decoding raw CAN data often requires reverse engineering or finding partial databases online (e.g., opendbc).

For most users, OBD2 data logging is the primary method for data collection. OBD2 communication over CAN bus is request-based. OBD2 data loggers send CAN frames requesting specific data, and the vehicle responds if the OBD2 PID is supported.

Types of OBD2 Devices

The market offers various OBD2 device types:

OBD2 Scanners: Used by mechanics for diagnostics, DTC identification and clearing. Bluetooth and WiFi versions are available for smartphone access.
OBD2 Dongles: Small, low-cost, consumer-oriented Bluetooth OBD2 readers for real-time data via smartphone apps. Often use ELM327 microcontrollers, suitable for basic consumer use, but limited in flexibility.
OBD2 Data Loggers: Record OBD2 time-series data to SD cards in standalone mode for later analysis. The CANedge1 exemplifies a CAN bus data logger usable as an OBD2 data logger.
OBD2 WiFi/LTE Loggers: Support WiFi or 3G/4G data transfer. CANedge2/CANedge3 log to SD cards and auto-transfer data to servers via WiFi/LTE, ideal for OBD2 telematics and OBD2 dashboards.
OBD2 Interfaces: CAN interfaces like CLX000 enable real-time OBD2 data streaming to PCs via USB, e.g., using SavvyCAN.

Does an OBD2 Data Logger Drain Car Battery?

In most cases, OBD2 data loggers turn on/off with the ignition as the OBD2 port typically uses the IGN power supply, preventing battery drain when the vehicle is off.

However, in some vehicles, the OBD2 port is directly battery-wired. CANedge power drain is minimal (<50mA), but for extended periods of vehicle inactivity, disconnecting the device is advisable if it doesn’t turn off with the ignition.

Verify logger on/off behavior by checking LEDs after turning off the car for 15-20 minutes. If LEDs remain lit, the logger is still powered.

Alternatively, configure CANedge to start/stop based on CAN data patterns related to ignition status, or use a DB9-DC splitter cable and cigarette receptacle adapter for ignition-linked power. See CANedge Docs for details.

Can I Log GPS Data with OBD2 Data?

While cars may have built-in GPS, accessing this data via OBD2 or proprietary CAN is usually not feasible. Using a CANedge with GNSS/IMU is recommended to record synchronized GNSS/IMU and CAN/OBD2 data.

Ready to Start OBD2 Data Logging?

Get Your CANedge Today!

Buy Now
Contact Us

Recommended for You

CANedge1 – Dual CAN Bus Data Logger
CANEDGE1 – PRO BLACK BOX LOGGER

CANedge2 – Dual CAN Bus Telematics Dongle
CANEDGE2 – PRO CAN IoT LOGGER

CAN BUS INTERFACE: STREAMING OBD2 DATA WITH SAVVYCAN