Automotive sensor display system

[Amoque]

...As far as the OBDII, the system is primarily for emissions and doesn't often monitor basic engine functions...

I don't want to start an argument, but I am passionate about this. If you are looking for data... any data... from your gasoline powered vehicle, OBD is where to look. Start with OBDII.com and find your make and model; if it isn't there, check with the manufacturer. "P" (Powertrain) codes are emission related and, yes, include the transmission - shift points, engine RPM, and a host of transmission related parameters affect emissions. Why do newer cars have tire pressure low indicators? Because rolling friction affects mileage and lower mileage means higher emissions. Engine temperature affects fuel burn efficiency, so coolant temperature is measured; oxygen content of air is related to altitude, so barometric pressure is monitored... the list goes on. Other prefixes "B", "C", "U" and others designate other systems. Newer vehicles support "CAN" (Controller Area Network) where literally every system (airbags, electrical, transmission, fuel, exhaust, etc.) has it's own (at least one) controller running on the bus. Want to test this? Take off your gas cap and see how long it takes for the "MIL" (Malfunction Indicator Light) to come on. Why? Because gasoline fumes are high in hydrocarbons. And, where emission efficiency drops, cost takes over - imagine the cost of running individual wires for each light at the back of your vehicle - tail, brake, blinker... Now imagine running one signal wire to a microprocessor that activates those lights when signaled to do so - cheaper!

Do as you choose and believe what you like, but the OBD system, testing emissions, and working with mechanics to repair this equipment has been my job for the last 15 years. For the sake of those who come later looking for correct information I feel obligated to insist that OBDII is a very robust system - and expanding quickly - to include actively controlling the vehicle's braking, shifting, and steering among other things.

Sorry for the rant...