Kenwood’s integration with OBDII (On-Board Diagnostics II) offers valuable vehicle data and features. Understanding the different communication settings within the Kenwood system is crucial for maximizing its functionality and compatibility with other devices. This article explores these settings and their implications.
Kenwood OBDII Communication Options
Within the settings menu of your Kenwood system’s gauges screen, you’ll find the OBDII Communication options. These settings determine how your Kenwood system interacts with your vehicle’s OBDII port and other connected devices. Let’s break down each option:
Auto Disable (Default)
This setting automatically ceases OBDII communication when the Kenwood system detects another scan tool or data logger connected to the OBDII port. This prevents conflicts between devices. For example, if you’re using an SCT data logger, whichever device detects the other first will stop communicating.
Always Enabled
This forces the Kenwood module to maintain OBDII communication, even if another device is present. This only works if the Kenwood module detects the other device first. It’s crucial to disable this setting before taking your vehicle for service to avoid potential interference with diagnostic equipment.
Disabled
This completely turns off the Kenwood module’s OBDII communication. Useful for vehicle servicing or when temporarily using other diagnostic devices. This ensures no conflicts arise and allows other tools to operate unhindered.
Enabled On Demand
This new setting activates OBDII communication only when you’re actively using the gauges screen on your Kenwood system. This is beneficial for maintaining a connection with another device while still accessing Kenwood’s gauge functionalities when needed. It’s also helpful if you utilize the Vehicle Health Report feature of Sync, which may fail to run with continuous OBDII communication from another device.
Considerations for “Enabled On Demand”
While the “Enabled On Demand” setting offers flexibility, there are some trade-offs:
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Fuel Economy Data: Fuel economy data will only be collected when the gauges screen is active, resulting in average economy readings that may not represent your overall driving patterns.
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Check Engine Light Alerts: Continuous monitoring for Check Engine Light (CEL) alerts is disabled. However, accessing the Vehicle Info screen will trigger a check, allowing you to read and reset codes if a CEL occurs.
In summary, choosing the correct Kenwood Obdii communication setting depends on your individual needs and how you use other diagnostic devices. Understanding these settings allows for seamless integration and optimal performance of your Kenwood system.
