Mechanical
OBD-II
The standardised onboard diagnostic port used to read engine and emissions fault codes.
Every car sold in Australia since 2006 has an OBD-II port (usually under the dashboard). It's how a PPI inspector pulls active and historical fault codes, freeze-frame data, readiness monitors, and live sensor values. A seller who has 'just cleared the codes' so the engine light is off is hiding something — readiness monitors take 30+ km of driving to re-set and reveal the clear.
Related terms
DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)
A soot trap in modern diesel exhausts that requires periodic high-speed driving to self-clean.
EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation)
An emissions valve that routes exhaust back into the intake — a notorious carbon-clog point on diesels.
Timing chain stretch
A common failure mode on VW/Audi 2.0 TFSI, Ford Ranger 3.2L and Nissan QR25 engines.
Timing belt
A rubber belt synchronising crankshaft and camshafts — must be replaced on schedule or the engine destroys itself.
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