Understanding OBD-II (On-Board Diagnostics II) compatibility is crucial for anyone looking to diagnose car issues themselves. With tools like the Vgate VS890 OBDII/OBD2 scanner becoming increasingly popular, it’s essential to know if your vehicle is actually compatible. Many assume that OBD-II is universal, but the reality is more nuanced, especially when considering model years and the country where your car was originally sold. This article breaks down OBD-II compatibility, specifically for 2014 vehicles, and how tools like the Vgate VS890 fit into the picture.
It’s a common misconception that OBD-II compliance is determined by where a vehicle is manufactured. In fact, compatibility is dictated by the regulations of the country where the vehicle was first sold. So, if you’re wondering whether your 2014 vehicle is OBD-II compliant and ready to use with a scanner like the Vgate VS890, you need to consider its original market.
To simplify this, we’ve compiled a compatibility chart based on vehicle origin and model year. Before you reach for a Vgate VS890 or any OBD-II scanner, take a look at the table below to determine your vehicle’s OBD-II status. If your country isn’t listed, your vehicle’s manual, a quick online search, or a consultation with your dealership can provide the answer.
| Country of Sale | Model Years | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| United States | 1996 | |
| European Union (Diesel) | Full OBD-II Compliance for 2007 and onward | Limited Compliance from 2004-06 |
| European Union(Petrol) | Full OBD-II Compliance for 2002 and onward | Limited Compliance from 2001 |
| Canada | 1998 | |
| Algeria | 2014 | |
| Argentina (Domestic) | 2008 | |
| Argentina (Imports) | 2009 | |
| Australia (Diesel) | 2007 | |
| Australia (Petrol) | 2006 | |
| Bahrain | Full OBD-II Compliance for 2018 and onward | Limited Compliance from 2017-18 |
| Brazil (Petrol) | Full OBD-II Compliance for 2007 and onward | Limited Compliance from 2005-06 |
| Brazil (Diesel) | Full OBD-II Compliance for 2015 and onward | Limited Compliance from 2013-14 |
| Chile (Diesel) | 2013 | |
| Chile (Petrol) | 2014 | |
| China (Beijing – Petrol) | 2008 | |
| China (Country – Diesel) | 2011 | |
| China (Country – Petrol) | 2010 | |
| Costa Rica | Limited Compliance from 2017 onward | |
| China Hong Kong | 2006 | |
| India | Full OBD-II Compliance for 2017 and onward | Limited Compliance from 2013-16 |
| Iran | 2012 | |
| Israel | 2003 | |
| Japan | Full OBD-II Compliance for 2008 and onward | Limited Compliance from 2003-07 |
| Kuwait | Full OBD-II Compliance for 2018 and onward | Limited Compliance from 2017-18 |
| Mexico | 2007 | |
| Morocco | 2010 | |
| New Zealand (Diesel) | 2007 | |
| New Zealand (Petrol) | 2006 | |
| Nigeria | 2015 | |
| Oman | Full OBD-II compliance for 2018 and onward | Limited Compliance from 2017-18 |
| Peru | 2003 | |
| Peru | 2017 | |
| Philippines | 2016 | |
| Qatar | Full OBD-II Compliance for 2018 and onward | Limited Compliance from 2017-18 |
| Russia | Full OBD-II Compliance for 2012 and onward | Limited Compliance from 2010-11 |
| Saudi Arabia | Full OBD-II Compliance for 2018 and onward | Limited Compliance from 2017-18 |
| Singapore | 2014 | |
| South Korea | Full OBD-II Compliance for 2010 and onward | Limited Compliance from 2005-09 |
| China Taiwan | 2008 | |
| Thailand | 2013 | |
| Turkey | 2013 | |
| United Arab Emirates | Full OBD-II Compliance for 2018 and onward | Limited Compliance from 2017-18 |
| Vietnam | 2017 | |
| Yemen | Full OBD-II Compliance for 2018 and onward | Limited Compliance from 2017-18 |
Is Your 2014 Vehicle OBD-II Compliant?
Looking at the chart, if your 2014 vehicle was originally sold in the United States, Canada, the European Union (petrol or diesel), Algeria, Chile (petrol), or Singapore, it should be OBD-II compliant. This means it’s likely compatible with OBD2 scanners like the Vgate VS890. For other countries listed with “Full OBD-II Compliance for 2014 and onward” or earlier years, compatibility is also expected.
However, for countries with “Limited Compliance” notes around 2014 or later dates, or those not listed, it’s crucial to double-check. Limited compliance may mean some 2014 models are compliant while others are not.
US Vehicles: A Safe Bet for Vgate VS890 Compatibility
In the United States, OBD-II has been mandatory for all cars and light trucks since the 1996 model year. This was mandated by legislation to monitor vehicle emissions. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provides extensive information on OBD systems on their website. Therefore, if you have a 1996 or newer vehicle originally sold in the US, including a 2014 model, it is almost certainly OBD-II compliant and should work seamlessly with the Vgate VS890 or similar OBD2 scanners.
European Union: Petrol vs. Diesel Considerations for OBD2 Tools
The European Union phased in OBD-II compliance. For petrol vehicles sold in the EU, full OBD-II compliance was required from 2001 onwards (for all types from 2002). Diesel vehicles in the EU followed a slightly later timeline, with full compliance from 2004 (for all types from 2007). If your 2014 vehicle was sold in the EU, regardless of whether it’s petrol or diesel, it is designed to be fully OBD-II compliant and compatible with tools like the Vgate VS890.
Beyond the Chart: Verifying OBD-II Compliance Manually
Even with the chart, there are situations where you might want to double-confirm OBD-II compliance, especially for vehicles from regions with “limited compliance” or if you’re unsure of the car’s original market.
One visual check is to look for a Vehicle Emission Control Information label under the hood. This label (Fig. 1) sometimes explicitly states OBD-II compliance.
Fig. 1 – Vehicle Emission Control Information Label: Look for mentions of OBD II, EOBD, or JOBD to confirm compatibility.
OBD-II is a general term that encompasses several regional variations, including:
- OBD II (California ARB standard)
- EOBD (European On-Board Diagnostics)
- JOBD (Japanese On-Board Diagnostics)
Checking your vehicle’s owner’s manual or contacting a local dealer can also provide information. However, be aware that not all dealers are fully informed about the nuances between OBD and OBD-II.
The 16-Pin Connector: Not a Guarantee of OBD-II
It’s tempting to assume that if your car has the standard 16-pin Diagnostic Link Connector (DLC), it must be OBD-II compliant. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case. Many manufacturers, particularly in Europe and Asia, used 16-pin connectors before fully adopting OBD-II systems.
Interestingly, non-OBD-II compliant vehicles with 16-pin connectors often have DLCs that don’t completely conform to the SAE J1979 standard. Take a look at the “ears” on the non-EOBD compliant Ford Focus DLC in Figure 2 compared to the standard J1962 connector in Figure 3. These subtle physical differences can be another visual clue, though not always definitive.
Fig. 2 – Ford Escort DLC (non-OBD-II compliant): Notice the “ears” on the connector, a characteristic sometimes found on pre-OBD-II vehicles.
Fig. 3 – J1962 Vehicle Connector, Type A (OBD-II standard): The standard OBD-II connector, designed for diagnostic tools like the Vgate VS890.
Using the Vgate VS890 with Your 2014 OBD-II Vehicle
If you’ve confirmed that your 2014 vehicle is indeed OBD-II compliant based on the chart or other verification methods, then the Vgate VS890 OBDII/OBD2 scanner is likely a compatible tool for reading diagnostic trouble codes, checking engine health, and more. The Vgate VS890 is designed to interface with OBD-II compliant systems, providing valuable insights into your vehicle’s performance.
Conclusion: Compatibility First for Effective Diagnostics
Before using any OBD-II scan tool, especially the Vgate VS890, verifying your vehicle’s OBD-II compatibility is the first and most crucial step. While many 2014 vehicles are OBD-II compliant, particularly those from the US, Canada, and EU, it’s essential to use resources like the compatibility chart and visual checks to be certain. Ensuring compatibility will save you time, prevent potential issues, and allow you to effectively utilize your Vgate VS890 or other OBD2 scanner for vehicle diagnostics and maintenance.
Disclaimer: Hybrid and Electric vehicles, being low or zero emission vehicles, may have different diagnostic systems. Our scan tools may have limited or no functionality with these vehicles. Always consult your vehicle manual for specific compatibility information.
