For owners of a 1999 Dodge Durango looking to enhance their vehicle’s visibility, especially for emergency or utility purposes, understanding the onboard diagnostic system is crucial. A common question arises: Is a 1999 Dodge Durango OBD1 or OBD2? This distinction is not just technical jargon; it directly impacts the compatibility of aftermarket accessories like plug-and-play flashers, such as the Z-Flash Plug and Play Flasher for Chrysler Vehicles.
To clarify, the 1999 Dodge Durango is equipped with an OBD2 system. OBD2, or On-Board Diagnostics II, became standard in vehicles sold in the United States starting in 1996. This standardized system provides a wealth of diagnostic information and also serves as a convenient port for accessories that can tap into the vehicle’s electrical system in a safe and non-invasive manner. Unlike older OBD1 systems which were manufacturer-specific and less standardized, OBD2 offers a universal interface.
The Z-Flash Plug and Play Flasher is designed to utilize the OBD-II port to activate specific vehicle lights for enhanced visibility. This innovative module works by interpreting diagnostic signals available through the OBD-II port. Crucially, it operates without making permanent changes to your Durango’s computer code, ensuring no negative impact on vehicle performance or risk of voiding warranties related to electronic modifications. It’s designed with safety and ease of use in mind, functioning much like inserting a USB drive into a computer – a straightforward and secure process.
One of the primary concerns when adding electrical accessories is the potential for damage to sensitive vehicle electronics. The Z-Flash flasher addresses this by operating without emitting voltage that could harm your 1999 Durango’s computer system. This non-invasive approach is a key benefit for those who are wary of complex electrical modifications.
Safety remains paramount, and the Z-Flash module is engineered to prioritize essential safety features. When activated, the vehicle’s standard brake lights and turn signals will always override any flashing patterns initiated by the module. This ensures that your 1999 Durango’s signaling remains clear and unambiguous to other drivers, which is a non-negotiable aspect of road safety.
While the Z-Flash flasher does not alter your vehicle’s gear settings, owners of a 1999 Durango should be aware of a potential interaction with the reverse lights and backup camera. In some configurations, activating reverse lights via the flasher module might inadvertently trigger the backup camera screen due to the factory wiring. Currently, this is a characteristic that cannot be disabled but does not affect the core functionality of the flasher or the vehicle.
The advantages of using a plug-in flasher like the Z-Flash for your 1999 Dodge Durango are numerous. It presents a cost-effective way to significantly improve your vehicle’s visibility, especially valuable for emergency responders or anyone needing enhanced vehicle conspicuity. Furthermore, if your Durango already has auxiliary lighting systems, the Z-Flash can seamlessly integrate to control and enhance these existing setups. Installation is incredibly simple and fast, requiring no additional wiring and can be completed in seconds by simply plugging into the OBD-II port.
It’s important to consider bulb longevity when using any flasher system. Like other headlight and taillight flashers, the Z-Flash may increase the wear rate of bulbs beyond normal use. This is a common characteristic of flasher devices due to the rapid on-off cycles. Specifically, aftermarket High-Intensity Discharge (HID) bulbs may be more prone to quicker burnout when subjected to flashing operation as their ballasts are not designed for such frequent cycling.
For 1999 Dodge Durango owners still using halogen bulbs, it’s worth noting that halogen bulbs require a charging and cooling period, unlike LEDs which can flash more rapidly. This characteristic of halogen technology may result in a slightly slower flash rate when used with the Z-Flash. If a slower flash rate is desired, custom flash patterns can be selected to accommodate halogen bulb response times.
Finally, for those concerned about the discreet nature of vehicle modifications, the Z-Flash Plug and Play Flasher is designed to be untraceable after removal. Once unplugged from the OBD-II port, it leaves no trace of its installation, ensuring that your 1999 Dodge Durango can be returned to its original factory configuration without any lingering evidence of the module’s use.
In conclusion, understanding that your 1999 Dodge Durango utilizes the OBD2 system is key to utilizing modern, plug-and-play accessories like the Z-Flash Flasher. This OBD-II compatibility ensures a safe, easy, and reversible way to enhance your vehicle’s visibility for various needs, keeping safety and convenience at the forefront.
