Logo
Login Sign Up
Current Revision

SAE J1978-1 (APR2026)

OBD-II Scan Tool: First Generation Protocols
Best Price Guarantee
Instant

$201.00

2-5 Days

$201.00

SAVE 10%

$361.80


Sub Total (1 Item(s))

$ 0.00

Estimated Shipping

$ 0.00

Total (Pre-Tax)

$ 0.00


View in Library
or
SAE International Logo

SAE J1978-1 (APR2026)

OBD-II Scan Tool: First Generation Protocols

PUBLISH DATE 2026
SAE J1978-1 (APR2026)

SAE J1978-1 specifies a complementary set of functions to be provided by an OBD-II scan tool. These functions provide complete, efficient, and safe access to all regulated OBD (on-board diagnostic) services on any vehicle which complies to SAE J1979.

The content of this document is intended to satisfy the requirements of an OBD-II scan tool as required by current U.S. OBD regulations.

This document specifies:

  • A means of establishing communications between an OBD-equipped vehicle and an OBD-II scan tool.
  • A set of diagnostic services to be provided by an OBD-II scan tool in order to exercise the services defined in SAE J1979. In addition, SAE J1978-1 covers first generation protocol functionality defined in SAE J1979 plus automatic protocol determination for all SAE J1979/J1979-2/J1979-3 application content.
  • The presentation of the SAE J1978 document family, where SAE J1978-1 covers first generation protocol functionality defined in SAE J1979 and protocol determination for SAE J1979, SAE J1979-2, and SAE J1979-3, and SAE J1978-2 covers second generation protocol functionality defined in SAE J1979-2.

The SAE J1978 document family does not preclude the inclusion of additional capabilities or functions in an OBD-II scan tool. However, it is the responsibility of the OBD-II scan tool designer to ensure that no such capability or function can adversely affect either an OBD-equipped vehicle, which may be connected to the OBD-II scan tool, or to the OBD-II scan tool itself.

SDO SAE: SAE International
Document Number J1978-1
Publication Date April 20, 2026
Language en - English
Page Count 45
Revision Level 202604
Supercedes
Committee
Loading...

Failed to load document history.

Publish Date Document Id Type View