ISO 15031-1:2010

Overview

ISO 15031-1:2010 - "Road vehicles - Communication between vehicle and external equipment for emissions-related diagnostics - Part 1" provides the general information, terminology and use-case definitions for the ISO 15031 series. Published as the second edition in 2010, it explains the partitioning of the ISO 15031 set, the relation between parts, and the references to corresponding SAE recommended practices and SAE Digital Annexes. The standard is a foundation for implementing legislated on‑board diagnostics (OBD) communication between a vehicle and external test equipment for emissions-related diagnostics.

Key topics

• Common terminology and conventions: Defines the terms, abbreviations and conventions used across all parts of ISO 15031 to ensure consistent implementation.
• Document overview and partitioning: Maps the roles of Parts 2–7 and shows how each part addresses different OSI layers (from physical layer to diagnostic services).
• OSI model mapping: Relates ISO 15031 services to OSI layers and identifies applicable protocols and standards for each layer (e.g., transport, network, data link, physical).
• Use case definitions (OBD use cases): Describes emissions-related OBD use case clusters and specific use cases such as:
  • UC 1 - Information about emissions-related malfunctions (confirmed, pending, permanent DTCs)
  • UC 2 - Information supporting diagnosis and repair
• SAE Digital Annex integration: References SAE J1930, J1979 and J2012 and their Digital Annexes (DA) for standardized naming, data items (PIDs, Test IDs, Monitor IDs) and Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs).
• Change and revision handling: Describes the process to propose new data items and DTCs via SAE revision request forms and publication workflow.

Applications

ISO 15031-1 is used to:

• Support implementation of legislated OBD systems and emissions-related diagnostics.
• Guide development of external test equipment and generic diagnostic tools that communicate with vehicle OBD systems.
• Provide a consistent terminology and high-level use-case model for vehicle manufacturers, component suppliers, diagnostic tool vendors and service technicians.
• Serve regulators and standardization bodies as a reference for harmonized emissions‑related communication requirements.

Who uses it

• Automotive OEMs and suppliers (electrical/electronic systems)
• Diagnostic tool and test-equipment manufacturers
• Aftermarket service centers and technicians
• Regulatory agencies and test laboratories
• Standards and compliance engineers

Related standards

• ISO 15031-2 through ISO 15031-7 (terms, connector, external test equipment, diagnostic services, DTC definitions, data link security)
• SAE J1930, SAE J1979, SAE J2012 and their SAE Digital Annexes (DA)
• ISO/IEC 7498-1 and ISO/IEC 10731 (OSI reference model)

Keywords: ISO 15031-1, OBD, emissions-related diagnostics, vehicle communication, diagnostic trouble codes, SAE J1979, SAE Digital Annex, external test equipment, OSI model.