Unified Diagnostic Services (UDS) is a standardized protocol used by diagnostic tools to communicate with vehicle ECUs. It allows technicians to read and clear fault codes, view live data, and run active tests across the CAN bus. Because it standardizes commands across different manufacturers, a single diagnostic tool can perform deep system checks on various vehicle makes.
I'm sending a UDS request to the body control module to force the windows down.
UDS goes beyond basic OBD-II by allowing bidirectional control and manufacturer-specific routines.
Also heard as
- Unified Diagnostic Services
Related terms
OBD
On-board diagnostics is the standardized computer system that monitors vehicle emissions and engine performance.
CAN
A controller area network bus that allows vehicle microcontrollers and devices to communicate.
ECU
The primary computer that manages engine performance, fuel delivery and emissions.
DTC
A diagnostic trouble code generated by a vehicle computer to indicate a fault.
MIL
The dashboard warning light that indicates a fault detected by the engine control module.