The history of OBD2.com: from EASE Diagnostics to today
OBD2.com has been associated with automotive diagnostics since the early years of OBD-II.
Long before the current website existed, the domain was used by EASE Simulation, Inc., also known as EASE Diagnostics, an American company involved in automotive diagnostic hardware, PC-based scan-tool software, emissions equipment and vehicle diagnostic technology.
This history explains why many old workshop documents, automotive forums, technical PDFs and archived product references still point to OBD2.com today.
The current OBD2.com is independently operated. It is not the legal successor of EASE Simulation, EASE Diagnostics or DENSO. This page documents the history of the domain and the diagnostic resources historically associated with it.
1993: EASE Simulation is founded
EASE Simulation, Inc. was founded in Pennsylvania in 1993.
The company operated during a period when computer-based automotive diagnostics were still relatively uncommon outside dealerships and specialist workshops.
Its activities included automotive diagnostic hardware and software, PC-based scan tools, emissions testing equipment, vehicle diagnostic systems and telematics-related technology.
OBD2.com becomes associated with EASE Diagnostics
OBD2.com became closely associated with EASE’s diagnostic products and technical information during the early development of standardized OBD-II diagnostics.
Over time, automotive forums, workshop documents and technical websites linked to resources hosted on the domain.
Those historical references covered subjects such as OBD2 connector information, PC-based scan tools, Palm and PDA diagnostics, QuikCode, OBD1 systems, J2534 Pass-Thru programming, vehicle readiness procedures and manufacturer programming resources.
Many of those original pages no longer exist in their historical form, but the incoming references to them remain part of the domain’s history.
PC-based automotive diagnostics
EASE was particularly associated with PC-based automotive diagnostics.
Instead of placing every diagnostic function inside a dedicated handheld scanner, a vehicle interface could communicate with software running on a Windows computer.
This made it possible to use a larger screen for live data, graphing, data recording and other diagnostic functions.
That same general architecture still exists today in manufacturer diagnostic software, J2534 programming systems and specialist PC-based scan tools.
See our historical overview: OBD2 PC scan tool software and computer-based diagnostics.
Palm and PDA diagnostics
Before smartphones became common workshop tools, portable diagnostic software also appeared on Palm OS handhelds and other PDAs.
The idea was remarkably similar to today’s smartphone diagnostics: a handheld computer provided the screen and application while a separate interface communicated with the vehicle.
Our current historical guide is available here: Palm OS and PDA OBD2 scan tools.
QuikCode
Another diagnostic product historically associated with EASE and OBD2.com was QuikCode.
Old technical discussions and archived documents still contain links to QuikCode product pages and manuals that were once hosted on the domain.
We preserve that subject in the QuikCode OBD2 code reader legacy guide.
OBD1 and manufacturer-specific diagnostics
Historical OBD2.com resources also covered vehicles built before standardized OBD2.
Those systems often required manufacturer-specific connectors, communication methods and scan tools.
Current reference pages include:
J2534 and vehicle reprogramming
OBD2.com also historically hosted information about SAE J2534 Pass-Thru technology used for vehicle module programming and reflashing.
The original pages are no longer part of the current site, but the subject remains relevant to professional diagnostics today.
See our current J2534 Pass-Thru programming guide.
2014: DENSO acquires a majority stake in EASE
In 2014, DENSO announced that it had acquired a 72.1% ownership stake in EASE Simulation, Inc.
According to the historical information referenced by this page, the acquisition was intended to support further development in vehicle diagnostics and telematics technology.
At that time, EASE’s activities included diagnostic hardware and software, emissions equipment and related automotive technologies.
2018: DENSO completes the acquisition
In 2018, DENSO announced the acquisition of the remaining ownership interest in EASE Simulation.
EASE’s diagnostic expertise subsequently became part of DENSO’s broader activities.
Why so many old backlinks still exist
OBD2.com accumulated automotive links over many years.
Some still point to historical HTML pages, software resources or PDF documents that disappeared from the live site long ago.
Where the original subject remains useful, the current OBD2.com attempts to preserve that context with a modern technical guide instead of redirecting every old URL to the homepage.
This approach is also why pages now exist for QuikCode, Palm diagnostics, PC Scan Tool software, older GM and Chrysler diagnostics, readiness procedures and J2534.
2025: a new chapter for OBD2.com
In 2025, OBD2.com began a new chapter under independent ownership.
The current website again focuses specifically on automotive diagnostics, but it is independent from the former EASE organization.
The continuity is therefore thematic rather than corporate: OBD2.com remains focused on diagnostic information, vehicle communication and scan tools while operating as a separate modern website.
The OBD2 DTC library today
A major part of the current site is the OBD2 Diagnostic Trouble Code Library.
It covers the four major DTC families:
- Powertrain P-codes
- Chassis C-codes
- Body B-codes
- Network Communication U-codes
The library is now part of a broader technical structure that also includes diagnostic guides, scan-tool information, readiness procedures, programming information and legacy diagnostic systems.
Current OBD2.com resources
For current information, start with What is OBD2?, the OBD2 scanner buyer’s guide, the OBD2 connector and DLC pinout guide or the OBD2 DTC library.
Visitors following an old EASE or historical OBD2.com link can also use the legacy EASE Diagnostics resource hub.
Historical sources
The historical company information on this page is based on DENSO’s published announcements concerning its investment in and later acquisition of EASE Simulation.
DENSO — 2014 acquisition of 72.1% of EASE Simulation
DENSO — 2018 full acquisition of EASE Simulation
These references are included to distinguish the documented history of EASE from the independently operated OBD2.com website that exists today.
