create DTC (failure) for obd II tool

[geramex26]

Hi, Im developing in university a tool for automotive diagnostics, the thing is I want to create some kind of failure in order to set a DTC in the car, check the DTC is set and erase it via my OBD tool. But I dont know what kind of failure I can provocate in my car. I´ve been reading about disconnecting oxygen sensors, and also tried to set the DTC related with the low battery but it takes to long to uncharge the battery. If someone can tell me other easy to provocate failure it would help me a LOT!. Thanks

[shorod]

What make, model, and year of car are you working with? Is it OBD-II compliant? If it has a MAF sensor, you could unplug that with the engine running, wait until you see the Check Engine Light to come on if you want to be certain a diagnostic code has been set. But don't run the engine too long this way or you may damage the catalytic converter. Likewise you could disconnect a spark plug or fuel injector to a cylinder, forcing a misfire, and let the engine run that way for a minute or two.

-Rod

[vgames33]

If its accessible, unplug the coolant temp sensor or intake air temp sensor. Those should set a DTC without any misfires or risk of damage. Pretty much anything you can find on the engine should set a DTC if the car is new enough.

Or leave the gas cap off overnight. That should set an EVAP code.

[geramex26]

Thanks a lot, I think the MAS sensor is the most easy sensor for me to identify and for the other sensors Im searching their location on the internet, is good to know another possibilities to create a DTC. By the way im working with a nissan tiida and a suzuki swift.