Overview
ISO 17978-1:2026 establishes the foundational framework for Service-oriented Vehicle Diagnostics (SOVD) in road vehicles. Developed by ISO, this standard is designed to support the evolving needs of modern vehicle architectures, including distributed electronic control units (ECUs), domain- or zone-based systems, and extended vehicle (ExVe) concepts. As the first part of the ISO 17978 series, it provides general information, essential definitions, and outlines the rules and basic principles governing SOVD according to the ExVe methodology specified in the ISO 20077 series.
With the increasing sophistication of vehicle electronics, service-oriented diagnostics help meet new challenges in vehicle lifecycle management, cybersecurity, data protection, and efficient maintenance workflows. ISO 17978-1 delivers a unified approach for diagnostic interfaces, making it easier to integrate new diagnostic and repair strategies as technologies and architectures advance.
Key Topics
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General Concepts and Definitions
ISO 17978-1 defines critical terms such as service-oriented vehicle diagnostics (SOVD), extended vehicle (ExVe), electronic control unit (ECU), diagnostic operator, and classic diagnostic adapter.
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Rules and Basic Principles
The document specifies key rules and principles that ensure safe and secure diagnostic processes throughout a vehicle’s lifecycle. These include adherence to safety, security, and compatibility requirements and the management of concurrent diagnostic access.
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ExVe Methodology Compliance
This standard mandates that SOVD systems comply with the methodology and principles set out in the ISO 20077 series, addressing roles, responsibilities, and separation between vehicle manufacturing and service provision.
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Coexistence of Diagnostic Protocols
ISO 17978-1 enables the integration and coexistence of SOVD with other diagnostic protocols. This flexibility supports seamless access to diagnostic information across varied architectures and device types.
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Interface and API Standardization
It introduces a framework for unified application programming interfaces (APIs), setting the groundwork for subsequent parts of the ISO 17978 series focused on use cases and API specifications.
Applications
The practical value of ISO 17978-1:2026 is seen in:
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Automotive Diagnostics and Repair
Standardized SOVD interfaces facilitate efficient fault detection, data logging, and remote or co-located diagnostics, supporting faster turnaround and more effective vehicle maintenance.
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Lifecycle Management
By incorporating advanced diagnostics and modular service interfaces, vehicle manufacturers and service providers can better manage software updates, functional enhancements, and evolving hardware throughout the vehicle’s life.
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Secure and Safe Operations
The standard emphasizes robust security and safety measures, enabling compliance with emerging cybersecurity and data protection requirements in the automotive industry.
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Third-party and Multi-operator Environments
ISO 17978-1 allows for multiple diagnostics operators-such as repair shops, fleet managers, insurers, and regulatory bodies-to access and interact with vehicle data in a controlled, prioritized manner, supporting diverse aftersales scenarios.
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Technology Evolution
As vehicles become increasingly software-defined, this standard offers a future-proof diagnostics platform that keeps pace with ongoing advancements in connected and autonomous vehicle technologies.
Related Standards
ISO 17978-1:2026 is closely connected to several other international standards that provide additional guidance and specifications, including:
- ISO 20077 Series: Road Vehicles - Extended vehicle (ExVe) methodology, which underpins the architectural approach for extended vehicle concepts.
- ISO 17978-2: Service-oriented vehicle diagnostics (SOVD) - Part 2: Use cases definition, detailing diagnostic and repair use cases.
- ISO 17978-3: Service-oriented vehicle diagnostics (SOVD) - Part 3: Application programming interface (API), specifying technical interface requirements.
- ISO 14229-1: Road vehicles - Unified diagnostic services (UDS) - Application layer, covering core diagnostic protocols.
By aligning with these related standards, organizations ensure compatibility, scalability, and best practices in vehicle diagnostics across the automotive industry. This supports the development of interoperable, secure, and efficient diagnostics solutions for modern and future vehicles.
Open preview (PDF)Road vehicles — Service-oriented vehicle diagnostics (SOVD) — Part 1: General information, definitions, rules and basic principles
