The invention is based on the objective of creating a diagnostic tool by comparing algorithmic computational signals with sensor measurement signals to determine faults by calculating the difference. Furthermore, a method and arrangement for an active on-board diagnostic device are to be provided that, in the event of malfunctions in faulty components, switches off faulty measurement and control signals and replaces them with algorithmic computational values, thus enabling uninterrupted operation until maintenance can be carried out. Simultaneously, fault information is to be generated. The active diagnostic device consists of four sections: the sensor measurement circuits, the active diagnostic computer circuit, the control functions section, and the fault information section. The sensor measurement circuit includes sensors (1),
signal converters (2), cable connectors (3), and adapters (4). The active diagnostic computer circuit includes adapters (5), a
multiplexer (6), a diagnostic computer (7) with a diagnostic
algorithm memory (8), a diagnostic comparison computer (9) with a computational
signal adapter (12) connected to a switching register (11), and a switching control computer (10) with a computational
signal adapter (12). The control functions section comprises a
control unit (14), signal amplifiers (16), actuators (17), and control elements (18). The fault information section includes an information signal adapter (19), a synchronization switching module (20), a
microcontroller (21), and a display (22).