On-Board Diagnostics Program

Background:

On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) systems are self-diagnostic systems incorporated into the computers of new vehicles. All 1996 and newer vehicles less than 14,000 lbs. (e.g., passenger cars, pickup trucks, sport utility vehicles) are equipped with OBD II systems, which are California's second generation of OBD requirements. The OBD II system monitors virtually every component that can affect the emission performance of the vehicle to ensure that the vehicle remains as clean as possible over its entire life, and assists repair technicians in diagnosing and fixing problems with the computerized engine controls. If a problem is detected, the OBD II system illuminates a warning lamp on the vehicle instrument panel to alert the driver. This warning lamp typically contains the phrase Check Engine or Service Engine Soon (see below). The system will also store important information about the detected malfunction so that a repair technician can accurately find and fix the problem. ARB has recently developed similar OBD requirements for heavy-duty vehicles over 14,000 lbs.

Below are links to further information regarding OBD, including the latest regulations and reports.

Most Recent Updates:

October 21, 2009:  The 15-Day Notice package (Notice, Regulation language) for the OBD regulatory update (Hearing date May 28, 2009) has been made available on the Heavy Duty OBD Regulations and Rulemaking page.

July 8, 2009:  Mail-Out #MSC 09-22, "Guidelines for Heavy-Duty On-Board Diagnostic (HD OBD) Certification Data," and associated templates have been made available on the OBD Updates page.

June 2, 2009: The presentation from the May 28, 2009 Board Hearing for the OBD regulatory update has been made available on the Heavy Duty OBD Regulations and Rulemaking page.

Consumer Information on OBD II:

Facts Sheet: Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about OBD II and how it works.

U.S. EPA OBD II site: The United States Environmental Protection Agency's (U.S. EPA) website also includes consumer information about the OBD II system.

OBD II Regulations and Rulemaking Information:

OBD II Regulations and Rulemaking: Links to the most recent regulations and rulemaking activities.

Past OBD II Regulatory Documents: Links to past regulations and rulemaking activities.

Heavy-Duty OBD Regulations and Rulemaking Information:

In 2004, ARB adopted a regulation requiring diagnostic systems on all 2007 and subsequent model year heavy-duty engines and vehicles (i.e., vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating greater than 14,000 lbs.) in California. ARB recently adopted a comprehensive OBD regulation for 2010 and subsequent model year heavy-duty vehicles.



Heavy Duty OBD Regulations and Rulemaking: Links to the ARB's current rulemaking activities, including draft regulations and staff reports.

U.S. EPA Heavy Duty OBD Site: U.S. EPA's website containing its heavy-duty requirements and other information.

Other OBD Information:

OBD Updates: Links to other OBD-related information, including Mail-Outs and ARB presentations from conferences.

OBD Workshops and Meetings: Links to all OBD-related workshops/meetings information.

Weber State Clearinghouse: Website containing information aimed at helping technicians (I/M and repair technicians) address problem vehicles.

OBD II-I/M Program Information:

ARB has worked with U.S. EPA to develop national guidelines for the implementation of OBD II into the Inspection and Maintenance (I/M) program. ARB has also worked with the Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR), which is part of the California Department of Consumer Affairs, in its incorporation of OBD II into the California Smog Check program, which is administered by BAR.



U.S. EPA OBD II-I/M Site: U.S. EPA website containing the latest reports and information on the incorporation of OBD II into the I/M program.

BAR Smog Check Site: BAR's Smog Check website containing details regarding the use of OBD II in its Smog Check program.

E-Mail Updates for OBD:

OBD List Serve: Sign up here for e-mail updates regarding ARB's activities concerning OBD.

WHERE CAN I GET MORE INFORMATION?

For more information, please call Mike McCarthy at (626) 771-3614 or via e-mail at mmccarth@arb.ca.gov.