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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:
February 4, 2008: The websites have
been updated with a left-hand column that includes all
important and relevant links.
Additionally, updates have been made to the Facts Sheet,
including
more
information on addressing vehicles that fail Smog Check due to
incomplete readiness flags, and an electronic version of ARB Mail-Out
#95-20 has been made available in the OBD Updates page.
November 16, 2007: The
final, OAL-approved OBD II
and emission warranty regulations added to the "OBD II Regulations and
Rulemaking"
page. Please use these versions of the regulations as the
definitive finalized versions, as they contain differences from the
previously available versions of the regulations, which we have
detailed.
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:
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 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.
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