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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:
October 9, 2008: Information regarding call-in option for the October 15, 2008 Heavy-Duty OBD workshop have been made available on the Workshops/Meetings page. September 11, 2008: Documents related to the October 15, 2008
Heavy-Duty OBD workshop (including the workshop notice and the draft
regulatory language) have been made available on the Workshops/Meetings page. June 11, 2008: "Clean" pdf versions of the final, OAL-approved OBD II and emission warranty regulations have been added to the OBD II Regulations and Rulemaking page. Additionally, a separate webpage has been added, Workshops/Meetings,
to consolidate all information related to OBD-related workshops into
one site. Additionally, the diesel monitor checklist in the OBD Updates page
has been updated to correct a few reference errors. Finally, a link to the
Weber State Clearinghouse webpage has been added to the main OBD 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:
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.
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