WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced it will conduct an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) Web site audit to gather feedback from the technician community on their experiences with the Web sites.

On June 27, 2003, the EPA finalized its regulations requiring OEMs to make available all information necessary to use onboard diagnostic (OBD) systems. The regulations required any information for making automotive emissions-related repairs, including any emissions-related information provided by the OEMs to franchised dealers, be made available. The ruling required each OEM to develop a Web site by the end of 2003 containing the service information for all 1996 and later model year vehicles and light-duty trucks.

As part of the program, a steering committee, comprised of 15 industry representatives from OEMs, tool companies, repair facilities and aftermarket associations, was formed to oversee the evaluation process. The steering committee will work to keep the industry informed throughout the process. In addition, a Web site (www.oemaudit.com), is currently under construction and once online will feature information regarding the evaluation process.

The EPA hopes to have the final audit report complete in September.

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