From AAIA Capital Report
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a final rule on Dec. 4 that will require on-board diagnostic systems (OBD) on heavy-duty vehicles, those weighing more than 14,000 pounds. The computer systems will be mandated to monitor all major emissions control systems and that any malfunctions be detected prior to emissions exceeding specified thresholds. Engine manufacturers are required to certify at least one engine family to the OBD requirements in the 2010 through 2012 model years. Beginning 2013, all highway engines for all manufacturers would have to be certified to the OBD requirements.
The new rule further requires that engine manufacturers make available all emission-related service information available to independent repair facilities over websites. In addition, beginning in 2013, all tools must be made available and that the manufacturers provide equipment and tool companies with access to all generic and enhanced information including bi-direction control and data stream information. The engine manufacturers will not be required to make available tools with reconfiguration capabilities if they can demonstrate to the agency that the tools are not essential to the completion of emission-related repairs. In addition, as a condition of purchase, manufacturers may request that the purchaser take all necessary training offered by the engine manufacturer prior to purchasing reconfiguration tools as long as the training meets certain conditions regarding availability.
The service information requirements take effect for the 2010 model year, while the scan tool availability does not take effect until the 2013 model year. The final rule will likely not be published in the Federal Register for about two weeks, but can be viewed by visiting www.epa.gov/otaq/regs/im/obd/regtech/heavy.htm.
