From AAIA Capital Report
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed last week to require that engine manufacturers provide the independent aftermarket with access to all service information and tools necessary to maintain and repair truck emissions systems. The service information provisions were included in an EPA proposed rule that would require all trucks 14,000 pounds and over be equipped with an on-board diagnostic system (OBD) that monitors all major emissions systems, including any after treatment devices that will be used on highway diesel engines to comply with the 2010 emissions standards.
Similar to EPA’s service information availability regulations that were promulgated in 2003 for light duty vehicles, the proposed rules for heavy duty vehicles would mandate that the manufacturers maintain websites which contain full-text versions of all of their service information, as well as the ability to purchase training manuals, videos and interactive multimedia CDs. EPA also is proposing that manufacturers make available all OEM-specific diagnostic scan tools and that all generic and enhanced information, including bi-directional control data, be made available to equipment and tool companies.
The service information would need to be available six months after model introduction and then simultaneously with availability to the dealers. The agency recognizes in the proposed rule "that differences do exist between the industries that service vehicles above and below 14,000 pounds," and requests comments on changes that should be made to take these differences into account.
EPA is proposing to require that each manufacturer certify at least one engine family to the OBD requirements between 2010 and 2012 model year. Beginning in 2013, all highway engines for all manufacturers would have to be certified to the proposed OBD requirements. Service information requirements would apply to all engine families certified to meet the new OBD requirement. Comments will be due 60 days following publication in the Federal Register which should occur sometime in the next several days.
For additional information, visit the EPA Web site: http://www.epa.gov/obd/regtech/heavy.htm.
