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Issue
Vehicle manufacturers must install systems to alert
drivers when an emissions control system is malfunctioning.
The electronic systems, called "on-board
diagnostics" (OBD), are used to monitor the emissions control
system along with a number of other vehicle functions. The
law requires that the aftermarket have access to OBD service
information in order to repair and service a vehicle, as well as
manufacture replacement as well as specialty aftermarket performance
equipment.
SEMA’s Position
SEMA supports regulatory initiatives by the Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) and the California Air Resources
Board (CARB) that would require vehicle manufacturers to
provide increased levels of technological design and maintenance
information to the specialty aftermarket. More importantly, for the
past several years, SEMA has worked closely to develop a positive
relationship with the vehicle manufacturers. For example, SEMA and
Ford have established a partnership for sharing technology
information that should translate into increased sales of both SEMA
member and Ford products. SEMA is currently working with Chrysler
Group and other automakers to forge similar information-sharing
partnerships. SEMA’s goal is to help its members provide products
and accessories with high quality, reliability, and durability to
meet both OEM and customer satisfaction.
Status: Regulations
Revised EPA Service Information Rule: The U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently issued a proposal to
update the OBD “Service Information” rule. The rule is intended to
ensure that all aftermarket service and repair facilities have
access to the same emission-related service information and in the
same manner as that provided by the manufacturers to their
dealerships. Although on-board computer recalibration
related information might still be treated as proprietary, car
makers will be required to provide the means for reprogramming
vehicle computers using a “pass-thru” method that eliminates the
need to buy multiple scan tools for reprogramming different vehicle
types. The EPA is expected to issue a final rule in 2002.
CARB’s Revised OBD II: The California Air Resources
Board (CARB) has completed action on its OBD Service
Information Rule. The rule requires OEMs to post emissions-related
service information on the Internet, including OBD
diagnostic system info, initialization procedures,
technical service bulletins, training materials and service manuals.
The automakers must also make their enhanced diagnostic tools
and reprogramming information available to the aftermarket (although
trade secret material may still be withheld). The rules also attempt
to ensure that costs will be reasonable and that the information
will be available in a timely fashion to all “covered persons,”
including aftermarket parts manufacturers. Still under consideration
is making reinitialization information for vehicle security
systems available to the aftermarket. CARB has worked with
the EPA to make sure that its rules are compatible with the EPA’s
service information rules and that the information can be posted in
similar form on the Internet. The rules go into effect
on January 1, 2003.
I/M Programs: OBD Checks: States have until 2003 to
include OBD system checks within their inspection/maintenance
programs. The EPA has provided guidance on how to perform
such tests. OBD system tests will replace tailpipe and
dynometer tests for model year 1996 and later vehicles.
Status: Legislation
A “right to repair” bill (H.R. 2735) was introduced by Rep. Joe
Barton (R-TX) in the U.S. House of Representatives seeking to ensure
that vehicle owners and independent service technicians have access
to the computers that control and encode electronic service
information. An identical bill (S. 2617) has also been introduced in
the Senate by Sen. Paul Wellstone (D-MN). The bills do not cover
engine and emissions-related service information already addressed
in the EPA's on-board diagnostic (OBD) rules.
No action has taken place on either bill.
Current as of June 24, 2002.
For more information on how you can get involved, contact
san@sema.org.
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