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What is OBD?
The On Board Diagnostics system is composed of a computer that monitors the
emissions system and key engine components. It can usually detect a malfunction
or deterioration in these components before the driver becomes aware of the
problem. The U.S. EPA has required auto makers to install OBD systems on all
cars and light-duty trucks made since 1996.
OBD systems are designed to alert the driver when a component in
the engine management or emissions systems begins to deteriorate or malfunction.
Early detection of minor problems, followed by timely repair, can often prevent
more costly damage to components such as the catalytic converter.
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How does OBD work?
When the OBD computer detects a problem, it stores a Diagnostics Trouble Code
and may illuminate the "Check Engine" or "Service Engine"
light on the vehicle's dashboard. This light cannot be turned off until the
necessary repairs are completed or the condition no longer exists.
When you take your car in for diagnosis or for an annual emissions inspection, the repair technician
retrieves the trouble codes from the computer using a "Scan
Tool." By using this information, a properly trained repair technician can
quickly and accurately fix any problem.
Under certain conditions, the dashboard light will blink or
flash. This indicates a severe problem. The driver should reduce speed and seek
service as soon as possible. Malfunctions which cause a flashing light can
seriously damage emission control system components in a short period of time,
especially the catalytic converter.
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What does OBD have to with do with
air pollution?
Motor vehicles are the largest source of air pollutants in North America.
Although modern vehicles are getting cleaner due to improved engines and
emission controls, emissions are low only when everything is in proper working
order. When an engine is not at maximum efficiency, performance is lost, fuel is
wasted and air pollutant emissions increase. OBD can detect emission component
problems before there is an obvious problem with the car or truck.
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How do I know there is a problem with
my car or truck?
OBD systems are designed to alert drivers when something in the engine or
emission control system begins to deteriorate or fail. When the OBD system
determines that a problem exists a code is stored in the computer memory. The
computer may illuminate a dashboard light indicating "Service Engine
Soon" or "Check Engine."
This light informs the driver that there is an emission related
engine problem. If the light is on, there is a real problem relating to emission
control that needs to be fixed. If the light is flashing the driver needs to
take the car to a repair technician as soon as possible.
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How do I turn the engine light off?
The repair technician will turn off the dashboard light after the necessary
repairs have been made. There are also situations under which the vehicle’s
OBD system can turn off the dashboard light automatically if the conditions that
caused the problem are no longer present.
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Is OBD going to cost me more money?
No. It may actually save you money. OBD is designed to aid the driver as well as
the environment by alerting the driver early to deterioration and failure of
parts that affect engine function and/or pollutant emissions. Early detection of
engine or emission system failures followed by a timely repair will prevent more
costly repairs down the road. It can also help lower repair costs because the
test is more specific and can help reduce troubleshooting time.
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What happens after an OBD test?
Vehicles that pass the OBD inspection will be able to proceed with vehicle
registration. All emissions test results are transmitted electronically to the
DMV. We encourage you to renew by Internet, at a kiosk or at emissions stations that offer this service.
If a car or truck fails the OBD test, the owner will be provided
with a test report that specifies the reason for failure. Vehicles that fail the
OBD inspection test must be repaired in order to register the car or truck.
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Who can fix an OBD problem?
Only a qualified trained service technician equipped with the correct diagnostic
and repair equipment can perform OBD related repairs. Vehicle owners should ask
their vehicle repair facility if the technicians have received proper training
and have access to the necessary equipment to properly service OBD equipped
vehicles.
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Are OBD related repairs covered by my
warranty?
Federal law requires that the emissions control systems on 1996 and newer
vehicles be warranted for two years or 24,000 miles (which ever comes first).
Many auto manufacturers provide extended coverage as well. Federal law also
requires that the on-board computer and the catalytic converter on 1996 and
newer vehicles be covered for 8 years or 80,000 miles. Consult your vehicle
owners manual or warranty for coverage.
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