OBDII Testing
What is OBDII and how does it work?
The first on-board diagnostic (OBD) systems were introduced in the early 1980’s to lower vehicle emissions and help automotive repair technicians in the diagnosis and repair of computerized engine controls. As a result of improved technology, a new generation of OBD (OBDII) was developed for 1996-and-newer vehicles. The new OBDII systems monitor the vehicle’s electronic sensors and actuators while the vehicle is being driven to insure they are working “as designed.” The on-board computer has the ability to identify a problem well before symptoms are recognized by the driver, such as lack of performance, high emissions, or poor fuel economy. Early detection helps avoid costly repairs and can improve the vehicle’s emissions.
Is my vehicle equipped with OBDII?
Most 1996 and newer cars and light duty trucks are equipped with an OBDII system. However, some vehicle manufacturers started producing OBDII vehicles in 1994 and 1995. The easiest way to identify if your vehicle is OBDII equipped is to check your owner’s manual and/or the underhood emissions label. If you are still unsure if your vehicle is OBDII equipped, contact the vehicle dealership or your service technician.
What’s in it for me?
The OBDII system is designed to alert the driver when something in the engine management or emissions control systems begins to deteriorate or fail. Early diagnosis followed by timely repair can often prevent more costly repairs to the system. In addition, vehicle manufacturers have an increased incentive to build a higher quality vehicle with better performance, reduced emissions, and a more efficient powertrain.
A vehicle identified by the OBDII system as having a problem is running inefficiently, often resulting in poor fuel economy and performance while shortening the life of the engine. OBDII systems also provide far more information than ever before to help the repair technician properly diagnose andrepair vehicles the first time, saving you time and money.
How do I know if there is a problem?
The computer will illuminate a light on the dash to notify the driver of a problem. Most dash lights will display either a “check Engine,” “Service Engine Soon,” or an engine symbol. When the OBDII system detects a problem, a diagnostic trouble code is stored in the vehicle’s computer. The repair technician can retrieve the diagnostic trouble code(s) from the vehicle’s computer helping in the proper diagnosis and repair of the problem.
How can the light be turned off?
There are a couple of ways in which the OBDII dash light can be turned off. First, after the vehicle is repaired, the technician will have the ability to turn the light off. Second, the vehicle’s computer also has the ability to turn the light off once it evaluates the suspected component three consecutive times and no longer detects the initial problem. Simply turning the light off without correcting the problem does no good, as the light will come back “on” when the problem again is detected.
Why is my light “on” when I passed for tailpipe emissions?
When a vehicle’s “Check Engine Light is on, it means that the OBDII system has detected a problem which could cause the vehicle to produce higher than normal emissions. Depending on the component which caused the light to illuminate, your vehicle may or may not fail Albuquerque/Bernalillo County’s emissions standards at the time of the inspection. However, the problem most likely will cause premature deterioration of your vehicle’s engine and emissions control equipment resulting in costly repairs and excess emissions.
Are OBDII related repairs covered by my warranty?
Federal law requires that the emissions control systems on 1995-and-newer vehicles be warranted for 2 years or 24,000 miles, (whichever comes first). Many auto manufacturers provide extended warranty coverage beyond what is currently required by federal law. The federal law also requires that the on-board computer and the catalytic converter on 1995-and-newer vehicles be covered for 8 years or 80,000 miles. Consult your vehicle owners manual/warranty manual for coverage.
How will OBDII help the air?
Motor vehicles produce most of the air pollutants, such as carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and oxides of nitrogen in the Albuquerque metro area. Newer vehicles are cleaner due to improvement in engine management systems. However, this is only true if all the systems are working properly. As part of Albuquerque/Bernalillo County’s emissions program, new vehicles are not required to be inspected until their third vehicle registration or upon change of ownership. Early detection of emissions related problems allows vehicles to be properly repaired before their emissions become excessively high.