General Resources
This page features links to a variety of general resources on OBD, organized into the following categories:
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EPA Outreach Kit
EPA developed a suite of materials to assist with OBD outreach and public education. To request free copies of the outreach kit, please send your requests to us by completing the form that is on www.epa.gov/obd/comments.htm.
Brochure: Do You Drive a 1996 or Newer Car or Light Truck? (PDF) (444K, EPA420-F-02-016, August 2002)
NOTE: You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader, available as a free download, to view some of the files on this page. See EPA's PDF page to learn more about PDF, and for a link to the free Acrobat Reader.
EPA Fact Sheets
- Fact Sheet: More States Are Using OBD for Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance Programs (PDF) (1 pg, 37K, EPA420-F-02-013, August 2002)
- Fact Sheet: OBD: Benefits for State Inspection and Maintenance Programs (PDF) (1 pg, 47K, EPA420-F-02-015, August 2002)
- Fact Sheet: OBD: Frequently Asked Questions (PDF) (2 pp, 39K, EPA420-F-02-014, August 2002)
- Fact Sheet: OBD Outreach and Communications Resources (PDF) (3 pp, 75K, EPA420-F-02-012, August 2002)
- Fact Sheet: OBD National Experts (PDF) (1 pg, 39K, EPA420-F-02-017, August 2002)
Other Fact Sheets ![exit EPA](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20081106013204im_/http://www.epa.gov/epafiles/images/epafiles_misc_exitepadisc.gif)
- On-Board Diagnostics: A New Generation of Motor Vehicles
Developed by New Hampshire, this fact sheet describes OBD, including how it works, its benefits, new testing requirements, and how to service OBD-related problems. - Fact Sheet: On-Board Diagnostics (PDF) (101K)
This fact sheet, developed by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, includes general background on the state's OBD testing program, as well as the link between OBD and cleaner air. - Facts About On-Board Diagnostic II Systems
This fact sheet, developed by the California Air Resources Board, includes general information about OBD in a simple question-and-answer format. - Understanding On-Board Diagnostics
This fact sheet, developed by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency's Air Team, describes the OBD system, how it works, its relation to vehicle emissions, and the basics of the OBD check. - "OBD": What is it and What Does it Mean to You?
This fact sheet by Fred Bordoff, president of the New York State Association of Service Stations and Repair Shops, includes a brief history of OBD and how it works.
Brochures ![exit EPA](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20081106013204im_/http://www.epa.gov/epafiles/images/epafiles_misc_exitepadisc.gif)
- What Does My Check Engine Light Mean? On-Board Diagnostics II
Developed by the Colorado Department of Public Health and the Environment, this 2-page brochure explains OBD and how it works. For a copy, call the Air Care Colorado Hotline at 303 456-7090. - Understanding On-Board Diagnostics Testing
The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency's Air Team developed this 2-page brochure on the basics of OBD testing. - New Hampshire's Enhanced Vehicle Safety Inspection Program: On-Board Diagnostics (PDF) (858K)
Produced by the New Hampshire Department of Safety and New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services, this 2-page brochure introduces OBD. - Air Pollution Control in Vermont: On-Board Diagnostics (PDF) (75K)
The Vermont Agency of Natural Resources developed this 2-page brochure that provides general information on OBD.
Tool Kits ![exit EPA](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20081106013204im_/http://www.epa.gov/epafiles/images/epafiles_misc_exitepadisc.gif)
- Communications Tool Kit
This kit contains materials to help states implement an effective OBD outreach program, including a primer for states on developing an effective public outreach plan, and CD-ROMs containing OBD logos, outdoor billboard designs, magazine and newspaper ads, press release letterhead, sample press release, owner's manual page layouts, and eight finished radio commercials. Produced by the Center for Automotive Science and Technology at Weber State University. - OBDII Outreach Materials
This packet contains a variety of outreach materials available to order (for a fee) including two customizable brochures for drivers, a 16-page service writer's reference guide, a Check Engine light fact sheet for consumers, a poster, and a laminated service writer's counter pad. Produced by Colorado State University's National Center for Vehicle Emissions Control and Safety. - Easy Breathers
Developed with support from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, this project was produced entirely by students and explains the importance of proper vehicle maintenance to young adults, including information on the OBD system and its relationship to the Check Engine light. It includes a video, brochure, and companion Web site with online activities related to car care and clean air.
Radio and TV Announcements
- OBDII Public Service Announcement
EPA developed a public service announcement on OBD. The theme is "Emission control...we have a problem" and links a space shuttle launch (and its associated advanced technologies) with starting up a vehicle with a sophisticated OBD system. E-mail obd@epa.gov for more information. - Air Pollution Control
in Vermont: On-Board Diagnostics Radio and TV Announcements
The Vermont Agency of Natural Resources partnered with the Lung Association of Vermont to develop a radio and TV announcement, which can be reviewed on the Weber State Web site. - On-Board Diagnostics Sample Radio Announcements
Developed by New Hampshire, these radio announcements introduce the concept of OBD to young adults. Contact 800 498-6868 for more information.