Date : 3/6/2002 9:05:29 PM

Subject : OBD-II INSPECTION PROCESS - WORLDWIDE EIS

Message

March 6, 2002


OBD-II INSPECTION PROCESS - WORLDWIDE EIS


--for users of WEP EIS units --

Federal regulations require the Smog Check program to include On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II) functional testing in enhanced areas as of January 1, 2002. An official notice was sent on December 21, 2001 that discussed your responsibilities as a licensed Smog Check technician.

You may be aware that sometimes OBD-II equipped analyzers have difficulty establishing a connection to the vehicle's computer through the Data Link Connector (DLC). Here is how you should approach the problem:

1. All 1996 and newer light-duty vehicles (less than 8501 GVWR) equipped with OBD-II are to receive an OBD functional test as part of the BAR-97 inspection. Refer to the underhood label. Do not answer "No" to the
BAR-97 prompt: "IS THIS VEHICLE SUPPOSED TO GET AN OBD-II FUNCTIONAL TEST?" Only do so if the vehicle is OBD-I, or earlier, or it is a vehicle identified by BAR as incompatible with the OBD functional inspection.

2. Follow the analyzer prompts carefully. You must also follow the procedures in Part III, page 90 (a) and 90 (b) of the Smog Check Inspection Manual. Make several diligent attempts to establish a connection with the vehicle's computer. In addition to the above requirements, in some cases Worldwide (WEP) suggests the following:

[After three failed attempts to connect to the vehicle, press the OBD-II reset button at the back of the analyzer (note: the OBD-II reset button is located directly above the OBD-II port). Then retry a connection attempt.]

3. After 5 or more failed attempts, you may abort the inspection.

4. IF THE ANALYZER STILL HAS PROBLEMS WITH TESTING VEHICLES THAT SHOULD BE TESTABLE, CALL YOUR WORLDWIDE BAR-97 MANUFACTURER OR SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE AT 1-800-832-7664. LET THEM KNOW THAT YOU ARE EXPERIENCING OBD CONNECTION PROBLEMS WITH THEIR ADDENDUM 7 SOFTWARE. THEY SHOULD OFFER A SOLUTION OR REPAIR.

5. If you continue to experience OBD connection problems, be sure to insist on corrective action from your Worldwide BAR-97 manufacturer. As soon as all BAR-97 manufacturers have been provided with ample time to install their OBD/Addendum 7 software, BAR will begin enforcing the OBD-II functional test.

6. If your Worldwide BAR-97 manufacturer does not offer a solution, call the ET Help Desk at (916) 255-4476 for further instructions.

BAR has compiled a list of vehicles that may have problems making the OBD connection. Go to the "Vehicles With OBDII Testability Issues" document on the Smog Check website by typing the following into your browser: www.smogcheck.ca.gov/ftp/pdfdocs/OBDproblems.pdf to verify that special OBD connection procedures or a recall are not required on the vehicle being inspected.