7. Implement On-Board Diagnostics (OBDII) testing for 1998 and newer light duty
vehicles that have OBDII systems as standard equipment
Rationale:
Since 1998, all vehicles manufactured in Canada have OBDII technology, utilizing
on-board computers to constantly monitor the performance of all components of
vehicles’ emissions control systems. These OBDII systems can be scanned to
identify emissions system faults so that they can be repaired, often before a vehicle
has serious emissions problems. It is estimated that approximately 65% of the
Ontario fleet is OBDII equipped today, rising to over 85% by 2010. Implementation
of OBDII testing is estimated to increase emissions reductions by up to 21% over the
current program. In addition to providing better diagnostics of impending emissions
problems, OBDII also provides an improved test for OBDII-equipped light duty diesel
vehicles over the current test. Almost all vehicle inspection and maintenance (I/M)
programs in the U.S. currently use OBDII testing per the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency (US EPA) standard. OBDII testing will reduce future wear on the
current dynamometers used by Drive Clean facilities. The dynamometers will
continue to be used to test 1997 and older model vehicles, and any vehicles that
cannot be tested using the OBDII technology.