Taking The Hill
EPA Finalizes OBD Rule
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has published a final rule regarding On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) requirements for motor vehicles in the Federal Register. They mandate that OBD systems fully evaluate a vehicle's entire emission system. In addition, the EPA has extended the optional compliance with California Air Resource Board's OBD II requirements.
The rule requires OBD systems beginning in the 1999 model year to test for catalyst deterioration, engine misfire, oxygen sensor deterioration, vapor leaks in the evaporative and fueling systems, and deterioration and malfunction of the powertrain system. If the OBD system detects a malfunction, the regulation requires that a malfunction indicator light (MIL) be illuminated to alert the driver to have the vehicle repaired.
In addition, the regulation extends the EPA's acceptance of the California OBD II requirements to satisfy federal OBD requirements. The automotive aftermarket is concerned about anti-tampering provisions in the California OBD II regulations that could allow controls to be placed on OBD systems to lock-out independent technicians and aftermarket parts, forcing vehicle owners to have their vehicles repaired at new car dealerships.
The EPA has indicated that it will issue new regulations regarding the availability of information to the motor vehicle aftermarket in the near future.
EPA Revokes One-Hour Ozone Standard for 10 Areas
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed to revoke the one-hour ozone standard for 10 areas. In these areas, the EPA hopes to impose the more stringent eight-hour standard based on data from 1996 to 1998.
Areas affected by the proposal are Boston-Lawrence-Worcester (East Massachusetts), Massachusetts-New Hampshire; Memphis, Tennessee; Muskegon, Michigan; Portland, Maine; Portsmouth-Dover-Rochester, New Hampshire; Providence (all Rhode Island), Rhode Island; Allegan County, Michigan; Oceana County, Michigan; Mason County, Michigan; and Door County, Wisconsin.
This phases-in the new regulations EPA believes will help protect public health. Earlier this year, EPA published a list of areas where the 1-hour standard would no longer apply. They will continue to update this list through public announcements.
EPA Report Shows Improvements in Air Quality
The U.S. Environ-mental Protection Agency (EPA) has reported that air quality continues to improve across the nation. Between 1996 and 1997, carbon monoxide, particulate matter, and sulfur dioxide concentration decreased and ozone and lead concentrations remained unchanged. This is particularly significant because vehicle miles, the population, and the gross domestic product continue to increase.
The EPA cautions that many Americans live in areas that do not meet national standards for air quality, however, the progress that has been made, particularly from 1988 to 1997, is significant. In that time, carbon monoxide concentration decreased 38 percent, lead concentrations decreased 67 percent, nitrogen dioxide concentrations decreased 19 percent, ozone concentrations decreased 19 percent, particulate matter concentrations decreased 26 percent, and sulfur dioxide concentrations decreased 39 percent.
Between 1970 and 1997, vehicle miles traveled increased 127 percent, gross domestic product increased 114 percent, and the U.S. population increased 13 percent, according to the EPA.
ASA Discusses Air Bags With NHTSA Officials
ASA met with officials from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in Kansas City, Mo., to discuss the reluctance of shop owners to install air bag switches and to disconnect air bags.
Earlier this year NHTSA announced that certain vehicle owners could have air bag on-off switches installed or have their air bags completely disconnected. Persons who must place an infant or a child under 12 years old in the front seat, who have certain medical conditions, or who are under four feet, six inches that wish to have switches installed on their vehicles could apply to NHTSA for permission. New car dealers and shop owners, however, cannot be compelled to install the switches and are statutorily prohibited from installing a switch without the vehicle owner obtaining written permission from NHTSA.
ASA is concerned that shop owners who install switches or disconnect airbags will be placed at risk in the future if they disconnect air bags. As part of the rule, NHTSA did not issue a standardized release form for vehicle owners to sign because it was "concerned that adoption of a standardized waiver might give some dealers and repair businesses false assurances of protection from liability in all states and in all cases."
Long-Term Emissions Policy || Beating the Hazards of Contaminated Refrigerants || Salvaged Air Bags || Creating an Employee Handbook || Guest Editorial || Tech to Tech || Tech Tips || News Briefs || Taking the Hill || Around ASA || Net Worth || Stat Corner || Shop Profile || Chairman's Message
AutoInc. Magazine ® Vol.XIVII, March 1999
E-mail: asainfo@asashop.org, Web Site: http://www.asashop.org
Copyright © 2000 Automotive Service Association (ASA). All rights reserved.