On-board diagnostics emissions inspections are in full swing in many states. Others are coming on line this year, and still more will be coming on line in a significant number of states in 2004. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is working closely with the states and the automotive repair industry to ensure programs work smoothly. This differs greatly from the early to mid '90s during the implementation of emissions inspection and maintenance programs. During this period, states, the EPA and the repair industry were at odds on many occasions as inspection and maintenance (I/M) programs were coming on line.

This year's Clean Air Conference hosted by Colorado State University highlighted how much the emissions issues have evolved over the past 10 years. There is much more of a cooperative spirit between states, the EPA and the repair industry as compared to I/M's implementation cycle.

At the conference, states are sharing information about their programs - whether they are older OBD programs or programs just coming on line - in order to avoid many of the pitfalls experienced in their own state experiences.

The Automotive Service Association has been active in an OBD Policy Workgroup as well as an OBD Outreach Workgroup. Both groups were formed by the EPA and include a number of state air quality regulators as well as the automotive industry. The Outreach Workgroup developed materials for use with vehicle owners, the repair industry and the media. The outreach program will include online information, brochures, and television and radio spots. The repair industry is including many of these materials in programs, meetings and on Web sites to reach repairers, technicians and customers.

The Outreach Workgroup wanted informative yet easy-to-follow materials for vehicle owners. Several states offered their own experiences with state-sponsored outreach programs as well as states that failed to invest significantly in outreach efforts.

The approach to the customer is illustrated by these two examples from the brochure:

How does the system work?
Today's vehicles are highly sophisticated and efficient. All 1996 and newer cars and trucks have an advanced powertrain control computer that uses second generation on-board diagnostics (OBD-II) technology to manage and monitor the operation of the engine, transmission, and emissions control components. OBD keeps your engine running at peak efficiency and will alert you when repairs are needed.

How do I know the OBD system is working correctly?
When you turn on the ignition, the "Service Engine Soon" or "Check Engine" light should flash briefly, indicating that the OBD system is ready to scan your vehicle for many malfunctions. After this brief flash, the light should stay off while you drive as long as no problems are detected.

These are just examples of messages contained in materials for consumers. It is critical that repairers focus on how best to handle communicating the inspection process with their customers as well as the local media. As states come on line or as state programs are profiled, the local media could publicize OBD inspection programs. Repairers want to be informed and prepared to deliver a concise message.

The EPA's Office of Transportation and Air Quality's (OTAQ) outreach materials are available for repairers at www.epa.gov/otaq/obd.htm. ASA encourages repairers to visit the site and include these materials in their public relations activities with customers. It will also pay dividends for repairers if they will prepare themselves to deal with any questions from the media.

The benefits from the use of OBD for the consumer, the repairer and the environment include:

• Accurate diagnosis that leads to effective, durable repairs.
• Short inspection time for the public.
• Early vehicle maintenance opportunity, which leads to greater fuel efficiency and reliability.
• Incentive to car manufacturers to produce more durable engines and emissions controls.
• Simple, affordable testing method.
• Early detection of potential emission exceedance.
• State-of-the-art evaporative emission detection.

The EPA reports OBD I/M programs have successfully tested millions of vehicles. More than half the vehicles on the road today are OBD equipped. OBD checks are completed in five minutes or less. Failure rates average less than 3 percent with repair costs comparable to those of the most rigorous tailpipe tests. The OBD system is sensitive enough to detect even a pinhole-sized leak in the fuel system or gas cap.

ASA has invited the EPA to participate in the Congress of Automotive Repair and Service (CARS) this year in Las Vegas. ASA's I/M Forum will provide the EPA an opportunity to update ASA members on the latest OBD inspection information. The EPA has constructed a booth they will use at trade shows and repair industry meetings around the country to illustrate OBD outreach opportunities.

ASA supports the EPA's efforts to educate the public and the repair community about OBD inspections.

Bob Redding is the Automotive Service Association's Washington, D.C., representative. He is a member of several federal and state advisory committees involved in the automotive industry. For more information about the legislative activities of ASA, visit www.TakingTheHill.com.

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