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           OBD:  Benefits for State  Inspection
                  and  Maintenance Programs
      All 1996 and newer cars and light trucks have a powerful computer that uses second
      generation on-board diagnostics (OBDII) technology to manage and monitor the vehicle's
      operation. The computer not only does a good job of making sure the engine runs at peak
      efficiency, but it also will alert the consumer of any malfunctioning emissions control
      components that require attention.
      Many states' vehicle emissions inspection and maintenance (I/M) programs have already
      begun using OBD systems to inspect 1996 and newer vehicles. All mandatory inspection
      and maintenance programs will eventually incorporate OBD.
      Real world data has shown that the use of OBD for
      inspecting vehicle emission control systems offers
      many benefits to the consumer, the technician, and the
      environment:
       • 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 emission controls.

       • Simple and affordable testing method.

       • Early detection of potential emission exceedance.

       • State-of-the-art evaporative emission detection.

       For more information on OBD and vehicle inspection
       and maintenance programs, visit EPA's Web site at
       .
Existing OBD I/M programs
have successfully tested mil-
lions of vehiclest
• More than half the vehicles on
  the road today are OBD-
  equipped.
• OBD checks at centralized
  stations are being completed
  in five minutes or less.
• OBD fail rates currently average
  less than 3 percent.
• The average repair cost for OBD
  failed vehicles is comparable
  to costs for the most rigorous
  tailpipe tests.
• OBD is sensitive enough to
  detect pinhole-sized leaks in the
  fuel system or gas cap.
Web site: www.epa.gov/otaq/obd.htm
E-mail: obd@epa.gov

^> Printed on paper that contains at least 50 percent postconsumer fiber.
       Office of Transportation and Air Quality
                     EPA420-F-02-015

                        August 2002

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