The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has mandated the use of certified On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) test devices for periodic vehicle emissions testing, starting in 2024. This requirement, outlined in Title 13, California Code of Regulations (CCR), Section 2196.3(a)(1) and (2) of the Heavy-Duty Inspection and Maintenance (HD I/M) Regulation, ensures accurate and reliable emissions checks as part of the Clean Truck Check program. For vehicle owners and fleet operators in California needing to comply with these regulations, understanding which Diagnostic Check Machines are CARB-certified is crucial.
Only OBD test devices certified by CARB can be utilized for official compliance tests under the Clean Truck Check. This regulation impacts a wide range of heavy-duty vehicles operating in California, necessitating the adoption of approved diagnostic check machines to ensure adherence to state emissions standards. To simplify the process of finding compliant equipment, CARB has released a list of Executive Orders (EOs) for devices that meet the stringent requirements for periodic OBD vehicle emissions testing.
This article provides an overview of the CARB-certified diagnostic check machines currently approved for use in the Clean Truck Check program. This information is vital for vehicle owners, fleet managers, and service providers to select the correct tools for emissions compliance and to maintain the operational legality of their vehicles in California.
Understanding CARB Certified OBD Devices
The California Air Resources Board plays a critical role in maintaining air quality standards within the state. The Clean Truck Check program is a key initiative designed to reduce emissions from heavy-duty vehicles. A critical component of this program is the requirement for periodic OBD emissions testing, which relies on diagnostic check machines to assess vehicle compliance. CARB certification ensures that these diagnostic check machines meet specific performance and accuracy standards, guaranteeing reliable emissions data collection.
Using a CARB-certified diagnostic check machine is not just about compliance; it’s about ensuring the accuracy of emissions testing. These certified devices are rigorously evaluated to confirm they can correctly read and interpret vehicle OBD data, which is essential for identifying potential emissions issues. The certification process gives confidence to both vehicle operators and regulatory bodies that the testing process is robust and dependable.
For those looking to purchase a CARB-certified diagnostic check machine, it is recommended to directly contact the device vendors listed by CARB. This list is regularly updated as more devices complete the certification process and receive an Executive Order. Staying informed about the latest approved devices is essential for maintaining compliance with the Clean Truck Check regulations.
Non-Continuously Connected Diagnostic Check Machines
Non-Continuously Connected (NCC) devices are designed for periodic testing events on multiple vehicles. These scan tool-type diagnostic check machines are versatile and suitable for workshops or inspection stations that handle a variety of vehicles. Below is a list of CARB-certified NCC devices, along with vendor information and supported OBD protocols.
| EO # | Vendor / Contact Information | Non-Continuously Connected (NCC) Devices* | OBD Protocol / Port / Connector** |
|---|---|---|---|
| IM-001-0001-3 | RA CONSULTING GmbH RA Automotive Software Solutions, Inc. 1850 Research Drive, Suite 208 Troy, MI 48083 (586) 782 5121[email protected] | Silver Snap-Tool with Drewtech DrewLinQ | This device supports both 9-pin SAE J1939 and 16-pin SAE J1979 diagnostic ports. |
| IM-001-0002-3 | RA CONSULTING GmbH (see contact information above) | Silver Snap-Tool with DG Technologies DPA XL | This device supports both 9-pin SAE J1939 and 16-pin SAE J1979 diagnostic ports. |
| IM-001-0003-3 | RA CONSULTING GmbH (see contact information above) | Silver Snap-Tool with Kvaser Leaf Light HS v2 | This device supports both 9-pin SAE J1939 and 16-pin SAE J1979 diagnostic ports. |
| IM-001-0004-3 | RA CONSULTING GmbH (see contact information above) | Silver Snap-Tool with Kvaser U100 | This device supports both 9-pin SAE J1939 and 16-pin SAE J1979 diagnostic ports. |
| IM-001-0005-3 | RA CONSULTING GmbH (see contact information above) | Silver Snap-Tool with Nexiq USB-Link 2 | This device supports both 9-pin SAE J1939 and 16-pin SAE J1979 diagnostic ports. |
| IM-001-0006-3 | RA CONSULTING GmbH (see contact information above) | Silver Snap-Tool with Nexiq USB-Link 3 | This device supports both 9-pin SAE J1939 and 16-pin SAE J1979 diagnostic ports. |
| IM-001-0007-2 | RA CONSULTING GmbH (see contact information above) | Silver Snap-Tool with Kvaser Leaf v3 | This device supports both 9-pin SAE J1939 and 16-pin SAE J1979 diagnostic ports. |
| IM-002-0001-5 | HEM Data Corporation HEM Data Corporation 17320 12 Mile Road Southfield, MI 48076 (248) 559-5607[email protected] | DAWN OBD Inspector for iOS with CAN Mini Streamer (Wireless) | This device supports both 9-pin SAE J1939 and 16-pin SAE J1979 diagnostic ports. |
| IM-003-0001-5 | Noregon Systems LLC Noregon Systems LLC 7823 National Service Road Greensboro, NC 27409 (855) 906-3491 (option 3)[email protected] | Truck Check Up with DLA+ 3.0 (USB) | This device supports both 9-pin SAE J1939 and 16-pin SAE J1979 diagnostic ports. |
| IM-003-0002-5 | Noregon Systems LLC(see contact information above) | Truck Check Up with DLA+ 3.0 (Wireless) | This device supports both 9-pin SAE J1939 and 16-pin SAE J1979 diagnostic ports. |
| IM-005-0001-3 | DG Technologies DG Technologies 33604 West Eight Mile RoadFarmington Hills, MI 48335(248) 888-2000[email protected] | DPA INSPECT with DPA Classic | This device supports both 9-pin SAE J1939 and 16-pin SAE J1979 diagnostic ports. |
| IM-005-0002-3 | DG Technologies (see contact information above) | DPA INSPECT with DPA XL | This device supports both 9-pin SAE J1939 and 16-pin SAE J1979 diagnostic ports. |
| IM-005-0003-3 | DG Technologies (see contact information above) | DPA INSPECT with DPA 5 Pro | This device supports both 9-pin SAE J1939 and 16-pin SAE J1979 diagnostic ports. |
| IM-008-0001-3 | Opus Inspection, Inc. Opus Inspection, Inc.3225 Gateway Road Suite 450Brookfield, WI 53045(855) 766-4323[email protected] | Opus Clean Truck with Opus CleanTruck OBD Device Kit | This device supports both 9-pin SAE J1939 and 16-pin SAE J1979 diagnostic ports. |
These NCC diagnostic check machines typically connect via standard diagnostic ports and communicate using common OBD protocols such as SAE J1939 and SAE J1979. The flexibility of NCC devices makes them a practical choice for various testing scenarios.
Continuously Connected Diagnostic Check Machines
Continuously Connected (CC) devices are telematics-based diagnostic check machines designed for ongoing vehicle monitoring. These devices are assigned to a single vehicle and provide continuous data for ongoing testing events, which can be particularly beneficial for fleet management and proactive maintenance. Here are the CARB-certified CC devices:
| EO # | Vendor / Contact Information | Continuously Connected (CC) Devices* | OBD Protocol / Port / Connector** |
|---|---|---|---|
| IM-004-0001-1 | Geotab Inc. Geotab Inc. 2440 Winston Park Dr.Ontario, Canada L6H 7V2+1 (877) 436-8221[email protected] | GO9, GO9B, GO9+ family of devices. | This device supports both 9-pin SAE J1939 and 16-pin SAE J1979 diagnostic ports. |
| IM-006-0001-3 | Pacific Track, LLC Pacific Track Dan Rothman, VP Sales and Marketing(949) 432-9562[email protected] | PT40 | This device supports both 9-pin SAE J1939 and 16-pin SAE J1979 diagnostic ports. |
| IM-007-0001-1 | Zonar Systems Zonar Systems 821 2nd Avenue, Suite 1100 Seattle, WA 98104 (888) 778-6868 (#2)[email protected] | V4, V4 Base, V4 Essential, V4E-NBT, VT4 FSA, VT4, VT4 Base FSA, VT4 Base, VT4 Essential, VT4 Essential FSA, VT4E-NBT, VT4E-NBT FSA, V4 Base 2, VT4 Base 2-FSA, VT4 Base 2 | This device supports the 9-pin SAE J1939 diagnostic port. |
| IM-009-0001 | Samsara Inc. Samsara Inc. 1 De Haro St.San Francisco, CA 94103(415) 985-2400[email protected] | VG-55; VG54-NA; VG54-NAH; VG34 | This device supports the 9-pin SAE J1939 diagnostic port. |
CC devices offer real-time data and monitoring capabilities, which can enhance fleet management by providing continuous insights into vehicle health and emissions performance. For fleets requiring constant oversight and detailed emissions tracking, continuously connected diagnostic check machines present a robust solution.
Choosing the Right Diagnostic Check Machine
Selecting the appropriate diagnostic check machine depends on your specific needs and operational context. For periodic inspections of various vehicles, NCC devices offer flexibility and cost-effectiveness. If your priority is continuous monitoring and comprehensive data for a specific fleet, CC devices provide advanced telematics and ongoing insights.
When choosing a device, consider the following:
- Vehicle Type and Protocol: Ensure the diagnostic check machine supports the OBD protocols and ports used by your vehicles (SAE J1939, SAE J1979, or OBD II). Vehicles with Cummins, Detroit Diesel, Navistar, or Paccar engines typically use SAE J1939, while Ford, Hino, Isuzu, and Volvo engines often use SAE J1979 (or OBD II).
- Connectivity Needs: Decide between NCC for periodic checks and CC for continuous monitoring based on your operational requirements.
- Vendor Support and Purchase: Reach out directly to the listed vendors to inquire about device features, pricing, and purchasing options.
By carefully evaluating your needs and understanding the types of CARB-certified diagnostic check machines available, you can ensure compliance with the Clean Truck Check program and maintain optimal vehicle emissions performance in California. Staying updated with the latest CARB certifications will help you leverage the most effective tools for your emissions testing requirements.
