The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has mandated the use of certified On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) test devices for vehicle emissions testing as part of the Clean Truck Check program, starting in 2024. This regulation, detailed 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 testing for heavy-duty vehicles operating in California. For fleet owners and operators ensuring compliance, understanding which Obd2 Scanner Test devices are CARB-certified is crucial. Only these approved devices can be used for periodic compliance tests under the Clean Truck Check program.
This article provides a comprehensive list of CARB-certified OBD2 scanner test devices, categorized for clarity, to help you navigate the requirements and select the appropriate equipment for your needs.
Understanding CARB-Certified OBD2 Scanner Requirements
California’s Clean Truck Check program is designed to improve air quality by ensuring heavy-duty vehicles maintain their emissions control systems. A key component of this program is the periodic OBD system check. To guarantee the accuracy and standardization of these checks, CARB has established a certification process for OBD2 scanner test devices. This certification ensures that the devices meet specific technical requirements and can reliably assess a vehicle’s OBD system for compliance.
Using a CARB-certified OBD2 scanner test device is not just recommended; it’s a mandatory requirement for Clean Truck Check compliance testing in California. Using non-certified devices can lead to invalid test results and potential non-compliance issues. Therefore, it is essential to choose from the list of approved devices provided by CARB.
CARB-Certified OBD2 Scanner Test Devices: Non-Continuously Connected
Non-Continuously Connected (NCC) devices are typically handheld scan tools that are connected to the vehicle’s diagnostic port only during the testing process. These devices are suitable for testing multiple vehicles and are commonly used in garages and inspection stations.
| 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 | Supports 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 | Supports 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 | Supports 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 | Supports 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 | Supports 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 | Supports 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 | Supports 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) | Supports 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) | Supports 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) | Supports 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 | Supports 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 | Supports 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 | Supports 9-pin SAE J1939 and 16-pin SAE J1979 diagnostic ports. |
| IM-008-0001-1 | 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 | Supports 9-pin SAE J1939 and 16-pin SAE J1979 diagnostic ports. |
*NCC means non-continuously connected; these scan tool-type devices can be used for testing events on multiple vehicles.
CARB-Certified OBD2 Scanner Test Devices: Continuously Connected
Continuously Connected (CC) devices are typically telematics systems installed in vehicles for ongoing monitoring and data collection. These devices are assigned to a single vehicle and provide continuous data for Clean Truck Check compliance.
| 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. | Supports 9-pin SAE J1939 and 16-pin SAE J1979 diagnostic ports. |
| IM-006-0001-2 | Pacific Track, LLC Pacific Track Dan Rothman, VP Sales and Marketing(949) 432-9562[email protected] | PT40 | Supports 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 | 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 | Supports the 9-pin SAE J1939 diagnostic port. |
*CC means continuously connected; these are telematics devices that are assigned to one vehicle for on-going testing events.
** The most common protocols for Heavy-Duty/Medium-Duty vehicles are SAE J1939 and J1979. In general, vehicles with Cummins/Detroit Diesel/Navistar/Paccar engines are using the SAE J1939 connector, and vehicles with Ford/Hino/Isuzu/Volvo engines are using the SAE J1979 (or OBD II) connector.
Choosing the Right OBD2 Scanner for Your Needs
When selecting an OBD2 scanner test device for Clean Truck Check compliance, consider the following:
- Type of Device (NCC vs. CC): For fleets requiring periodic testing of multiple vehicles, NCC devices offer flexibility. For continuous monitoring and fleet management, CC devices provide ongoing data and compliance assurance.
- OBD Protocol and Connector: Ensure the device supports the OBD protocols and connectors relevant to your vehicle fleet. As noted, SAE J1939 and SAE J1979 are common, but compatibility is crucial. The tables above specify the supported protocols for each device.
- Vendor Contact Information: CARB recommends contacting the device vendors directly for purchase. The provided tables include vendor contact details for easy access.
- Specific Vehicle Makes and Models: While most listed devices support both common protocols, verify compatibility with your specific vehicle makes and models with the vendor to ensure seamless OBD2 scanner test functionality.
Stay Updated on CARB-Certified OBD2 Scanner Lists
It’s important to note that the list of CARB-certified OBD2 scanner test devices is subject to change. CARB will continue to update the list as more vendors complete the certification process and receive Executive Orders for their devices. Regularly checking the CARB website and this list will ensure you have the most current information for Clean Truck Check compliance.
By using a CARB-certified OBD2 scanner test device, you are taking a crucial step in ensuring your heavy-duty vehicles comply with California’s emissions regulations and contribute to cleaner air quality. For any questions or to purchase a device, please reach out to the vendors listed above.
