Navigating the complexities of vehicle emissions testing can be challenging, especially with regulations like the California Air Resources Board (CARB) Clean Truck Check program. Starting in 2024, this program mandates periodic On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) vehicle emissions testing for heavy-duty vehicles in California. To ensure compliance, it’s crucial to use a CARB-certified Emissions Scan Tool. This article serves as your guide to understanding these tools and selecting the right one for your needs.
Understanding CARB-Certified Emissions Scan Tools
An emissions scan tool, also known as an OBD scan tool, is a device used to access and interpret data from a vehicle’s On-Board Diagnostic system. This system monitors various components and systems within a vehicle, including those related to emissions control. For the CARB Clean Truck Check program, only scan tools certified by CARB can be used for official compliance testing. This certification ensures the accuracy and reliability of the emissions data collected, guaranteeing fair and consistent testing across the board.
Using a CARB-certified emissions scan tool is not just about meeting regulatory requirements; it’s about ensuring your vehicles are operating cleanly and efficiently. These tools provide valuable insights into your vehicle’s engine health and emissions performance, allowing for proactive maintenance and preventing potential compliance issues.
[Refer to the original article for images and select one relevant image here, e.g., an image of a person using a scan tool on a truck.]
Non-Continuously Connected Emissions Scan Tools: Flexibility for Fleets
Non-Continuously Connected (NCC) emissions scan tools are designed for versatility and can be used across multiple vehicles. These devices are ideal for fleet operators or repair shops that need to perform periodic emissions checks on various trucks. Here’s a list of CARB-certified NCC scan tools, providing options from different vendors:
| Vendor / Contact Information | Non-Continuously Connected (NCC) Devices | OBD Protocol / Port / Connector | Executive Order (EO) # |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | 9-pin SAE J1939 and 16-pin SAE J1979 | IM-001-0001-3 |
| RA CONSULTING GmbH (see contact information above) | Silver Snap-Tool with DG Technologies DPA XL | 9-pin SAE J1939 and 16-pin SAE J1979 | IM-001-0002-3 |
| RA CONSULTING GmbH (see contact information above) | Silver Snap-Tool with Kvaser Leaf Light HS v2 | 9-pin SAE J1939 and 16-pin SAE J1979 | IM-001-0003-3 |
| RA CONSULTING GmbH (see contact information above) | Silver Snap-Tool with Kvaser U100 | 9-pin SAE J1939 and 16-pin SAE J1979 | IM-001-0004-3 |
| RA CONSULTING GmbH (see contact information above) | Silver Snap-Tool with Nexiq USB-Link 2 | 9-pin SAE J1939 and 16-pin SAE J1979 | IM-001-0005-3 |
| RA CONSULTING GmbH (see contact information above) | Silver Snap-Tool with Nexiq USB-Link 3 | 9-pin SAE J1939 and 16-pin SAE J1979 | IM-001-0006-3 |
| RA CONSULTING GmbH (see contact information above) | Silver Snap-Tool with Kvaser Leaf v3 | 9-pin SAE J1939 and 16-pin SAE J1979 | IM-001-0007-2 |
| 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) | 9-pin SAE J1939 and 16-pin SAE J1979 | IM-002-0001-5 |
| 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) | 9-pin SAE J1939 and 16-pin SAE J1979 | IM-003-0001-5 |
| Noregon Systems LLC (see contact information above) | Truck Check Up with DLA+ 3.0 (Wireless) | 9-pin SAE J1939 and 16-pin SAE J1979 | IM-003-0002-5 |
| DG Technologies DG Technologies 33604 West Eight Mile RoadFarmington Hills, MI 48335 (248) 888-2000 [email protected] |
DPA INSPECT with DPA Classic | 9-pin SAE J1939 and 16-pin SAE J1979 | IM-005-0001-3 |
| DG Technologies (see contact information above) | DPA INSPECT with DPA XL | 9-pin SAE J1939 and 16-pin SAE J1979 | IM-005-0002-3 |
| DG Technologies (see contact information above) | DPA INSPECT with DPA 5 Pro | 9-pin SAE J1939 and 16-pin SAE J1979 | IM-005-0003-3 |
| 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 | 9-pin SAE J1939 and 16-pin SAE J1979 | IM-008-0001-1 |
[Select an image of one of the NCC devices from the provided EO links, e.g., Silver Snap-Tool, if available. If not, use a representative image of a non-continuously connected scan tool.]
Silver Snap-Tool, a CARB-certified non-continuously connected emissions scan tool.
Continuously Connected Emissions Scan Tools: Real-Time Monitoring
Continuously Connected (CC) emissions scan tools are telematics devices designed for ongoing vehicle monitoring. These tools are assigned to a single vehicle and provide continuous data for emissions testing and fleet management. If your operation requires constant monitoring and data logging, consider these CARB-certified CC devices:
| Vendor / Contact Information | Continuously Connected (CC) Devices | OBD Protocol / Port / Connector | Executive Order (EO) # |
|---|---|---|---|
| Geotab Inc. Geotab Inc. 2440 Winston Park Dr.Ontario, Canada L6H 7V2 +1 (877) 436-8221 [email protected] |
GO9, GO9B, GO9+ family of devices. | 9-pin SAE J1939 and 16-pin SAE J1979 | IM-004-0001-1 |
| Pacific Track, LLC Pacific Track Dan Rothman, VP Sales and Marketing (949) 432-9562 [email protected] |
PT40 | 9-pin SAE J1939 and 16-pin SAE J1979 | IM-006-0001-2 |
| 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 | 9-pin SAE J1939 | IM-007-0001-1 |
| Samsara Inc. Samsara Inc. 1 De Haro St.San Francisco, CA 94103 (415) 985-2400 [email protected] |
VG-55; VG54-NA; VG54-NAH; VG34 | 9-pin SAE J1939 | IM-009-0001 |
[Select an image of one of the CC devices, e.g., Geotab GO9, if available from EO links. If not, use a representative image of a continuously connected telematics device for emissions monitoring.]
Geotab GO9, a CARB-certified continuously connected emissions scan tool for real-time monitoring.
Choosing the Right Emissions Scan Tool for Your Needs
Selecting the appropriate emissions scan tool depends on your specific operational requirements. Consider these factors when making your choice:
- Fleet Size and Type: For large fleets, NCC tools offer flexibility, while CC tools can streamline monitoring and compliance for individual vehicles.
- Testing Frequency: Periodic checks may be efficiently handled by NCC tools. Continuous monitoring needs are met by CC devices.
- Data Needs: If you require real-time data and comprehensive fleet management features beyond just emissions, CC tools are the better option.
- OBD Protocol Compatibility: Ensure the tool supports the OBD protocols used by your vehicles (SAE J1939 and/or SAE J1979). The tables above specify the supported protocols for each device.
- Vendor Support and Features: Explore vendor websites for detailed product information, support options, and additional features that might benefit your operations.
Note: The information in this article is based on the latest CARB Executive Orders available and is subject to change. Always verify the most current information directly with CARB and the device vendors.
By understanding the different types of CARB-certified emissions scan tools and considering your specific needs, you can confidently choose the right tool to ensure compliance with the Clean Truck Check program and maintain optimal vehicle performance. For purchasing CARB-certified OBD test devices, please reach out directly to the listed vendors.
