California Code of Regulations
Title 16 - Professional and Vocational Regulations
Division 33 - Bureau of Automotive Repair
Chapter 1 - Automotive Repair Dealers and Official Stations and Adjusters
Article 5.5 - Motor Vehicle Inspection Program
Section 3340.42.2 - Test Methods and Standards for the on-Board Diagnostic Inspection

Universal Citation: 16 CA Code of Regs 3340.42.2

Current through Register 2024 Notice Reg. No. 38, September 20, 2024

(a) Effective until the implementation of subsection (c), Smog Check stations and Smog Check technicians shall conduct tests and inspections in accordance with the Bureau's BAR-97 Emissions Inspection System Specifications referenced in subsections (a) and (b) of Section 3340.17. All applicable 1996 and newer model-year spark ignition passenger vehicles and trucks under 14,001 Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) shall be given a test of the On-Board Diagnostic (OBDII) systems. The OBDII test consists of a visual check of the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) and a functional test of the readiness indicators and fault code retrieval system.

(b) Effective until the implementation of subsection (c), model-year 1996 through 2000 vehicles having more than two (2) incomplete emissions related readiness monitors, and vehicle model-years 2001 and newer having more than one (1) incomplete emissions related readiness monitor shall fail the OBDII portion of the inspection. All vehicle model-years 1996 and newer having more than two (2) incomplete emissions related readiness monitors shall fail the OBDII portion of the inspection.

(c) Starting on or after January 1, 2013, OBD equipped vehicles shall fail the OBD inspection if any one of the following conditions occurs as applicable to the vehicle:

(1) The vehicle's MIL does not illuminate when the ignition is on and the engine is off;

(2) The vehicle's MIL illuminates continuously or flashes with the engine running;

(3) The vehicle's OBD system reports the MIL as commanded on;

(4) The vehicle's OBD system reports a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC);

(5) The vehicle's OBD system data indicates the system has not yet been sufficiently operated to determine the presence or absence of a DTC;

(6) The vehicle's OBD system does not communicate with the EIS or OIS;

(7) The vehicle's OBD system data is inappropriate for the vehicle being tested;

(8) The vehicle's OBD system data does not match the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) or an Air Resources Board (ARB) exempted OBD software configuration;

(9) The vehicle's OBD system reports incomplete readiness monitor(s) as specified below:

(A) Gasoline-powered vehicles model-years 1996 through 1999 with more than one (1) incomplete monitor,

(B) Gasoline-powered vehicles model-years 2000 and newer with any incomplete monitors, excluding the evaporative system monitor;

(D) Diesel-powered vehicles model-years 2007 and newer with any incomplete monitors, excluding the particulate filter system monitor.

(d) For the purposes of this section:

(1) On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) means a system of vehicle component and condition monitors controlled by an on-board computer designed to alert the motorist when emission control components or vehicle emission systems are not functioning properly.

(2) Readiness monitor(s) are a status indicator reported by the OBD system that indicates whether or not monitors of specific emission control devices or systems have run a self-diagnostic test.

(3) Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) is an alphanumeric code which is set in a vehicle's on-board computer when the OBD system detects an emission control device or system failure.

(4) Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) is illuminated on the dashboard when the OBD system has detected an emission control device or system failure. Alternatives may include a "Service Engine Soon" or "Check Engine" message, or an unlabeled picture of an engine.

1. New section filed 11-5-2009; operative 12-5-2009 (Register 2009, No. 45).
2. Amendment of section heading and section filed 5-2-2013; operative 7-1-2013 (Register 2013, No. 18).

Note: Authority cited: Sections 44001.5, 44002, 44003, 44013 and 44036, Health and Safety Code; and Section 9882, Business and Professions Code. Reference: Sections 39032.5, 44002, 44003, 44005, 44010, 44011, 44013, 44014, 44015, 44032, 44033, 44036, 44037.1 and 44062.1, Health and Safety Code; and Sections 9884.8 and 9884.9, Business and Professions Code.

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