OBD III: The Next Generation of On-Board Diagnostics

If you’re a driver, you may be familiar with OBD (On-Board Diagnostics) systems in your vehicle. OBD systems are important for monitoring vehicle emissions and performance, and they’ve been required in California since the late 1980s. But have you heard of OBD III (also known as OBD3)?

OBD III is the proposed next generation of on-board diagnostic systems. It could revolutionize the way we think about vehicle inspections and emissions control. In this post, we’ll explore what OBD III is, how it differs from OBD II, and what potential benefits and challenges it may bring.

Let’s start!

What is OBD III, and How Does It Differ From OBD II?

OBD III: Remote OBD System

OBD III is a proposed system designed to reduce the time between detecting an emissions malfunction and repairing the vehicle. It is sometimes referred to as “remote OBD” because it allows vehicles to wirelessly transmit OBD fault information to roadside receivers using technologies such as cellular networks, which is the main difference between OBD II and OBD III.

How Does OBD III Work?

The idea behind OBD III is to use advanced sensors and better data collection capabilities to detect issues before they become major problems. This potentially reduces the time and cost of repairs. By wirelessly transmitting OBD fault information to roadside readers, motorists would no longer have to take their vehicles to a station for emissions inspections, as long as the vehicle is communicating that there are no active emission-related malfunctions.

In addition to transmitting fault information, OBD III would also direct owners of vehicles with trouble to make necessary repairs. The system would read stored OBD-II information from in-use vehicles and use this information to alert motorists of any issues that need to be addressed.

Technologies Used in OBD III

The implementation of OBD III would involve various technologies to detect and transmit data related to emissions malfunctions. These technologies include local station networks, roadside readers, and satellite systems. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has been testing roadside readers since 1994. This technology can read multiple traffic lanes at high speeds. It can be used from a fixed location using portable units or a mobile unit. If a fault is detected, the roadside reader will send the VIN number and trouble codes to the regulator. Local station networks, while not tested by CARB, would allow for location and monitoring services.

Satellite systems can also be used in conjunction with cellular phone hookups or location monitoring technology. When detecting a fault, the system would send an alert including OBD II data, location, VIN, etc., to the vehicle through a cellular phone or monitoring technology.

While implementing these technologies in an OBD III system could lead to faster repairs and improved air quality, there are also potential challenges. These include increased costs and complexity for manufacturers and drivers, as well as potential privacy concerns with more advanced data collection and analysis capabilities. In the next two sections, we will explore these potential benefits and challenges in more detail.

Potential Benefits of OBD III: Faster Repairs and Improved Air Quality

Implementing an OBD III system has the potential to bring several benefits, including:

• Faster repairs: With the ability to wirelessly transmit OBD fault information to roadside receivers, an OBD III system could enable faster repairs. It’s because the fault codes would be immediately sent to regulators or repair shops. This allows them to diagnose and fix the problem more quickly.
• Improved air quality: The OBD III system is expected to detect and address emissions malfunctions more quickly. Therefore, it could help reduce the amount of harmful pollutants released into the air, leading to improved air quality.
• Better data collection: An OBD III system could collect more comprehensive and accurate data on vehicle emissions. Those information could be used to improve air quality programs, inform policy decisions, and identify areas where further improvements are needed.
• Cost-saving car repair: By detecting issues before they become major problems, an OBD III system could potentially reduce the cost of repairs for both vehicle owners and regulators.
• Convenience: With an OBD III system, vehicle owners would no longer have to take their vehicles to a station for emissions inspections, as long as the vehicle is communicating that there are no active emission-related malfunctions.

Overall, an OBD III system can potentially improve the efficiency and effectiveness of emissions monitoring and repair. Such improvement leads to better air quality and cost savings for both vehicle owners and regulators.

Potential Challenges of OBD III: Cost and Awareness

While an OBD III system has the potential to bring several benefits, there are also potential challenges associated with its implementation. These challenges may include:

• Increased cost: An OBD III system would likely require more advanced sensors and data collection capabilities. That situation could increase the cost of manufacturing and maintaining vehicles. This, in turn, could lead to higher costs for consumers.
• Complexity: An OBD III system would be more complex than the current OBD II system. It can be more difficult for both manufacturers and consumers to understand and use.
• Privacy concerns: An OBD III system would collect more comprehensive and accurate data on vehicle emissions. This possibility could raise privacy concerns regarding the collection and use of this data.
• Technical challenges: There may be technical challenges associated with implementing an OBD III system, including issues related to compatibility with existing infrastructure and systems.
• Regulatory challenges: Implementing an OBD III system would require regulatory changes and coordination between various stakeholders, which could pose challenges in developing and implementing new regulations.
• Interference and licensing issues: Several technologies used in an OBD III system, besides roadside readers, require a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) license. However, there is a concern that these technologies may interfere with other signals in the same band, which needs addressing. Furthermore, before OBD III can become a reality, there are several issues that need to be taken into account. These include considerations related to law enforcement commercial operators, law enforcement, jurisdiction between state agencies, and Intelligent Vehicle Highway Systems.

Enforcement Mechanisms for OBD III Programs

To ensure compliance with an OBD III program, a range of enforcement mechanisms could be used. These mechanisms may include:

• Incorporating OBD III into the existing biennial inspection and maintenance (I/M) program

• Implementing out-of-cycle inspections

• Conducting roadside pullovers

For example, in the biennial I/M program, fault codes would be read to screen for vehicles that need complete testing. Vehicles with no fault codes could receive a pass or short test. Out-of-cycle inspections could be used to require vehicle owners to have their vehicle inspected at specific intervals. A Certificate of Compliance (C of C) could be required with a citation for noncompliance. Enforcement of the citation could occur via court and/or DMV penalties at the next registration.

Roadside pullovers could also be used to prompt further testing and possible repair. Law enforcement officers could use fault detection technology to identify vehicles with active faults and issue citations requiring the vehicle owner to have the vehicle inspected and repaired at a designated facility within a specific time frame.

However, implementing these enforcement mechanisms could raise privacy and Fourth Amendment concerns, as well as issues related to consent and the collection of data on private property. These issues will need to be carefully considered and addressed to ensure that the OBD III program effectively reduces emissions while respecting the privacy rights of vehicle owners.

Current Developments in OBD III: Proposals and Discussions for Implementation

Currently, there is no mandatory remote OBD program in effect in California. However, the state has explored the concept through various pilot programs that rely on voluntary participation. The California Air Resources Board’s (CARB) OBD II regulation does not mandate that manufacturers equip vehicles with wireless OBD transmission capabilities. Vehicle owners who wish to participate in remote OBD programs typically need to retrofit their vehicles with the necessary equipment.

Despite the potential benefits of implementing remote OBD programs, there are still unresolved legal issues related to the California waiver. Several states are still in the process of finalizing their I/M programs, and there is also the potential for congressional action on this issue. As part of a long-term policy, there is ongoing discussion about bringing all the issues related to emissions regulation under a single program, although this is expected to be a controversial topic.

As the debate on emissions regulation continues, independent repairers should be prepared for potential changes in emissions testing and repair requirements. The Automotive Service Association (ASA) is working with regulators and other stakeholders in the aftermarket to ensure that the interests of independent repairers are considered in the development of long-term policies related to emissions regulation.

Conclusion: The Future of OBD and Emissions Control

In conclusion, the development and implementation of OBD III is an ongoing topic of discussion. Although there are numerous potential benefits of using OBD III technology, there are still several issues need addressing. 

What do you think about OBD III? Do you expect it to significantly change how we diagnose and repair vehicles? Please share your thoughts in the comments below. Let us know what you hope to see in the future of on-board diagnostics.

And don’t hesitate to share this post with your friends and colleagues who may also be interested in this topic. 

Thanks for reading! 

Learn More About OBD III – Reference Sources

We used the following reference sources to gather information for this blog post about OBD III. If you want to learn more about this topic, we encourage you to explore these sources in more detail.

1. Straight Talk Automotive, 2010, Have You Heard of OBD III? 
2. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, SEMA.org — OBD-III Frequently Asked Questions. 
3. California Air Resources Board, Board Diagnostic II (OBD II) Systems Fact Sheet.