EPA Proposal Would Force OEMs To Make Emission Information and Tools Available to Aftermarket

Autoparts Report, June 18, 2001

A recent proposal by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to revise its service information rule is good news for consumers, the environment and the aftermarket, according to the Automotive Parts and Service Alliance (APSA). The proposal requires car companies to make both emissions systems information and tools available to independent repair shops.

The proposal modifies EPA's rules issued in 1995 and requires:

all service and training information be available over the World Wide Web;

that equipment and tool companies have access to information that permits the development of equipment with pass-through reprogramming capabilities;

the availability to aftermarket scan tool manufactures of enhanced diagnostic information;

that vehicle manufacturers make available to aftermarket service facilities manufacturer's specific diagnostic tools;

the accessibility of additional information regarding the functional characteristics of the OBD system, that will greatly assist technicians in making effective emissions- related repairs.

"This proposal, if finalized, will be a critical step toward ensuring that independent shops have access to the service information and tools that they will need to work on vehicles equipped with sophisticated on-board computers," said Aaron Lowe, APSA government affairs vice president.

APSA is a joint effort of the government affairs departments of the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA) and the Automotive Warehouse Distributors Association (AWDA).

The proposal mirrors the information required in SB 1146 legislation sponsored by APSA and other aftermarket groups in California. "It is our hope that EPA and the California Air Resources Board will work together to ensure that an effective nationwide service information requirement can be put in place as soon as possible," Lowe said.

"Vehicles equipped with on-board diagnostic systems, required in 1996, are already appearing in the independent aftermarket in larger numbers. A competitive aftermarket is imperative both for consumers and the environment," said Lowe. "This proposal and the legislation in California will help guarantee it happens."