The California Air Resources Board (CARB) mandates periodic emissions testing for heavy-duty vehicles using On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) systems. This regulation, known as Clean Truck Check, requires the use of specific CARB-certified gadgets that connect to the OBD2 socket. This article lists approved devices for both periodic and continuous emissions monitoring.
CARB-Certified OBD2 Gadgets: Ensuring Compliance
Clean Truck Check aims to reduce emissions from heavy-duty trucks. To comply, vehicles must undergo periodic OBD inspections using approved devices. These gadgets, connecting to the OBD2 socket, retrieve emissions data for evaluation. CARB provides a list of certified devices, categorized by connection type: non-continuously connected (NCC) and continuously connected (CC).
Non-Continuously Connected (NCC) Devices for OBD2
NCC devices are portable scan tools used for periodic testing on multiple vehicles. They connect to the OBD2 socket and provide snapshots of emissions data. Several vendors offer CARB-certified NCC devices, including:
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RA Consulting GmbH: Offers Silver Snap-Tool compatible with various adaptors like Drewtech DrewLinQ, DG Technologies DPA XL, Kvaser Leaf Light HS v2, Kvaser U100, Nexiq USB-Link 2, Nexiq USB-Link 3, and Kvaser Leaf v3. These support both 9-pin SAE J1939 and 16-pin SAE J1979 diagnostic ports.
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HEM Data Corporation: Offers DAWN OBD Inspector for iOS with CAN Mini Streamer (Wireless), supporting both 9-pin and 16-pin ports.
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Noregon Systems LLC: Offers Truck Check Up with DLA+ 3.0 in both USB and wireless versions, supporting both 9-pin and 16-pin ports.
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DG Technologies: Offers DPA INSPECT with DPA Classic, DPA XL, and DPA 5 Pro, all supporting both 9-pin and 16-pin ports.
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Opus Inspection, Inc.: Offers Opus Clean Truck with Opus CleanTruck OBD Device Kit, supporting both 9-pin and 16-pin ports.
Continuously Connected (CC) Devices for OBD2
CC devices are telematics systems installed on individual vehicles for ongoing monitoring. They transmit emissions data continuously, ensuring compliance. CARB-certified CC devices include:
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Geotab Inc.: Offers the GO9 family of devices (GO9, GO9B, GO9+), supporting both 9-pin and 16-pin ports.
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Pacific Track, LLC: Offers the PT40, supporting both 9-pin and 16-pin ports.
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Zonar Systems: Offers various V4 and VT4 models, supporting the 9-pin SAE J1939 diagnostic port.
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Samsara Inc.: Offers VG-55, VG54-NA, VG54-NAH, and VG34, supporting the 9-pin SAE J1939 port.
Understanding OBD Protocols and Connectors
Heavy-duty vehicles commonly use SAE J1939 and J1979 protocols. J1939 is often used in vehicles with Cummins, Detroit Diesel, Navistar, and Paccar engines, typically utilizing a 9-pin connector. J1979 (or OBD II) is common in vehicles with Ford, Hino, Isuzu, and Volvo engines, generally using a 16-pin connector.
Finding the Right OBD2 Gadget
Choosing the right gadget depends on your specific needs and vehicle type. Consult device vendors or refer to CARB’s website for the most up-to-date list of approved devices and their compatibility with different vehicle makes and models. Ensuring you have a CARB-certified gadget is crucial for complying with Clean Truck Check requirements.
