AN OVERVIEW OF ON-BOARD DIAGNOSTICS
On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) is software which is built-in to the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) of a vehicle and monitors vehicle components for malfunction. OBD certification requires the manufacturer to provide test data and a specific set of certification documents to the regulatory body in order to receive OBD approval.
OBD is a self-certification system which means it is the responsibility of the manufacturer to ensure the vehicle’s OBD system fully complies with all of the applicable regulations for the life of the vehicle. Emissions certification involves the manufacturer performing a series of tests to prove the vehicle meets a specific emission standard. Certifying a vehicle for emissions compliance also involves fuel economy testing to ensure requirements are being met.
PRODUCTION VEHICLE EVALUATION TESTING
An important aspect of the CARB OBD regulation is the vehicle testing requirements. Manufacturers are required to perform Production Vehicle Evaluation (PVE) testing. PVE testing has three separate requirements: PVE1 (Verification of Standardized Requirements), PVE2 (Verification of Monitoring Requirements), and PVE3 (Verification and Reporting of In-use Monitoring Performance).
WinterPark Engineering has extensive experience supporting manufacturers with all types of PVE testing. WinterPark’s Generic Scan Tool Communication testing (PVE1) is ideal for end of line testing. Incorporating automated OBD testing at the end of the production line can help manufacturers catch legislative diagnostic issues before they leave the production facility, saving significant time and money.
DURABILITY DEMONSTRATION VEHICLE TESTING
Durability Demonstration Vehicle testing (DDV) requires an engine and emission control system aged to full useful life. The purpose is to ensure a faulty component in the system will be detected and the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) will illuminate at the required emissions level. WinterPark has the experience to support manufacturers through the DDV testing process.
