1994 Cars Must Have Devices to Detect Pollution
The state Air Resources Board on Thursday ordered that new cars sold in California beginning in 1994 feature a first-of-its-kind computerized warning system designed to detect pollution-producing malfunctions ranging from misfiring spark plugs to air coolant leaks.
The expanded dashboard diagnostic system, which ARB staff members estimate could cost manufacturers $45 per vehicle, would have two major functions--to improve air quality and to help mechanics repair the increasingly high-tech auto equipment designed to monitor and limit noxious emissions.
The new technology was approved by a 7-0 vote following a daylong public hearing attended by more than 75 auto industry representatives and environmental advocates. ARB engineering studies chief Steve Albu said it would have a “greater (impact on emissions) than any other single control measure adopted by the board.”
Among those supporting the new regulation were the South Coast Air Quality Management District, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the American Lung Assn. and the Automobile Club of Southern California.
Mike A. Nazemi, planning manager for the AQMD, said the measure could result in a 50-ton-per-day reduction in air pollutants in the greater Los Angeles area--10% of the region’s current daily vehicular emission output.
“This is probably the biggest control measure I have seen in the last few years,” said Nazemi, who had urged the board to implement the regulation in 1993.
Engineers for major auto makers praised the principle of expanded on-board diagnostics but raised technical questions about the changes and requested more time to put them in place. If dashboard warning lights lit up needlessly because of kinks in a hastily approved technology, they argued, drivers would quickly lose faith in the system.
“Due to the need to develop new, unproven technology, considerable lead-time is needed,” said Suanne K. Thomas, a staff scientist for the Motor Vehicle Manufacturers Assn. of the United States. “(We) recommend that implementation be delayed until the 1996 model year and phase-in be extended to the 1998 model year.”
The manufacturers’ group is a Detroit-based industry organization that includes Chrysler, Ford and General Motors among its members.
The state board, however, decided to begin implementing the changes in 1994, with full compliance ordered by 1996.
“I’m sure more time could give us all a higher comfort level, but in the state of California, we have to be aggressive,” said Jananne Sharpless, board chairman.
Board member John Lagarias quipped that the new dashboard system would provide for “smart (warning) lights” as opposed to the current system of “idiot lights.” On-board monitor lights that the ARB ordered on new cars beginning in 1988 warn drivers that they need repairs only when basic emission-related parts such as the fuel system malfunction.
But the new system will be much more extensive, requiring improved monitoring of the fuel system but also requiring the monitoring of engine misfiring, catalytic converter efficiency and chlorofluorocarbon leaks in air-conditioning systems.
The regulation calls for on-board computers to store data that would help repairmen identify the equipment that is malfunctioning. It also calls for standardized computer technology to allow a universal scanning tool so that any repair shop can have access to the data in the vehicle computer.
The advanced system, state officials said, would result in quicker repairs of defective parts, thus leading to lower emissions of smog-producing hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxide. The reductions of hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides would amount to more than 100 tons a day apiece statewide, according to an ARB staff report. Almost half of the reduction would be in the South Coast Air Basin, which includes Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino counties.
The smog reductions, officials said, would eliminate almost twice as much pollution as the tough standards adopted by the ARB in June to curtail tailpipe emissions. At that time, rules were passed to reduce carbon monoxide emissions from new cars by 50% and emissions of hydrocarbons by 30% by 1997.
ARB board members said that if portions of the new technology prove unworkable, they can be dealt with in two years when the board’s staff returns with a progress report.
