The California Air Resources Board (CARB) mandates periodic On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) emissions testing for heavy-duty vehicles starting in 2024. This regulation, outlined in Title 13, California Code of Regulations (CCR), Section 2196.3(a)(1) and (2) of the Heavy-Duty Inspection and Maintenance (HD I/M) Regulation, requires the use of CARB-certified OBD test devices for compliance with Clean Truck Check. One prominent solution for fleet operators is the Silver Snap Tool.
CARB-Certified Silver Snap Tool Configurations
The Silver Snap Tool, developed by RA CONSULTING GmbH, is a versatile OBD test device certified by CARB for use in the Clean Truck Check program. It’s offered in various configurations, leveraging different communication interfaces from leading manufacturers like Drew Technologies, DG Technologies, Kvaser, and Nexiq. This flexibility allows technicians to diagnose and test a wide range of heavy-duty vehicles. Below is a breakdown of the approved Silver Snap Tool configurations:
Silver Snap Tool with Drew Technologies DrewLinQ (EO # IM-001-0001-3)
This configuration utilizes the DrewLinQ interface, known for its robust communication capabilities. It supports both 9-pin SAE J1939 and 16-pin SAE J1979 diagnostic ports, ensuring compatibility with a broad spectrum of heavy-duty trucks.
Silver Snap Tool with DG Technologies DPA XL (EO # IM-001-0002-3) and other DG Technologies Interfaces
The Silver Snap Tool is also available with DG Technologies’ DPA XL interface, as well as the DPA Classic and DPA 5 Pro. These options offer reliable performance and support both J1939 and J1979 protocols, catering to diverse fleet needs. (EO #s IM-001-0002-3, IM-005-0001-3, IM-005-0002-3, IM-005-0003-3)
Silver Snap Tool with Kvaser Leaf Light HS v2 and other Kvaser Interfaces (EO # IM-001-0003-3)
The Kvaser Leaf Light HS v2, known for its compact design and high-speed data transfer, is another compatible interface for the Silver Snap Tool. The tool also works with the Kvaser U100 and Kvaser Leaf v3, providing further flexibility for technicians. Like the other configurations, these support both common heavy-duty diagnostic protocols. (EO #s IM-001-0003-3, IM-001-0004-3, IM-001-0007-2)
Silver Snap Tool with Nexiq USB-Link 2 and USB-Link 3 (EO # IM-001-0005-3)
The Nexiq USB-Link 2 and USB-Link 3 interfaces, widely recognized in the industry for their reliability and broad vehicle coverage, are also integrated with the Silver Snap Tool. These configurations ensure compatibility with various heavy-duty truck makes and models using both J1939 and J1979 protocols. (EO #s IM-001-0005-3, IM-001-0006-3)
Importance of CARB Certification for OBD Test Devices
Using a CARB-certified device like the Silver Snap Tool ensures accurate emissions readings and compliance with California’s stringent regulations. Non-certified devices may provide inaccurate results, leading to potential fines and operational disruptions.
Choosing the Right Silver Snap Tool Configuration
The optimal Silver Snap Tool configuration depends on the specific needs of the fleet. Factors to consider include the types of vehicles in the fleet (engine manufacturers and diagnostic port types), existing diagnostic software, and budget. Consulting with RA CONSULTING GmbH or an authorized distributor can assist in selecting the most suitable solution. Contacting device vendors directly is crucial for purchasing. This list of CARB-certified devices is subject to updates as more vendors receive their Executive Orders. For vehicles using the SAE J1979-2 (OBDonUDS) protocol, CARB provides specific guidance available on their website.
