Emissions - Onboard Diagnostics
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Senior User
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 180
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From: Abingdon, MD
Emissions - Onboard Diagnostics
I was due to take my 1999 Ranger to emissions today. As they pulled the truck in, they passed over the treadmill. I figured he passed it by mistake and was going to reverse. Instead he pulled a cable from one of the computers and plugged it into the port next to where you pop the hood (under the steering wheel). I had never seen this done and I was wondering what he was doing. Apx. 30 seconds later he pulled it forward and waved me out. By this time I figured I had failed. As soon as I got out he said I passed and read off the date I had until next emissions test. I asked him what the cable was for and everything and he explained that my model Ranger had something to do with the onboard diagnostics which grabbed off the information and told the computer what levels the emissions were produced at. I thought this was very interesting and was curious when Ford started this and if it is also included in Mazda’s B-Series pickups.
Thanks,
Phil
Thanks,
Phil
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 148
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From: Charlotte
OBD became an industry standard in the 1996 model year. Many states are now using that model year as the benchmark for the OBD (On Board Diagnostics) emmissions test.
Last edited by bubbernator; Jan 21, 2004 at 11:07 PM.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,748
Likes: 16
From: Connecticut
Since your '99 Ranger is OBD-II compliant, it has a comprehensive engine control management system that makes use of a computer and a whole bunch of sensors and other data inputs/outputs. The system also monitors itself and stores information in the form of trouble codes which can be pulled from the computer's memory and used to diagnose problems. The computer is also capable of providing "real time" information while the engine is running. Much of this monitoring has to do emissions control...
So when the emissions station plugged into your Ranger, the truck's OBD-II computer in essence was able to report back to him the status of the engines' emissions system(s), and if they fall within certain parameters, you are good to go.
Some good info on OBD-II can be found here:
http://www.obdii.com/obdii.html
So when the emissions station plugged into your Ranger, the truck's OBD-II computer in essence was able to report back to him the status of the engines' emissions system(s), and if they fall within certain parameters, you are good to go.
Some good info on OBD-II can be found here:
http://www.obdii.com/obdii.html
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,748
Likes: 16
From: Connecticut
Here's something funny ...I'm opening some of my snail mail right now and guess what I just got? A notice from DMV telling me it's time to have the Ranger tested! 
Here in CT they have a brand-spanking-new Emissions Testing Program (the old one was shut down for 2 years due to mis-mangement issues) and they also do the OBD-II plug in method in order to carry out the test. As far as I am concerned, that's fine with me, probably even speeds things up...
Here in CT they have a brand-spanking-new Emissions Testing Program (the old one was shut down for 2 years due to mis-mangement issues) and they also do the OBD-II plug in method in order to carry out the test. As far as I am concerned, that's fine with me, probably even speeds things up...
