Diagnostics

IN THE PREVIOUS ARTICLE

“When in doubt – scan it” we discussed engine management and other warning check lights that may not stay illuminated for driver distraction considerations. As humans we are getting more and more connected to our devices, and that includes our automotive transportation methods. Internet of Things (IOT) has arrived and is rapidly changing all facets of the world we live in and the way we travel in motor vehicles. Safety, environment, information and comfort now take the dominant seat in motor vehicle design and manufacture.

And as the world places greater focus towards reducing further the environmental impact of a variety of damaging pollutions, a range of clean air initiatives have been introduced around the world. Most of these policies are designed to set reduction strategies on heavy transport emitters of pollution, which is being led by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

The definition of pollution is direct, or indirect contamination, of all outdoor and any indoor environment by any chemical, biological, mechanical and physical agent that changes any natural characteristics of our atmosphere. Motor vehicles, industrial manufacturers, industry, household pollution, and forest fires are all examples of pollution. A major public health concerns include carbon monoxide, ozone, nitrogen dioxide, Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) damaging waste particles and sulphur dioxide. Pollution is either outdoor and/ or indoor which cause a variety of diseases including respiratory disease, which can be fatal to all life on the planet.

In a bid to reduce further environmental damage including transport and manufacturing industries, governing bodies around the world have begun to take broad ranging steps in the control of all forms of pollution. Air Pollution policies such as European emission regulations which are steadily phasing in ever tighter emission requirements and setting testing standards based on the age of the vehicle. From 2014 all vehicles in the European union must meet Euro 6, or Euro VI for Heavy duty vehicles and even stricter measures in the USA controlled by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). As we have read in the news over the past few years there is a disconnect between emission regulators and manufacturer’s on testing standards and requirements. The heat is on us as there are so many environmental issues pressing greater demands for growing human inhabitation and increasing with a projected population growth rate that may see the world reach 10 billion people by 2050.

Ever changing and stricter emission standards around the world expect manufacturers of cars, trucks and anything that burns fossil fuels to maintain technology improvements to meet them. An example is the heavyduty truck and machinery industry that has made sweeping changes and now most heavy-duty manufactures will meet or comply with Euro VI standards as minimum. This now means you need a heavy-duty 24 volt and 12 volt scanner to diagnose and perform testing of basic DPF (Particulate Filter) burn off, Ad Blue monitoring solution control, oxygen sensors, clear fault codes and return the vehicle back to within “Normal operating conditions”. Removing lLimp modes can have an impact on the environment, so performing a diagnostic scan and clearing codes during every oil change or service is critical. In New Zealand regulated emission testing is currently based on a visual test only.

In-service emissions in New Zealand are also governed by land transport rules as follows:

VEHICLE EXHAUST EMISSIONS RULE 2007:

Prohibits removal of, or tampering with, a vehicle’s emissions control equipment.

Requires a vehicle to pass a five second visible smoke check during a Warrant of Fitness, Certificate of Fitness inspection.

ROAD USER RULE 2004:

Prohibits a vehicle from emitting visible smoke for 10 or more seconds whilst being driven on the road.

LAUNCH NOTICE: We have been selling and supporting genuine Launch Diagnostic Scan tools for more than 10 years and we sell the full range of genuine launch equipment. Full one-year factory warranty with an additional 12 months warranty added by us and all our Scan tools are locally supported. No need to wait weeks with us as most repairs are carried out within 48 hours. We do not apologise to provide a warning notice at the end of our articles we write. Launch Head office appreciate we keep an eye on illegal sales. Many people have been caught out buying overseas regional version online Launch scanners which have either been switched off or cannot be repaired or updated. Some fake / Chinese region launch scanners are bought via illegal sellers using online trade and sale platforms and those running around trying to sell overseas online or fake Launch pretending to sell genuine will be reported to Launch Head office. If they are claiming they are a NZ master dealer get the scanner serial number and let us know. We can verify it. We can confirm that Launch Head office may switch off any scanner purchased through illegal channels. The last thing you want to do is buy a tool which fails to work as described or find it is a clone and cannot be registered / repaired or supported. Here at Launchnz we are only a phone call away. All enquiries please Call Vince: 021 241 4885 for quick response.