Link-Based Module Information Presented in a Database Format to Comply with Federal EPA and California ARB Service Information Requirements

On August 9, 1995, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) established the Agency's service information regulations. These regulations, in part, required each Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) to either provide enhanced information to equipment and tool companies, or make its OEM-specific diagnostic tool available for purchase by aftermarket technicians.

In 2001, Ford Motor Company developed a Microsoft Access database containing tested and verified vehicle data providing necessary module information from Ford Motor Company's specific diagnostic tools. The database was presented to the Equipment and Tool Institute (ETI) during the 2001 ETI Tech Week in Detroit. The format is being considered a recommended practice by ETI, and could be used by any OEM seeking a guideline for providing the necessary On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) protocol information.