MODE $09 reports the following vehicle information requests if the system supports it. Prior to 2005 OBD II systems were not required to support this MODE, yet many did. Starting in 2005, all systems were required to support the reporting of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), Calibration Identification (CAL ID), and Calibration Verification Number (CVN).

In 2008, CAN "C" equipped systems added one more thing to the MODE, it is called In-Use Performance Monitor Tracking (IUPMT).

This section about OBD II Vehicle Information and will cover:

  1. Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
  2. Calibration Identification (CAL ID)
  3. Calibration Verification Number (CVN)
  4. In-Ude Performance Monitor Tracking (IUPMT)

The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is a unique, 17-digit, alphanumeric number assigned by the manufacturer to every vehicle built. The VIN is commonly used for ownership and registration to identify every vehicle uniquely. As such, the VIN is also used during an I/M inspection to determine the exact vehicle being tested. Current Inspection & Maintenance (I/M) programs require the inspector to enter the VIN at the time of inspection by manually typing it in or, in some cases, using a bar code reader to “scan” it in. However, errors can and do occur when the VIN is manually entered.

To reduce the number of errors related to VIN entry, facilitate VIN access, and further deter fraud during I/M inspections, the regulations require the VIN to be stored in the vehicle’s onboard computer and accessible electronically via a generic scan tool. This is required on all 2005 and newer model-year vehicles. While this does not eliminate the possibility of a technician performing a fraudulent inspection, it would make it significantly more difficult.

The VIN is also used to order replacement parts and to identify recalls and warranty issues.

OBD II diagnostics comprises software routines and calibrated limits and values to determine if a component or system is malfunctioning. Manufacturers often release updates to the software in the onboard computer to add new features and improvements or correct errors or “bugs” in the system. To determine if the right software had been installed, amendments were adopted in 1996 that required manufacturers to phase in reporting of two additional items. The first item, the Calibration Identification Number (CAL ID), identifies the version of software installed in the vehicle.

  • The Calibration Identification Number (CAL ID) identifies the version of software currently installed in the vehicle.

The Calibration Verification Number (CVN) is used for all OBDII vehicles. It assures that emissions software has not been tampered with. If the vehicle has not been modified the PCM/TCM Part number will have a corresponding CVN(s).  MODE $09 will report the CVN for the Engine and Transmission Controller.  The CVN is calculated by PCM/TCM at each key-on cycle.  After a Reflash it can take a few minutes to calculate a new CVN.

The CVN is used to verify that the emission controller software has not been tampered with by using an aftermarket “Tuner”. The aftermarket “Tuner” may claim the ability to reset to factory settings, but in most cases, it CANNOT reset the CVN to the factory setting. Once incremented it cannot go back, it might even be missing, not reporting, after this procedure!

The CVN is now part of the Data Check Fail reported on the VIR. At the vehicle’s first smog inspection the OIS collects the eVIN, Software Calibration Part Number, and CVN. This information will be used to compare data for future smog inspections. For follow-up inspections, if the eVIN and Software Calibration Part match the database, but the CVN has changed the vehicle could fail the inspection.

If the vehicle was “tuned” before its first inspection, then that information will establish the baseline for future smog inspections for this vehicle. Currently, CARB/BAR does not get this information directly from the OEMs.

What is MODE $09 - In-Use Performance Monitor Tracking (IUPMT):

In-Use Monitor Performance Tracking (IUMPT): checks that the vehicle is running its Non-Continuous Monitors at a minimum frequency to identify most emission-related failures. Vehicles identified as not meeting the minimum frequency for running Non-Continuous Monitors will require the OEM to generate a fix like a Reflash or Component Update.

Before attempting to Complete a Readiness Flag, review (IUMPT) to identify the frequency at which a particular Readiness Flag has Completed testing in the past. This information can be used to determine if an individual Readiness Flag will be easy or challenging to Flip to Complete. 

IUPMT can also indicate the driving the vehicle experiences, the type of vehicle it is, like a Hybrid or other Start/Stop system, or if ECM reprogramming has recently been performed. 

IUPMT results include the word Completions which is referred to as the Numerator. It represents the actual Monitoring events where the enable criteria ran long enough that a malfunctioning component or system would have been detected. Whether the Readiness Flag Passes or Fails, the Completions will be incremented. 

IUPMT results include the word Conditions which is referred to as the Denominator. It represents a generic enable criteria establishing a charged Trip against the OEM if met. To meet the Conditions, the vehicle must be driven for 10 minutes, including 5 minutes above 25 mph, and one 30-second idle period. Completions, by themselves, do not indicate how frequently the Readiness Flag has been completed or the chance of Completing a given Readiness Flag. Knowing the number of Completions (Numerator) and Conditions (Denominator) creates an In-Use Monitor Performance Ratio. 

(IUMPR). The ratio, the Numerator divided by the Denominator, allows tracking of the frequency with each readiness flag's enable criteria run long enough that a malfunctioning component or system would have been detected. A Pending DTC will temporarily suspend the incrementing of Completions and Conditions………………………………

For additional information about In-Use Performance Monitor Tracking, click on this link!

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