OBFCM selection in everyday workshop life

OBFCM selection in everyday workshop life

Automotive.at:Is it correct that from January 2024 the OBFCM data must be read out for all passenger cars and light commercial vehicles with combustion engines during the §57a inspection?

Alois Gabat: The OBFCM data readout must be carried out on all passenger cars and light commercial vehicles subject to recurring assessment in accordance with Section 57a ​​KFG that have been registered from January 1, 2021 and are equipped with in-vehicle monitoring devices for fuel and/or electricity consumption in accordance with Article 4a of Regulation (EU) 2017/1151. This means that the OBFCM data readout must be carried out on both vehicles with internal combustion engines and vehicles with hybrid electric drives.

What additional effort does the OBFCM selection entail for workshops compared to a previous §57a examination?

The additional effort mainly consists of informing the approval holder that the OBFCM data is being read. If the license holder makes use of the option to expressly refuse the selection, this refusal must be confirmed in writing on a form available in the respective assessment program. The additional effort required for the actual vehicle test is extremely low, as only the OBD reader needs to be connected to the vehicle interface and the automatic reading of the OBFCM data can be started using the corresponding function of the OBD reader.

Are local workshops already adequately equipped for this task?

Unfortunately, there are still a few bodies authorized in accordance with Section 57a ​​KFG that do not yet have, or at least not completely, the necessary technical equipment.

What investments in upgrades or the purchase of new diagnostic devices are necessary?

The investments are widespread and mainly depend on the existing equipment of the companies. They range from three-digit euro amounts for upgrades to five-digit euro amounts for new purchases.

Is there a transition period for companies that are not yet up to date with the latest technology?

There has never been a transition period for the OBFCM data reading, which has been mandatory since May 20, 2023. In the course of the § 57a revisions in the first few months, delays that were not one's own fault, such as those that can arise from delivery delays caused by equipment manufacturers, were treated generously in the form of simply prohibiting the assessment of vehicles that had to be read out. However, sufficient time has now passed to bring yourself up to the appropriate technical standard.

Is the transmission of OBFCM data checked as part of random checks in the workshops?

In the course of § 57a revisions, the OBFCM data readout can also be evaluated with the help of the revision programs, which can also be used if necessary.

In your experience, how many vehicle owners exercise their right to object to OBFCM data transfer?

There are no meaningful values ​​for this yet. However, initial tendencies are towards not too much contradiction.

In your opinion, is there a need for improvement in the OBFCM data reading and transmission procedure?

No! The already largely automated process is already a very user-friendly procedure.