Get BAR-97 Internet-Ready

The Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) anticipates adoption this year of regulations requiring compliance with the new BAR-97 Emissions Inspection System (EIS) specification. The proposed regulations will require BAR-97 analyzers to connect to BAR’s central database through an internet connection in lieu of a dedicated dial-up phone line connection. BAR’s central database will no longer support obsolete dial-up technology. BAR-97 equipment manufacturers may offer wired or wireless connection to the internet. To prevent business interruption when dedicated dial-up phone line connections are terminated, BAR strongly encourages stations to obtain an internet-ready analyzer and internet connectivity software as soon as possible.

In accordance with the updated Smog Check Manual, all STAR stations and any other stations inspecting 1999 and older model year gasoline-powered vehicles must use an analyzer meeting the 2017 specification. Internet connectivity software and 2017 specification-compliant analyzers are currently available from OPUS and Worldwide Environmental Products. Certification status can be found on BAR’s website at www.bar.ca.gov. When a new analyzer is delivered to a station and connected to the Internet, BAR representatives will initialize it by generating a unique number to replace the dedicated analyzer phone line number.

Stations using Snap-on and SPX analyzers will need to acquire a 2017 specification-compliant analyzer and Internet connectivity software from either OPUS or Worldwide Environmental Products. Snap-on is not submitting an updated analyzer for BAR certification and OPUS, which bought out SPX, no longer services SPX analyzers as of January 31, 2018.

Until the software update becomes available, the Low Pressure Fuel Evaporative Tester (LPFET) must still connect to a phone line to upload data. In addition, a software update will allow the BAR-97 analyzer to capture the LPFET data in lieu of using a phone line. Once this update is installed, the analyzer will be considered fully compliant with BAR’s 2017 specification. BAR will notify stations when LPFET data capture software is certified and available.

For more information, visit BAR's website at www.bar.ca.gov.


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