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EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
PROGRAMS
Your vehicle has a simple ignition key-actuated test,
which you can use prior to going to the test station. To
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass check if your vehicle’s OBD II system is ready, you must
an inspection of your vehicle’s emissions control system. do the following:
Failure to pass could prevent vehicle registration.
1. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position, but do not
For states that require an Inspection and Mainte- crank or start the engine.
nance (I/M), this check verifies the “Malfunction
2. If you crank or start the engine, you will have to start
Indicator Light (MIL)” is functioning and is not
this test over.
on when the engine is running, and that the OBD II
system is ready for testing.
3. As soon as you turn the ignition switch to the ON
position, you will see the MIL symbol come on as part of
a normal bulb check.
Normally, the OBD II system will be ready. The OBD II
system may not be ready if your vehicle was recently
serviced, recently had a dead battery or a battery replace- 4. Approximately 15 seconds later, one of two things will
ment. If the OBD II system should be determined not happen:
ready for the I/M test, your vehicle may fail the test.
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a. The MIL will flash for about 10 seconds and then Regardless of whether your vehicle’s OBD II system is
return to being fully illuminated until you turn OFF ready or not, if the MIL is illuminated during normal
the ignition or start the engine. This means that your vehicle operation you should have your vehicle serviced
vehicle’s OBD II system is not ready and you should before going to the I/M station. The I/M station can fail
not proceed to the I/M station.
your vehicle because the MIL is on with the engine
running.
b. The MIL will not flash at all and will remain fully
illuminated until you turn OFF the ignition or start the
engine. This means that your vehicle’s OBD II system
is ready and you can proceed to the I/M station.
If your OBD II system is not ready, you should see your
authorized dealer or repair facility. If your vehicle was
recently serviced or had a battery failure or replacement,
you may need to do nothing more than drive your
vehicle as you normally would in order for your OBD II
system to update. A recheck with the above test routine
may then indicate that the system is now ready.
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