Posts: 14,142
Threads: 424
Joined: Aug 2012
Can you just go to another place until you get a pass?
Pretty much. In theory, you've "fixed" the issue before getting another inspection.
Cheap code readers are $40 on Amazon; for another $25 there's an excellent book that explains what all the OBD codes mean (including the "manufacturer-specific" ones).
I get an obscure emissions sensor failure from time to time; it usually means I was driving too fast on the unpaved road, and will stay cleared after a reset until I do it again (seems to be one specific pothole, in fact).
Posts: 7,795
Threads: 695
Joined: Jun 2011
"A still image doesn't show 1/8 of an inch in play for a wheel bearing fail. "
I was under the impression that the photographs were implemented to stop the finger-pointing over who was responsible for enforcing the vehicles with illegal tires that stuck out too far.
I once asked a guy with a truck jacked up so high one needed climbing skills to get into it, and it had tires that jutted out so far as to practically drive in the oncoming lane how he got his truck past the safety check. He said that he has a separate set of narrow wheels/tires that he has put on for the check, then he gets them swapped back out after the photos. So the other 364 days out of the year he is slinging rocks onto the windshields behind him and the cops don't pull him over because it's "a safety check problem".
Posts: 11,255
Threads: 765
Joined: Sep 2012
the cops don't pull him over because it's "a safety check problem".
If the cops do pull him over they can access the safety check photo in their database and if they find he didn't pass with the giant tires currently on the vehicle, they can write a ticket. It seems like I'm seeing fewer monster tires around this side of the island since the iPad/photo method was instituted as part of the safety check program, but that's mostly based on what I see on Hwy 130 & Hwy 11, as well as hearing less of the droning, growling bbbbrrrrrrBBBBBRRRR sound of four foot high tires coming up from behind to pass.
"Only fear real things, such as minds full of delusions." -Last Aphorisms
"I'm at that stage in life where I stay out of discussions. Even if you say 1+1=5, you're right - have fun." - Keanu Reeves
Posts: 144
Threads: 8
Joined: Dec 2015
That's a lot of advice on how to read/reset the cel without knowing the year, make and model.
Sorry, can't tell you about what you will experience during your pending inspection.
Bonus points to whoever said to google check engine light along with the year make and model.
Posts: 4,332
Threads: 100
Joined: Mar 2014
quote:
Originally posted by Mr nice guy
That's a lot of advice on how to read/reset the cel without knowing the year, make and model.
Sorry, can't tell you about what you will experience during your pending inspection.
Bonus points to whoever said to google check engine light along with the year make and model.
This needs to be made clear.
The check engine light CEL) is different than the maintenance required light.
Any car after around 1996 has an OBDII port which is used to connect a scanner to read any codes and reset them. Google will not help you to read and reset CEL codes, only to reset the maintenance required (usually oil change, etc) light. A scanner will generally not reset the maintenance is required light though.
Most CEL functions are for emissions related malfunctions. in many cases, an emissions related failure will cause your vehicle to not only use more gasoline, but to also pollute more. Ignore it long enough and you may be buying a new CAT convertor as well as changing spark plugs.
One person noted that the CEL could set the vehicle into limp-home mode. This would be reduced power and reduced shifting ability on an automatic transmission. Do not ignore it.
My cheap scanner was $25 on Amazon. It works on all 4 of my vehicles.
Posts: 144
Threads: 8
Joined: Dec 2015
quote:
Originally posted by leilanidude
[quote]...Google will not help you to read and reset CEL codes, only to reset the maintenance required (usually oil change, etc) light...
This is simply not true.
You may not be able to do this for the op's vehicle (whatever it is) but I will bet dollars to malasadas I can find instructions on how to read the codes on several vehicles as well as how to reset the cel on several different vehicles.
Posts: 4,332
Threads: 100
Joined: Mar 2014
There are a couple of exceptions for late 1990's vehicles, but they require you to use (on a Honda for example) a paperclip to short out a couple of the pins on the port, which then causes a light on the dash to flash in a code pattern - not for the average person to bother with, since scanners can now be had for $25.
Posts: 14,142
Threads: 424
Joined: Aug 2012
A scanner will generally not reset the maintenance is required light
Mine does.
you may be buying a new CAT convertor
No emissions test in Hawaii, you can just replace the cat with a "test pipe".
the CEL could set the vehicle into limp-home mode
Only if certain sensors (eg, the MAF) fail.
Posts: 5,092
Threads: 84
Joined: Feb 2009
"No emissions test in Hawaii, you can just replace the cat with a "test pipe"."
Could you provide me a link or an address so I could purchase one ?
Posts: 14,142
Threads: 424
Joined: Aug 2012
Could you provide me a link or an address so I could purchase one ?
It's illegal to actually do this. Federal law and all that.
