Emissions Test in Virginia
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Joined: Mar 2002
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From: Maryland
Emissions Test in Virginia
I figure this will be of interest to some.
I went for my once-every-two-years state emissions tests the other day and found out that, unlike the last one, they no longer run the car at various rpm's and measure exhaust gases. Instead, they just plug into the diagnostic data port and check for fault codes. Much less work, same charge
They did the same with the car in front of mine in line, a 1999 Nissan, so I guess this is now the standard procedure. The printout has N/A's by all the rpm/gases spaces on the sheet.
I went for my once-every-two-years state emissions tests the other day and found out that, unlike the last one, they no longer run the car at various rpm's and measure exhaust gases. Instead, they just plug into the diagnostic data port and check for fault codes. Much less work, same charge
They did the same with the car in front of mine in line, a 1999 Nissan, so I guess this is now the standard procedure. The printout has N/A's by all the rpm/gases spaces on the sheet.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Mar 2004
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From: Arizona
It's the on board diagnostics - two (OBD-II). It constantly monitors the emissions.
Since OBD-II computer has a memory, the emissions test checks first the ability to log an error, checks for the error, then resets it. This causes a check engine lite, which the test operator looks for to insure the bulb is not unplugged or burnt out.
If a check engine indication exists, the test would fail. Your emissions test would be a failure.
Since the advent of all wheel drive, many test facilities only can "spin test" a single axle. They may also do an idle "sniff" check.
Since OBD-II computer has a memory, the emissions test checks first the ability to log an error, checks for the error, then resets it. This causes a check engine lite, which the test operator looks for to insure the bulb is not unplugged or burnt out.
If a check engine indication exists, the test would fail. Your emissions test would be a failure.
Since the advent of all wheel drive, many test facilities only can "spin test" a single axle. They may also do an idle "sniff" check.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Oct 2003
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From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs
Originally Posted by Tammy
Since the advent of all wheel drive, many test facilities only can "spin test" a single axle. They may also do an idle "sniff" check.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,973
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From: Arizona
Perhaps I wasn't clear...
What I intended to say ... since only a single axle can be tested, no spin test can be preformed.
(As the other axle would be on the ground and not on rollers, you would be driving your vehicle into the auto being tested in front of you )
What I intended to say ... since only a single axle can be tested, no spin test can be preformed.
(As the other axle would be on the ground and not on rollers, you would be driving your vehicle into the auto being tested in front of you )
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