VA shop that still does the tailpipe sniffer test?
Originally Posted by Lt. Dan
After reading the link you posted, and the way you explained it there, I understand... Thanks for clearing it up!
Originally Posted by Moriar
My dealership Inspector jus said that if he sees any lights.. automatic failure simple as that.
Originally Posted by 240dreams
Well, your inspector is wrong. I just read through a huge book in reference to VA inspections and it mentions whats allowable and whats not. What if a Maintenance Required light is on stating that the vehicle needs an oil change or something. Is he going to fail that? He would be wrong if he did.
Cars that have the Change Oil Soon indicator. that is allowable.
If it had an ABS light on, FAILED. ( Would u want a car out there w/ Faulty Brakes??)
The ABS indicator isn't a failure. The "brake" indicator is a failure. Huge difference. And there are so many cars out there that wouldn't pass a VA insp. Whats the difference between a Cvic with a brake failure versus a 500hp Civic on stock brakes running around street racing? They are both just as dangerous yet one can actually be legal.
Last edited by 240dreams; Apr 11, 2006 at 06:50 PM.
Exactly, an ABS light just means that your ABS system won't function but your brakes will still work (just like a non-ABS equipped car). 240dreams is right; amber warning light passes, red doesn't (I'm a saftey inspector).
Anyway, you can't just hook up another similar car to the OBD test to pass for you. The computer downloads the VIN and if its different than the one typed in manually, or scanned from your renewal registration it throws up a red flag to the DEQ. They may not investigate you, but they will go after the shop thats doing it.
Anyway, you can't just hook up another similar car to the OBD test to pass for you. The computer downloads the VIN and if its different than the one typed in manually, or scanned from your renewal registration it throws up a red flag to the DEQ. They may not investigate you, but they will go after the shop thats doing it.
Originally Posted by 240dreams
A good rule to follow is the amber vs red warning indicator "rule". A red warning indicator will fail a VA insp. For example SRS, Brake, and such. But an amber indicator will still pass. Like MIL, ABS, and of course the Check Engine Light. If you still don't believe me, you can ask any one of the 10 or so VA inspectors at my dealership.
Originally Posted by smp113
ok, you think a "check engine" or (in my case) "service engine soon" light will pass? its an amber light and i automatically failed. luckily it wasnt my car but the parents. had to take it to a shop, have them figure out the problem, and bring it back within 14 days.
If you're talking about VA emissions, then you automatically fail (ODB2) for a CEL or SES light.
Last edited by TurboQuad4; Apr 12, 2006 at 02:31 PM.





