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Inspection (emissions) failed. What to do?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Vlad, Nov 13, 2007.

  1. jk450

    jk450 New Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Rob Smith @ Nov 13 2007, 05:43 PM) [snapback]539070[/snapback]</div>
    That doesn't always happen.
    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Rob Smith @ Nov 13 2007, 05:43 PM) [snapback]539070[/snapback]</div>
    Many states test emissions. Many query the OBD system records, AND test emissions.
    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Rob Smith @ Nov 13 2007, 05:43 PM) [snapback]539070[/snapback]</div>
    An inoperative MIL is itself cause to fail the test, but the cluster will have to be pulled to replace the lamp before the test is repeated. And a code is a starting point, not a diagnosis.
    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Rob Smith @ Nov 13 2007, 05:43 PM) [snapback]539070[/snapback]</div>
    That may be the charge for the state-mandated test, which is performed on a $35,000-$50,000 machine. The machine also has significant maintenance costs, which can easily be hundreds of dollars per month. Many shops lose money on these programs - but the consumer won't care about that.

    Most dealerships set this charge high to discourage walk-in traffic. They just need to be able to test their used-car inventory.
    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Rob Smith @ Nov 13 2007, 05:43 PM) [snapback]539070[/snapback]</div>
    That depends on the cost of the component at time of manufacture. Some are covered, some aren't.
    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Rob Smith @ Nov 13 2007, 05:43 PM) [snapback]539070[/snapback]</div>
    Kinda :)
     
  2. Vlad

    Vlad Junior Member

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    Here's the resolution. I took it to another place and the mechanic confirmed the inspection failure and that something electrical was wrong in the OBD, in that it wasn't providing the specific code for the failure. He suggested I drive around for 50-100 miles and bring it back. So my wife and I went on a nice fall foliage drive, brought it back, and the car passed!

    Vlad
     
  3. jk450

    jk450 New Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Vlad @ Nov 17 2007, 06:48 PM) [snapback]541036[/snapback]</div>
    An odd explanation. It sounds more likely that - rather than something "electrical" being wrong with the "OBD", one of the on-board monitors - periodic diagnostic self-tests, which are executed via software - had not yet run. My guess would be either the EVAP monitor or the catalyst monitor.

    It's rare for Toyotas to have a problem running monitors. For other makes, it's quite common.
     
  4. hobbit

    hobbit Senior Member

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    Don't the mode $06 monitors have to at least show "complete" for an
    emissions check to be valid? Or is some of that data translated
    into mode $01 PIDs for the sake of the mandated OBDII stuff? If
    you've got a good reference or two on how all this plays out, I
    wouldn't mind brushing up..
    .
    _H*
     
  5. mcbrunnhilde

    mcbrunnhilde Opera singin' Prius nut!

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Sufferin' Prius Envy @ Nov 14 2007, 02:21 AM) [snapback]539349[/snapback]</div>
    The OP has a 2002 Prius, which is rated as SULEV and has an 8-year/100,000-mile battery/emissions warranty. The 10-year/150,000-mile warranty is for the AT-PZEV Gen II Prius.