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My 2016 Prius 3 having trouble with emissions test in Tennessee

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by janie, Nov 4, 2021.

  1. janie

    janie 2016 Prius 3 Touring

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    Three Touring
    My 2016 Prius 3 won't pass the emissions testing in Tennessee, originally purchased in California and now I live in Tennessee and last year and this year they say my Prius won't communicate with their test equipment- the technician says my gas motor won't stay on long enough -
    I don't want to pay toyota 230 dollars to trouble shoot -

    Do you think if I put my air conditioner on high that it might keep the gas motor running?

    Thanks so much!
     
  2. rjparker

    rjparker Tu Humilde Sirviente

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    Maintenance Mode to Continuously Idle Engine

    Press Start button 2 times
    Press Gas Pedal 2 times

    Press brake and shift to Neutral
    Press Gas Pedal 2 times
    Press Park
    Press Gas Pedal 2 times (hybrid warning light will start flashing)

    Press Brake and Start button (starts engine, don't drive it, shutdown to return to normal)
     
    #2 rjparker, Nov 4, 2021
    Last edited: Nov 4, 2021
    Michael Wood likes this.
  3. sam spade 2

    sam spade 2 Senior Member

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    I think you need to have the test done at an actual Toyota dealership.........where they will hopefully know how to do the test right.
    Is the test mandatory where you live ?
    I didn't think Tennessee did that.
     
  4. janie

    janie 2016 Prius 3 Touring

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    Thanks- yah, they require it in the county i am living in= but here's a caveat-
    * I have a new rav4 hybrid that is in transit (was/is due to arrive in early November)
    * The county i am living in will stop the mandatory annual emissions testing in January
    So, I can hang tight and see if my new car will arrive in time before I need to update my current tags which technically
    I got last year Nov 12th . . .

    and RJ Parker thanks for the instructions-
    I will copy it so I have it in my notes on my phone and know what to do when my car is parked
    for the emissions test-
     
    bisco likes this.
  5. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    usually, the engine does not need to run. have you tried different inspection stations?
     
  6. BZzap!

    BZzap! Senior Member

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    Yep, go to someone who knows what they’re doing.
     
    bisco likes this.
  7. janie

    janie 2016 Prius 3 Touring

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    Vehicle:
    2016 Prius
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    Three Touring
    Thanks- there is only one emissions testing center in my city= and they are all connected and the same main guy oversees all of the places in the county- but the good news is i found out my registration is good through the end of this month and since my new car is supposed to arrive in early November - i shouldn't have to get my car retested-
    also, a new friend/couple here in Tennessee they have a prius, says they have had that same emissions center test their prius and it has passed easily . . .