The pros in what blows

Out of your tailpipe that is. Carlisle Automotive is not only a repair facility, but an inspection facility as well.
We can diagnose, repair, and inspect your vehicle without the hassles of bouncing back and forth between facilities.

Types of Emissions Inspection Failures

On-Board Diagnostic Systems

Note:  The terms “OBD” and “OBDII” used on this web site refer to the On-Board Diagnostic computer system installed on most vehicles beginning with the 1996 model year.  Some 1996 and newer Heavy Duty vehicles do not have an OBDII system.  Those vehicles will get the Two-Speed Idle test.

• OBD Malfunction Indicator Lamp

By simply turning the vehicle’s ignition switch from the “Off” position to the “Run” position, but with the engine not running, all of the bulbs for the warning lights in the dashboard will light up.  This is the bulb check the Emissions Inspector performs to ensure that the bulb for the Malfunction Indicator Lamp is working.  If the bulb does not come on, this will be cause for a failure and repairs will need to be performed in order to fix the Malfunction Indicator Lamp’s bulb.

• OBD Diagnostic Connector

The Emissions Inspector must connect the data link cord from the emissions inspection analyzer to the OBDII system’s Data Link Connector.  If this connector is missing or is damaged, the vehicle will fail the emissions inspection.  If the connector is blocked by aftermarket equipment, the vehicle will be rejected from testing and the connector will have to be made accessible by moving or removing the aftermarket equipment.

If the Emissions Inspector can plug into the Data Link Connector, but the vehicle’s OBDII system computer cannot communicate with the emissions inspection analyzer, the test will result in a failure.  This situation may be caused by problems with the wiring of the vehicle’s Data Link Connector.

In these situations, appropriate repairs need to be performed so that 1) the Emissions Inspector can get to the Data Link Connector, and 2) the vehicle’s Data Link Connector is working properly and will allow the vehicle’s OBDII system to communicate with the emissions inspection analyzer.

• OBD Diagnostic Trouble Codes

When the OBDII system detects a problem that may increase the level of harmful emissions, a Diagnostic Trouble Code will be stored in the OBDII system’s memory.  The Diagnostic Trouble Code provides a simple description of a problem found by the OBDII system.  Emissions related Diagnostic Trouble Codes will also cause the OBDII system to turn on the Malfunction Indicator Lamp while the vehicle is running.  This is to inform the vehicle operator that there is a problem that needs to be checked.

If the emissions inspection analyzer detects an emissions related Diagnostic Trouble Code(s) that cause the Malfunction Indicator Lamp to turn on, the vehicle will fail the inspection.  The OBDII system has determined that something is wrong with the vehicle that may cause an increase in harmful emissions.

Up to five Diagnostic Trouble Codes will be printed in the Remarks section, near the bottom of the Vehicle Emissions Inspection Report, click here to learn more about the Vehicle Emissions Inspection Report.  It is important to understand that there may be more than five Diagnostic Trouble Codes present; if so, they will also need attention during the diagnosis and repair process.

If the vehicle fails for Diagnostic Trouble Codes, the vehicle needs to have diagnostic and repair work performed.  By using an OBDII scanner, a repair technician can retrieve the Diagnostic Trouble Code(s) to begin the repair process. 

Important Notes:

-  Prior to having an emissions inspection performed, do not attempt to have someone “clear the codes” by resetting the OBDII system with a handheld scanner or by disconnecting the vehicle’s battery unless appropriate repairs have been performed.  Not only will this clear the Diagnostic Trouble Codes, but it will also reset the OBDII Monitors which will cause a vehicle to be rejected from testing, click here to learn more about OBDII Monitors.  In most cases, if a Diagnostic Trouble Code is present, it will go away and stay away only after the cause for the code is found and repaired.

-  If the vehicle does fail for Diagnostic Trouble Codes, and repair work is done to fix the problem, the repair facility may “clear the codes.”  When this happens, the vehicle must be driven in order to allow the OBDII Monitors to meet the required conditions to perform their tests.  Click here to learn more about OBDII Monitors.

Tailpipe emissions failure

The emissions inspection program tests vehicles for tailpipe emissions. The gases that are checked are:

• Hydrocarbons: Measured in parts per million, hydrocarbon is made up of unburned fuel molecules. Excessive amounts can be caused by, but not limited to, problems with the ignition system (plugs, wires, timing, etc.), air/fuel mixture or fuel delivery (carburetor or fuel injection), slow reacting oxygen sensor, diluted engine oil, or a dirty air cleaner.
• Carbon monoxide: Measured in a percentage, carbon monoxide is partially burned fuel molecules. Excessive amounts can be caused by, but not limited to, problems with the air/fuel mixture or fuel delivery (carburetor or fuel injection), slow reacting oxygen sensor, diluted engine oil, or a dirty air cleaner.
• Nitric oxide (dynamometer test ONLY): Measured in parts per million, nitric oxide is a chemical created by high combustion chamber temperatures. This gas is produced when the vehicle is accelerating or traveling uphill. Excessive amounts can be caused by, but not limited to, an inoperative or clogged exhaust gas recirculation system, ignition timing, lean fuel mixture, or an inefficient or inoperable catalytic converter.

Diagnostic work should be performed on any tailpipe emissions failure. This will help identify the problem and reduce the repair costs. Fault codes stored in the computer's memory can help diagnose and repair problems that lead to a tailpipe emissions failure. The "check engine" light on the dashboard is there to indicate to the operator that there is a problem with the engine, fuel delivery system, and/or an emissions control system that needs attention. Poor fuel mileage, poor performance, engine damage, and excessive pollutants can result from ignoring the "check engine" light.

Emissions control system(s) failure

Emissions control system(s) that were originally installed on the vehicle at the time of manufacture MUST be properly connected and working. Emissions control system(s) that fail the inspection MUST be repaired to original specifications. Vehicles which fail due to a missing, disconnected, or inoperative system(s) CANNOT obtain a waiver. These items, with the exception of OBD II failures, must be corrected without regard to cost.

Below are links to general descriptions of emissions control systems that are inspected during an emissions inspection. Not all vehicles will have all of these systems installed on them. The inspection process will only check for systems that were installed on the vehicle by the vehicle manufacturer. Different vehicle manufacturers may use slightly different versions/configurations of these systems. For more detailed specifications for your vehicle, visit a local dealership or repair shop. Again, only those systems that were originally installed by the factory are required and inspected.

• Air injection system
• Exhaust gas recirculation system
• Positive crankcase ventilation system
• Catalytic converter
• Fuel evaporative system
• Thermostatic air cleaner system
• Gas cap pressure test
• On-board diagnostics II (OBD II) system

Visible smoke failure

Vehicles may fail due to visible smoke emitting from the tailpipe or crankcase. The color of the smoke can help determine the problem with the vehicle.

Blue smoke can indicate engine oil being burned in the combustion chamber.

Black smoke can indicate an overly rich fuel mixture (too much fuel, not enough air).

NOTE: Visible smoke failures MUST be corrected. If the vehicle is found to be exhibiting visible smoke before the emissions inspection begins, the inspection station will issue a "rejection from testing" and direct the citizen to have the visible smoke condition corrected prior to performing an emissions inspection. A vehicle can also be failed during the emissions inspection for visible smoke if the smoke becomes visible during the conduct of an emissions inspection. A waiver cannot be issued for a visible smoke failure.

Failed/Invalid result

An inspection that results in a failed/invalid due to rpm and/or dilution is an inspection that could not be completed accurately due to a vehicle problem encountered when attempting to perform the test.

• Invalid rpm readings may indicate that the vehicle is idling at an excessively high or low engine speed or is unable to maintain a stable rpm or vehicle speed within a required range.
• Invalid dilution readings may indicate an excessive exhaust leak, an air injection system problem (if equipped with this system) or some other vehicle problem which prevents a valid sample of exhaust emissions from being obtained.

Problems causing a "failed/invalid" result must be corrected before a complete inspection resulting in an overall result of "pass," "fail" or "waiver" may be obtained. "Failed/Invalid" tests are chargeable tests, and the owner is then entitled to one free retest within fourteen days of the failed/invalid test at the station that performed the original test.