Michigan doesn't have emissions testing, but I'm looking at relocating to a state that does. If I don't have any check engine lights on, and I know all systems are go, could I still have problems? My truck is from Cali originally so I have the 4 o2 sensors. Could I still fail an emissions test ?
Emissions Testing
- Thread starter Salonika
- Start date
EyeInTheSky
Adventurer
Absolutely, you can still have problems, though it's not super likely if it's running within OEM tolerances. Only real way I know to check for sure would be to actually have it tested at a station (unless you have a spare dyno and exhaust sniffer laying around). I cross my fingers everytime I take my 96 Grand Cherokee to get it smogged. 223k miles, a decent oil leak or seven, and a slight exhaust leak, but she still manages.
pugslyyy
Expedition Vehicle Engineer Guy
Is this a sniffer state or do they just check the OBD codes? OBD is pretty easy to tell if you are going to have a problem or not - just see if there are any codes stored.
cr4x4cruiser
Observer
Vehicles w/ CA emission systems have the most equipment - as required by state law [they lead the nation in air-quality issues & vehicles].
Ergo, most any CA-emission equipped vehicle should pass other states' tests.
However, vehicle age and condition determines the outcome of these tests.
Some things to be considerate of when taking your vehicle in for testing;
A full tank of gas is far better than an empty tank...
Drive the vehicle for - at least - 30 minutes prior to testing [best if driven @ highway speeds]...
Hot engines test far better than cold engines...
Make sure the gas cap is not defective, yes - it can disrupt the testing, and lead to a fail...
It doesn't hurt to have performed a very recent oil change...
Ensure that the coolant system is in proper order...
Even if there is a resulting failure when tested, the repairs likely will not be prohibitive...
> Unless someone has messed with the catalytic converters, which can be worth fair $$$...
> Unless you have any kind of smoke coming out the tail pipe...
> Unless you have a rough-running vehicle...
Most often, repairs are quite minor [like, O2 sensors/ gas caps/ tune-up].
Good luck with your travels
Ergo, most any CA-emission equipped vehicle should pass other states' tests.
However, vehicle age and condition determines the outcome of these tests.
Some things to be considerate of when taking your vehicle in for testing;
A full tank of gas is far better than an empty tank...
Drive the vehicle for - at least - 30 minutes prior to testing [best if driven @ highway speeds]...
Hot engines test far better than cold engines...
Make sure the gas cap is not defective, yes - it can disrupt the testing, and lead to a fail...
It doesn't hurt to have performed a very recent oil change...
Ensure that the coolant system is in proper order...
Even if there is a resulting failure when tested, the repairs likely will not be prohibitive...
> Unless someone has messed with the catalytic converters, which can be worth fair $$$...
> Unless you have any kind of smoke coming out the tail pipe...
> Unless you have a rough-running vehicle...
Most often, repairs are quite minor [like, O2 sensors/ gas caps/ tune-up].
Good luck with your travels
JohnnyBfromPeoria
I'm Getting Around To It
Outside of CA, and as long as there's no equipment inspection, "generally" 96+ models will be tested via the OBD-II port. You can easily check that with a scanner available virtually anywhere. 95- models may be placed on rollers and have a sniffer placed in the exhaust. Different years have different maximum allowables for whatever gasses they are testing for, usually carbon monoxide, oxides of nitrogen and hydrocarbons. Common failure points on older vehicles (I've found, with Monteros anyway) are catalytic converters and, if equipped, the EGR system, particularly when you get back to Gen 1's. Vacuum leaks will kill you, too. Typically, you get a free retest, so you have a chance to correct things and bring it back in a set period of time. That's where the forum can help.
John B.
John B.