Car Trouble, Need Advice

[over the mountain]

Originally Posted by CRedskinsRule

OTM if your check engine light has been on 7 yrs, how do you get past md emissions? My car also started doing the same thing, then emissions came due, and they failed it straight out since the check engine light was on...

i had my emission checked this past august. i actually took my car into my a family friends shop the day before i went to get my emission inspection. the dad wasnt there but the son did the work, the bill was low, i drove off in a hurry realized he didnt put my benz onto the computer to take the check engine light off.

i went to emissions the next day anyhow, got rear ended by an old lady while waiting in line, as soon as i pulled into the garage bay, the guy was real cool thye were all laughing at the accident it was pretty funny she slowly i mean 2 mph slow ran into my rear then proceeded to cont to press on the gas for a few more seconds, he said i automatically fail b/c the check engine light was on, i told him how i just took it to shop and they just forgot to take the check engine light off, he said he has no discretion and that he would have to automatically fail me, but he was cool and said go get the light off and come back instead of failing me.

went back to shop, the dad was there, said yup he forgot to put you on the computer, i got charged a good 80 bucks just for them to plug my car up, etc.

got to emissions with no check engine light, passed, check engine light came on shortly after. everytime they put it on the comp and take it off (about once a year), it just pops back up in a day or 2. ive actually asked them to flush my engine multiple times but they say i dont need it. really?

credskin - what happened when you got the fail? the guy seemed like he was doing me a favor by not giving me a fail, that he was doing something that was a bit frownded upon by letting me go without failing me. he said he had to check with his manager to see if he could let me go, then just let me go. i guess the old lady rear ending me was karma my way since i told him i wasnt going to report it to ins, they were an old couple, etc

[CRedskinsRule]

You get a 2nd retest free, so it's just having to make a second trip. I think if you go back and fail again, you have to show a certain amount of repairs in order to pass. They give you 3 months between the fail and the retest tho.

[firstdown]

I'm glade Va does not have emission test.

[mredskins]

Originally Posted by firstdown

I'm glade Va does not have emission test.

Why they get you on everything else plus personal property tax on your car...I gladly take MD rules on cars.

[saden1]

What? VA doesn't have emission testing anymore?

[mredskins]

Originally Posted by saden1

What? VA doesn't have emission testing anymore?

I do have it and it $35 a year now.

Virginia Motor Vehicle Safety Inspection Program

The Required Official Inspection Procedure, as approved by the Virginia State Police Superintendent, is as follows:

REQUIRED OFFICIAL INSPECTION PROCEDURE

Each inspection consists of the following items – for further details consult the "Official Inspection Manual":

1. - REMOVE OLD INSPECTION STICKER.

2. - DRIVE VEHICLE INTO INSPECTION LANE.

3. - INSPECT BRAKES FOR:

• Worn, damaged or missing parts.
• Worn, contaminated or defective linings or drums.
• Leaks in system, proper fluid level.
• Worn, contaminated or defective disc pads or discs.
  (NOTE: A minimum of two wheels and drums must be removed from each vehicle at the time of inspection. Consult the official inspection manual for exceptions.)

4. - INSPECT PARKING BRAKE FOR:

• Broken or missing parts.
• Proper adjustment.
• Standard factory equipment or equivalent.

5. - INSPECT HEADLIGHTS FOR:

• Approved type, aim, and output.
• Condition of lamp, wiring and switch.
• Beam indicator.

6. - INSPECT OTHER LIGHTS FOR:

• Approved type, proper bulbs, condition of lenses, wiring and switch.
• Aim of fog and driving lamps.
• Illumination of all lamps, lens color, and condition of lens.
  (NOTE: Every vehicle must have a rear lamp showing a red light to the rear, a white light illuminating the rear license plate; vehicles over 7 feet wide or extending 4 inches or more beyond the front fender extremes must be equipped with approved clearance lamps and reflex reflectors. Count load in measuring.)

7. – INSPECT SIGNAL DEVICE FOR:

• Approved type, proper bulbs, condition of lenses, wiring and switch.
• Correct indications and tell-tale (visual or audible).
• Illumination of all lamps, lens color, and condition of lens.

8. – INSPECT STEERING & SUSPENSION FOR: (Jack up front end as shown in Manual)

• Wear in bushings, kingpins, ball joints, wheel bearings, tie rod ends.
• Looseness of gear box on frame, condition of drag link and steering arm.
• Play in steering wheel.
• Wheel alignment and axle alignment.
• Broken spring leaves, and worn shackles.
• Shock absorbers.
• Broken frame.
• Broken or missing engine mounts.
• Lift blocks.

9. – INSPECT TIRES, WHEELS & RIMS FOR:

• Condition of tires including tread depth.
• Mixing radials and bias ply tires.
• Wheels that are cracked or damaged so as to affect safe operation.

10. – INSPECT MIRROR FOR:

• Rigidity of mounting.
• Condition of reflecting surface.
• View of road to rear (Truck mirrors must extend at least halfway beyond edge of body) – (Visibility 200 feet to rear).

11. – INSPECT HORN FOR:

• Electrical connections, mounting and horn button.
• Emits sound audible for a minimum of 200 feet.

12. – INSPECT WINDSHIELD AND OTHER GLASS FOR:

• Approved type safety glass.
• Cloudiness, distortion or other obstruction to vision.
• Cracked, scratched or broken glass.
• Stickers. ALL UNAUTHORIZED STICKERS MUST BE REMOVED.
• Sunshading material attached to the windshield to ensure it does not extend more than 3 inches downward from the top of windshield, unless authorized by Medical Waiver Certificate.
• Operation of left front door glass.

13. – INSPECT WINDSHIELD WIPER/DEFROSTER FOR:

• Operating condition.
• Condition of blade.

14. – INSPECT EXHAUST SYSTEM FOR:

• Exhaust line-manifold, gaskets, pipes, mufflers, connections, etc.
• Leakage of gases at any point from motor to point discharged from system.

15. – INSPECT LICENSE TAGS FOR:

• Illumination of rear plate.

16. – INSPECT HOOD AND AREA UNDER THE HOOD FOR:

• Operating condition of hood latch.
• Presence of emissions system -Evidence that any essential parts have been removed, rendered inoperative or disconnected.
• Fluid levels that are below the proper level
  1. Brake fluid.
  2. Power steering fluid.
• Power steering belt - proper tension, wear, or absence.

17. – INSPECT AIR POLLUTION CONTROL SYSTEM (1973 and Subsequent Models) FOR:

• Installation.
• Operation.
  (NOTE: This includes the catalytic converter and the fuel tank filler pipe.)

18. – INSPECT DRIVER’S SEAT FOR:

• Anchorage.
• Location.
• Condition.

19. – INSPECT SEAT BELTS FOR:

• Approved type.
• Installation.

20. – INSPECT AIR BAG AND AIRBAG READINESS LIGHT FOR:

• Any defects in the air bag system noted by the air bag readiness light, or otherwise indicated; or
• The air bag has been deployed and has not been replaced (and is not deactivated because of a medical or other exemption and a notice is posted to indicate that it has been deactivated); or
• Any part of the air bag system has been removed from the vehicle; or
• If the air bag indicator fails to light, or stays on continuously.

21. – INSPECT DOORS AT THE RIGHT & LEFT SIDE OF THE DRIVER’S SEAT FOR:

• Handle or opening device which will permit the opening of the door from the outside and inside of the vehicle.
• Latching system which will hold door in its proper closed position.

22. – INSPECT FUEL SYSTEM FOR:

• Any part that is not securely fastened.
• Liquid fuel leakage.
• Fuel tank filler cap for presence.

23. – INSPECT FLOOR PAN FOR:

(a) Holes which allow exhaust gases to enter occupant compartment.
(b) Conditions which create a hazard to the occupants.

24. – ISSUE STICKER:

(a) If approved, place approval sticker on the vehicle, and give pink copy of certificate to operator.
(b) ALL DEFECTS MUST BE CORRECTED AND THE VEHICLE REINSPECTED WITHIN 15 DAYS.

THE DRIVER MAY BE IN JEOPARDY OF RECEIVING A SUMMONS FOR ANY DEFECT STILL

PRESENT ANY TIME THE VEHICLE IS OPERATED ON THE HIGHWAY.

(NOTE: The validity period of the rejection sticker shall include fifteen (15) days in addition to the day of the inspection.)

NOTE: If you have a specific question with regard to Motor Vehicle Safety Inspection or Inspection Requirements, you can review the safety inspection manual, in part, at MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY INSPECTION RULES AND REGULATIONS (Legislative Information System > 2011 Session).

Virginia State Police employees cannot give legal advice, nor interpret the law for members of the public. Information within this Web site is provided for general guidance purposes only and may not apply to all factual situations. Persons needing legal advice may contact Virginia Lawyer Referral Service at 1-800-552-7977 to be referred to a private attorney for a 30-minute consultation for a fee of $35.00.

[saden1]

BTW, the dealer told me that the Valve Cover Breather Hose (VCBH) disconnected that's why the service engine light was on and the car was choking.

[firstdown]

Originally Posted by mredskins

I do have it and it $35 a year now.



Virginia Motor Vehicle Safety Inspection Program

The Required Official Inspection Procedure, as approved by the Virginia State Police Superintendent, is as follows:

REQUIRED OFFICIAL INSPECTION PROCEDURE

Each inspection consists of the following items – for further details consult the "Official Inspection Manual":

1. - REMOVE OLD INSPECTION STICKER.

2. - DRIVE VEHICLE INTO INSPECTION LANE.

3. - INSPECT BRAKES FOR:

• Worn, damaged or missing parts.
• Worn, contaminated or defective linings or drums.
• Leaks in system, proper fluid level.
• Worn, contaminated or defective disc pads or discs.
  (NOTE: A minimum of two wheels and drums must be removed from each vehicle at the time of inspection. Consult the official inspection manual for exceptions.)

4. - INSPECT PARKING BRAKE FOR:

• Broken or missing parts.
• Proper adjustment.
• Standard factory equipment or equivalent.

5. - INSPECT HEADLIGHTS FOR:

• Approved type, aim, and output.
• Condition of lamp, wiring and switch.
• Beam indicator.

6. - INSPECT OTHER LIGHTS FOR:

• Approved type, proper bulbs, condition of lenses, wiring and switch.
• Aim of fog and driving lamps.
• Illumination of all lamps, lens color, and condition of lens.
  (NOTE: Every vehicle must have a rear lamp showing a red light to the rear, a white light illuminating the rear license plate; vehicles over 7 feet wide or extending 4 inches or more beyond the front fender extremes must be equipped with approved clearance lamps and reflex reflectors. Count load in measuring.)

7. – INSPECT SIGNAL DEVICE FOR:

• Approved type, proper bulbs, condition of lenses, wiring and switch.
• Correct indications and tell-tale (visual or audible).
• Illumination of all lamps, lens color, and condition of lens.

8. – INSPECT STEERING & SUSPENSION FOR: (Jack up front end as shown in Manual)

• Wear in bushings, kingpins, ball joints, wheel bearings, tie rod ends.
• Looseness of gear box on frame, condition of drag link and steering arm.
• Play in steering wheel.
• Wheel alignment and axle alignment.
• Broken spring leaves, and worn shackles.
• Shock absorbers.
• Broken frame.
• Broken or missing engine mounts.
• Lift blocks.

9. – INSPECT TIRES, WHEELS & RIMS FOR:

• Condition of tires including tread depth.
• Mixing radials and bias ply tires.
• Wheels that are cracked or damaged so as to affect safe operation.

10. – INSPECT MIRROR FOR:

• Rigidity of mounting.
• Condition of reflecting surface.
• View of road to rear (Truck mirrors must extend at least halfway beyond edge of body) – (Visibility 200 feet to rear).

11. – INSPECT HORN FOR:

• Electrical connections, mounting and horn button.
• Emits sound audible for a minimum of 200 feet.

12. – INSPECT WINDSHIELD AND OTHER GLASS FOR:

• Approved type safety glass.
• Cloudiness, distortion or other obstruction to vision.
• Cracked, scratched or broken glass.
• Stickers. ALL UNAUTHORIZED STICKERS MUST BE REMOVED.
• Sunshading material attached to the windshield to ensure it does not extend more than 3 inches downward from the top of windshield, unless authorized by Medical Waiver Certificate.
• Operation of left front door glass.

13. – INSPECT WINDSHIELD WIPER/DEFROSTER FOR:

• Operating condition.
• Condition of blade.

14. – INSPECT EXHAUST SYSTEM FOR:

• Exhaust line-manifold, gaskets, pipes, mufflers, connections, etc.
• Leakage of gases at any point from motor to point discharged from system.

15. – INSPECT LICENSE TAGS FOR:

• Illumination of rear plate.

16. – INSPECT HOOD AND AREA UNDER THE HOOD FOR:

• Operating condition of hood latch.
• Presence of emissions system -Evidence that any essential parts have been removed, rendered inoperative or disconnected.
• Fluid levels that are below the proper level
  1. Brake fluid.
  2. Power steering fluid.
• Power steering belt - proper tension, wear, or absence.

17. – INSPECT AIR POLLUTION CONTROL SYSTEM (1973 and Subsequent Models) FOR:

• Installation.
• Operation.
  (NOTE: This includes the catalytic converter and the fuel tank filler pipe.)

18. – INSPECT DRIVER’S SEAT FOR:

• Anchorage.
• Location.
• Condition.

19. – INSPECT SEAT BELTS FOR:

• Approved type.
• Installation.

20. – INSPECT AIR BAG AND AIRBAG READINESS LIGHT FOR:

• Any defects in the air bag system noted by the air bag readiness light, or otherwise indicated; or
• The air bag has been deployed and has not been replaced (and is not deactivated because of a medical or other exemption and a notice is posted to indicate that it has been deactivated); or
• Any part of the air bag system has been removed from the vehicle; or
• If the air bag indicator fails to light, or stays on continuously.

21. – INSPECT DOORS AT THE RIGHT & LEFT SIDE OF THE DRIVER’S SEAT FOR:

• Handle or opening device which will permit the opening of the door from the outside and inside of the vehicle.
• Latching system which will hold door in its proper closed position.

22. – INSPECT FUEL SYSTEM FOR:

• Any part that is not securely fastened.
• Liquid fuel leakage.
• Fuel tank filler cap for presence.

23. – INSPECT FLOOR PAN FOR:

(a) Holes which allow exhaust gases to enter occupant compartment.

(b) Conditions which create a hazard to the occupants.

24. – ISSUE STICKER:

(a) If approved, place approval sticker on the vehicle, and give pink copy of certificate to operator.

(b) ALL DEFECTS MUST BE CORRECTED AND THE VEHICLE REINSPECTED WITHIN 15 DAYS.

THE DRIVER MAY BE IN JEOPARDY OF RECEIVING A SUMMONS FOR ANY DEFECT STILL

PRESENT ANY TIME THE VEHICLE IS OPERATED ON THE HIGHWAY.

(NOTE: The validity period of the rejection sticker shall include fifteen (15) days in addition to the day of the inspection.)

NOTE: If you have a specific question with regard to Motor Vehicle Safety Inspection or Inspection Requirements, you can review the safety inspection manual, in part, at MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY INSPECTION RULES AND REGULATIONS (Legislative Information System > 2011 Session).

Virginia State Police employees cannot give legal advice, nor interpret the law for members of the public. Information within this Web site is provided for general guidance purposes only and may not apply to all factual situations. Persons needing legal advice may contact Virginia Lawyer Referral Service at 1-800-552-7977 to be referred to a private attorney for a 30-minute consultation for a fee of $35.00.

I don't see anything there that talks about a emission inspection. The only thing there that says $35 is to consult a lawyer for 30min.

If your talking about this:

17. – INSPECT AIR POLLUTION CONTROL SYSTEM (1973 and Subsequent Models) FOR:

• Installation.
• Operation.
  (NOTE: This includes the catalytic converter and the fuel tank filler pipe.)

This is not an emission test or check.

[firstdown]

Originally Posted by saden1

What? VA doesn't have emission testing anymore?

We have never had emission test.

[mredskins]

Originally Posted by firstdown

We have never had emission test.

What are you talking about? These two items make up an emissions test for the most part:

INSPECT EXHAUST SYSTEM FOR:

• Exhaust line-manifold, gaskets, pipes, mufflers, connections, etc.
• Leakage of gases at any point from motor to point discharged from system.

INSPECT AIR POLLUTION CONTROL SYSTEM (1973 and Subsequent Models) FOR:

• Installation.
• Operation.
  (NOTE: This includes the catalytic converter and the fuel tank filler pipe.)

That pretty much covers what MD does, give or take.

VEIP General Information

[mredskins]

Originally Posted by saden1

BTW, the dealer told me that the Valve Cover Breather Hose (VCBH) disconnected that's why the service engine light was on and the car was choking.

Otherwise called a PVC valve? no.

[firstdown]

OK I'm wrong after checking Va does have an emission test. From what I read they mainly just go by the inspection to make sure you have a catalytic converter and the fuel tank filler pipe. Larger veh. like work trucks get hit with the actual emission test but not your everyday car.

[mredskins]

Originally Posted by firstdown

OK I'm wrong after checking Va does have an emission test. From what I read they mainly just go by the inspection to make sure you have a catalytic converter and the fuel tank filler pipe. Larger veh. like work trucks get hit with the actual emission test but not your everyday car.

I am framing this post.

[SolidSnake84]

I think it is a county thing. I live in Frederick County and we dont have it here. have never had it.

[CRedskinsRule]

Originally Posted by mredskins

I am framing this post.

well when FD gets catalytic and emission spelled right, you know someone is answering on his behalf anyway!