Emission Testing
In the United States, most states use OBD-II testing instead of tailpipe testing in OBD-II compliant vehicles 1996 and newer. OBD-II stores trouble codes for emissions equipment, the testing computer can query the vehicle’s OBD computer and verify there are no emission related fault codes and that the vehicle is in compliance with emission standards for the model year it was manufactured.
If a vehicle fails the OBD II test, some states give the vehicle owner the option of taking a “second-chance” tailpipe test. Older vehicles that do not have OBD II still have to take a tailpipe test.So far, 21 states and the District of Columbia have made the switch to OBD II testing. These include Alaska, Arizona, California (in areas that require “enhanced” emissions testing), Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Massachusetts, Missouri (St. Louis), Nevada, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Oregon, Texas (Houston and Dallas/Ft. Worth), Utah (Salt Lake City), Vermont, Washington and Wisconsin.
Four additional states – New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania (Pittsburgh and Philadelphia) and Virginia – have also added OBD II testing.
In some states, the OBD II testing program is being gradually phased in. In Illinois, for example, owners of 1996 and newer vehicles that fail the OBD II test can take a second-chance tailpipe test. If they pass the tailpipe test, they are considered to be in compliance with the law – even if the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) is on. But starting in January 2004, the second-chance tailpipe test will be eliminated and all 1996 and newer vehicles must pass the OBD II test.
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Reset Check Engine Light
Resetting the engine light heavily depends on if it is older than 1996 or newer.
Before 1996 it was as simple as disconnecting the battery. This is probably the easiest way, although we take no responsibility for any damages resulting from this method. We still recommend taking it to an experienced professional. More details below.
After 1995 OBD II came out in 1996 and now it is not recommended to just disconnect the battery to reset the engine light.
On newer vehicles there are different devices like anti-theft devices on radios, etc,.. that depend on constant battery voltage so disconnecting the battery isn’t the most ideal way to deal with this. Also if the problem is serious the light may come right back on.
The easiest way and the recommended way to clear the light is to bring the vehicle to a local auto parts store. Most will do this for free. Be careful of some mechanic shops and dealerships as they can charge a hefty fee for this. You can also buy a scan tool for $60 here.
A scan tool can be a convenient and cheap alternative to others listed above. The scan tool can tell you the fault code and also let you reset the check engine light. For more information on scan tools please read our scan tools article here.
Welcome to Engine-Light.com! We are here to offer suggestions on what to do when your check engine light comes on. This is only for informational purposes. You should bring your vehicle to a service station as soon as possible for proper diagnosis.
Why is my check engine light on?
Don’t worry right away because it could mean anything from your gas cap is loose to a more severe problem. Unless you have a $60 scan tool handy there is no real way to know. The important thing is to bring it to a service station immediately. It may start off as a simple problem that can be solved easily but driving may damage it more and turn a simple problem into a costly nightmare.
Get check engine light diagnosed free
Most quick lube and local auto parts stores will diagnose your problem for free. Just stop in and tell them your check engine light is blinking and they should have a scan tool that they will hook up to your computer system at no charge. Keep in mind though that most places are going to try to sell you the solution to your problem so getting checked from multiple places is not a bad idea.
I have heard of dealerships charging a couple hundred dollars just for the diagnosis so a quick trip to an auto parts store is definitely worth your while. One other tip is to purchase your own scan tool. They are simple to use, cheaper than getting the dealership to check it and you will always have it handy for whatever problems may arise that way you don’t have to take anyone elses word for the problem.
If you have anything to add or know of other methods for free or cheap diagnosis please comment below.
