Will My Car Pass Inspection with the Check Engine Light On?
The check engine light (CEL) is a warning indicator that something is wrong with your vehicle’s engine or emissions system. Whether or not your car will pass an inspection with the check engine light on depends on a few factors, including the cause of the light being illuminated, local inspection regulations, and how your vehicle’s diagnostic system responds.
In most cases, if the check engine light is on, your car will fail the inspection. Let’s break it down further.
Why Does the Check Engine Light Come On?
The check engine light can be triggered by various issues, ranging from minor to serious. Here are a few common reasons the light may come on:
- Loose or damaged gas cap: A common and easy-to-fix issue.
- Faulty oxygen sensor: This affects fuel efficiency and emissions.
- Failing catalytic converter: A more serious issue that can affect engine performance and emissions.
- Misfiring spark plugs: This can lead to poor engine performance and increased emissions.
- Failed mass airflow sensor: This can cause poor engine performance and reduced fuel economy.
How Will the Check Engine Light Affect My Inspection?
1. Emissions Testing
In many states and countries, vehicles are required to pass emissions testing to ensure that they meet environmental standards. If your vehicle’s check engine light is on, it could indicate that your emissions system is not functioning correctly, which will likely cause your car to fail the inspection.
- Oxygen sensors and catalytic converters are often checked during emissions testing, and if the check engine light indicates a problem with these components, your car will not pass.
2. Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC)
When the check engine light comes on, it typically stores a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) in the vehicle’s computer. During the inspection, a technician will often scan your car’s computer system to check for any stored codes. If any codes are present, it usually means that your car will not pass.
- Common codes: Issues with the exhaust system, engine misfires, or sensor failures are often flagged by these codes.
3. Readiness Monitors
In some states, a car is required to have “readiness monitors” set, which are indicators that the vehicle’s diagnostic system has completed certain checks. If your car’s check engine light is on due to an unresolved issue, it may cause the readiness monitors to remain in an incomplete state, leading to a failed inspection.
- What’s checked: The system monitors for emissions-related components, engine misfires, and fuel system performance, among others.
Can You Pass with a Check Engine Light On?
In most cases, no, your car will not pass inspection if the check engine light is on. However, there are some exceptions and situations where the outcome may vary:
- Minor issues: If the issue causing the light to turn on is something minor, like a loose gas cap, it might not fail the inspection. However, the technician will still check for the issue and may reset the light.
- Resetting the light: Simply resetting the check engine light without fixing the underlying problem will likely result in a failed inspection, as the technician will be able to detect that the issue was never truly addressed.
- Inspection types: In some areas with visual-only inspections, the technician may not run emissions tests and may only check for visible modifications to the car. However, this is rare.
What Should You Do If the Check Engine Light Is On?
If your car’s check engine light is on before your inspection, it’s best to have the issue diagnosed and fixed before going for the inspection. Here’s what you can do:
- Get a diagnostic scan: Visit an auto parts store or mechanic that offers free diagnostic scans to read the trouble codes.
- Address the issue: Based on the codes, you can either attempt to fix the problem yourself (if it’s something simple, like tightening the gas cap) or take your car to a professional for repair.
- Reset the system: After the repair is done, have the car’s computer system reset to clear the check engine light and verify that it doesn’t turn back on.
- Ensure readiness monitors are complete: If your car needs to pass emissions testing, make sure that all necessary readiness monitors have completed.
Can I Pass Inspection If the Check Engine Light Is On and I Don’t Want to Fix the Issue?
If you choose to ignore the issue and go to the inspection with the check engine light still on, there is a chance your car will fail. In some areas, you may be allowed to proceed with the inspection if you can show proof that you’ve made an appointment to fix the issue. However, most places won’t pass a vehicle with an active check engine light unless the underlying issue is resolved.
Conclusion
In general, a check engine light on your dashboard will lead to a failed vehicle inspection. The light indicates that your vehicle has an issue that may affect the engine’s performance, emissions, or both. The best approach is to address the problem before going for an inspection to avoid delays or unnecessary repairs. Ignoring the light could not only cause you to fail inspection but also worsen the problem and lead to more costly repairs down the line.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What if my car’s check engine light is on and I can’t fix it before inspection?
- If you cannot fix the issue before the inspection, your car will likely fail. In some areas, you may be able to get a temporary pass or a waiver, but this depends on local regulations.
2. Can a loose gas cap cause a check engine light?
- Yes, a loose or damaged gas cap can trigger the check engine light. It’s a relatively easy fix and will typically not affect your inspection if resolved.
3. Can I still drive my car if the check engine light is on?
- It’s not recommended to drive your car if the check engine light is on, as it could indicate a serious issue. However, if the car is running fine and the issue doesn’t seem to be affecting performance, it might be safe to drive temporarily.
4. How long does it take for a check engine light to reset after repairs?
- Once the issue is fixed, it may take a few driving cycles for the check engine light to turn off. If the light doesn’t turn off, you may need to clear the codes using a scanner or by visiting a mechanic.
5. Can I pass a check engine light inspection if it’s due to a minor issue?
- If the issue is something minor (like a loose gas cap), your car might pass inspection after you fix the issue. However, if the problem is more serious, the car will likely fail.
Also Check:
• Will My Car Pass Emissions with Check Engine Light On?
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