Emission Flashcards
(70 cards)
1
Q
What does MIL stand for?
A
Malfunction Indication Light
2
Q
What does OBD Stand for?
A
On-Board Diagnostic
3
Q
What is the largest source of pollutants?
A
Motor vehicles
4
Q
How much pollution does a typical vehicle emit per year?
A
A “typical” vehicle emits a half ton of air pollution annually.
A malfunctioning vehicle emits many times more than that amount.
5
Q
What is Ozone?
A
Ozone is formed by reaction between Hydro Carbons (HC) and Oxides of Nitrogen (NOx) also called NOX
Hydro Carbons and NOx are main reason for smog.
6
Q
Why is emission testing done?
A
To ensure that cars emit minimum pollution.
7
Q
When did emissions testing begin in Texas?
A
Texas emissions testing began in 1990.
8
Q
When did OBD II protocol begin?
A
OBD II protocol began in 1996.
9
Q
What is the primary purpose of OBD II?
A
The primary purpose of OBD II is to ensure that vehicles emit the minimum level of pollutants through their useful life.
10
Q
What does I / M stand for?
A
Inspection & Maintenance.
11
Q
What are Affected Counties?
A
Any county participating in an inspection and maintenance program (I/M) to reduce harmful emissions from motor vehicles.
12
Q
How many counties are Affected Counties in Texas?
A
17 counties.
13
Q
What are “Designated Vehicles”?
A
Any vehicle that must get emission testing.
14
Q
What makes a vehicle a “Designated Vehicle”?
A
The below 3 make a vehicle a designated Vehicle:
1. Powered by gasoline
2. Is Registered in “Affected County”.
3. Is used / operated primarily in “Affected
County”.
15
Q
What is an “Exempt Vehicle”?
A
Vehicle NOT powered by gasoline. For example vehicles on diesel or electric cars are Exempt Vehicles.
16
Q
Example of “Exempt Vehicle”?
A
- Vehicle run with diesel
- Electric cars
- Vehicle not required to be registered in affected county or used primarily in affected county.
- Motorcycles
- Slow moving vehicles (Less than 25 miles per hour)
17
Q
Low mileage exemption (inspection waiver)?
A
Low mileage exemption for motorists who drive less than 5,000/year.
*Fail both the initial test and free retest
*Incur $100 of emissions related repairs
*Drive less than 5,000 miles/year.
*waiver shall have minimal impact on air quality.
18
Q
Low-income Time Extension
A
If the vehicle failed the emissions test and the owners annual income is below the national poverty level, he or she may be granted a one-year extension.
19
Q
Are low mileage exemption & Low-Income Time Extension the same.
A
No. They are not the same.
20
Q
Is the customer charged for inspection even if the car fails inspection.
A
Yes. The customer is charged inspection fee.
However if the customer gets the repairs completed and brings the car back within 15 days of the first inspection, there is no charge for the second inspection.
21
Q
Is the customer charged if he fixes and brings that car back for re-inspection after 15 days?
A
Yes. The customer is charged inspection fee if the car is brought back for inspection after 15 days.
22
Q
OBD II is performed on which cars?
A
OBD II emission test is performed on:
1. Gasoline powered cars
2. And are between 2 and 24 years old
23
Q
What does OBD II system do?
A
- Monitors all components that affect vehicle emission
- Detects and record malfunction of these components.
24
Q
What does OBD II inspection consists of?
A
The OBD II inspection consists of checking the results of the self-tests that have occurred while the vehicle was driven prior to the time of inspection,
25
Does the vehicle need to be warmed up before performing OBD II test.
No. The vehicle does not have to be warmed-up to perform an OBD II inspection.
26
Which vehicles are subject to OBD II test?
Gasoline powered
1996 or newer
GVWR (Gross Vehicle weight rating of less than 8500 pounds.
27
What is DLC?
Diagnostic Link Connector. The connector to attach OBD II scanner.
28
Vehicles with GVWR more than 8500
Vehicles with GVWR more than 8500 may or may not have DLC?
If they have DLC connect the scanner to it otherwise the inspector should manually enter the information as accurately as possible.
29
Is DLC the same in all vehicles or different vehicles have different type of DLC?
All cars are equipped with standard DLC which allows for one diagnostic tool to be used on all cars.
30
What is KOEO?
Key ON Engine OFF
31
What is KOEO
Key On Engine On
32
What is MIL?
Malfunction Function Indicator light. This is the same as "Check" or "Check Engine" Light or simply the Engine Symbol.
33
If MIL flashes on and off once per second, what does that mean?
When a severe misfire occurs that could damage the catalytic converter, the MIL is required to flash on and off once per second. Flashing is intended to discourage vehicle operation.
34
If MIL is on constantly, what does that mean?
Constant illumination of the MIL (i.e., it is not flashing) indicates that a problem has been detected and the vehicle should be serviced as soon as possible.
35
How many checks of MIL are required?
The Inspector is required to perform two checks of the MIL:
–
Key-On Engine Off (KOEO)
–
Key-On Engine Running (KOER)
–
Warning: Failure to answer either question properly could result in a 6-month suspension of inspector license and/or a possible fine.
36
Is "Check Engine" or MIL and “Maintenance Reminder Light” the same?
NO. They are not the same. Maintenance reminder may be for regular maintenance such as oil change.
Do not fail a vehicle if the maintenance required reminder light is illuminated.
37
Why does the inspector perform Key-On Engine Off (KOEO)?
For visual inspection of MIL.
The inspector perform Key-On Engine Off (KOEO) to check if the Check Engine light is working. This test has nothing to do with emission performance.
On most cars KOEO, the MIL light will stay on. This is sign of a working light.
However in certain models the MIL light comes on for a few seconds and then turns off. This is also sign of a working light.
This allows the inspector to check that the MIL is capable of illuminating if a malfunction were to occur. If however the light does not come on, the inspector should document this. This is a ground for failing the test.
38
OBD II System Download?
Key-On Engine Running (KOER).
After the KOER test, the analyzer will establish communication with on-board computer and download:
1. "MIL Status"
2. "Readiness Status" and
3. "DTC - Diagnostic Trouble codes” (if any)
39
What if MIL light stays on when Key-On Engine Running (KOER)
If the MIL is on while the engine is running, the vehicle’s OBD system has determined that
there is a problem with the vehicle.
40
What is MIL Status
The MIL Status refers to whether or not the Powertrain Control Module(PCM) has commanded the MIL to be turned on.
41
What if analyzer is unable to communicate with on-board computer.
Try to un-plug and re-plug to establish communication. If after 2 tries communication is not established the car, document this as a reason for failure.
42
MIL Status
* MIL status refers to whether or not the
PCM has commanded the MIL to be on.
* The purpose of checking the MIL status
using the inspection system is to
determine if the vehicle’s OBD system
has commanded the MIL to turn on
based on a malfunction.
* This allows the inspector to determine if
there is a malfunction, even if the MIL light (check engine light) is not actually illuminated.
43
MIL Readiness
OBD II systems must indicate whether or not the onboard diagnostic system has monitored each component.
*Components that have been diagnosed are termed “Ready,” meaning they were tested by the OBD II system.
*Once a monitor has been set to “Ready,” it will continue to indicate “Ready” unless the vehicle’s battery has been disconnected or the codes have been cleared with a scan tool.
44
MIL Not Ready
Normally, the readiness status of all components or systems will remain in a “Ready” state.
*However, if disconnecting the battery or clearing the codes with a scan tool to temporarily extinguish the MIL has been done, all non-continuous components or systems will be set to a “Not Ready” status
45
When will NOT Ready status be a reason for failure?
OBD-equipped vehicles model year 1996through 2000 shall fail the emissions portion of the I/M program if more than two OBD monitors are set to “Not Ready.”
*OBD-equipped vehicles model year 2001and newer that are subject to OBD testing shall fail the emissions portion of the I/M program if more than one OBD monitor is set to “Not Ready.”
46
How a Monitor Becomes Ready?
The powertrain control module (PCMOBD
II terminology for the onboard
computer) sets a monitor to “ready”
after an “appropriate, manufacturer
recommended” drive cycle has been
performed.
Although normal driving may set a
monitor to “ready” in a couple of days, a
Dealer or qualified technician has the
best information on Drive Cycles and
how to get a vehicle ready.
47
Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs)
*Under the OBD II requirements, all manufacturers must comply with a standardized convention format for diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).
*The universal DTC format consists of a 5-character, alphanumeric code, consisting of a single letter character followed by four(4)numbers. i.e. (P0301).
*Whenever the MIL is illuminated, a DTC should be stored in the vehicles PCM.
*If the MIL is commanded on, the system will download DTCs. A DTC describes a failure identified by the OBD II system.
48
OBD II NOT Ready Failure.
*Once a monitor has been set to “ready”, it will continue to indicate “ready” unless the vehicle’s battery has been disconnected or codes cleared with a scanning tool.
*OBD II-equipped vehicles model year 1996 to2000 shall fail the emissions test if more than two OBD II monitors are set to “not ready”
*OBD II-equipped vehicles model 2001 and newer shall fail the emissions test if more than one OBD II monitor is set to “not ready”
*A flashing MIL indicates a catalyst damaging condition; steady MIL indicates a problem that could cause emissions to exceed 1.5 times the standard.
*Readiness status; the OBD II system has run enough system monitors cycles prior to the OBD II inspection
49
What if the car is keyless start?
Inspectors are to follow the directions and answer each question on the analyzer:
1. Is the vehicle a “Hybrid”
2. Is the vehicle “Keyless”
Inaccurate Information can and will affect test results.
50
Pass / Fail Criteria # 1
The MIL does not illuminate at all when the ignition key is turned to the “key on, engine off” (KOEO) position.
This test determines if the MIL is working. The OBD II system cannot alert drivers to the problems if the MIL does not work.
51
Pass / Fail Criteria # 2
The MIL is illuminated when the engine is running –“key on, engine running” (KOER)
The reason for the failure is because the vehicle’s OBD II system has detected a malfunction and turned on the MIL to alert the driver. If the MIL is on while the engine is running, the vehicle’s OBD II system has detected that there is a problem, emissions related or not. In this case, there should be one or more diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) stored in the vehicle’s computer.
52
Pass / Fail Criteria # 3
The MIL status, as indicated by the scan tool, is ON.
*The purpose of checking MIL status using the inspection system is to determine if the vehicle’s OBD II system has commanded the MIL to turn on based on a malfunction.
*In most cases, the MIL should also be illuminated when the engine is running. However, even if the MIL is not illuminated with the engine running, the vehicle will fail because the inspection system shows that the vehicle’s OBD II system tried to turn the MIL on as a result of a malfunction.
53
Pass / Fail Criteria # 4
More than the allowable numbers of monitors are not ready.
Typically, the readiness status of all components or systems will be “ready.” However, if the vehicle’s battery has been recently disconnected or if the DTC’s have been recently cleared with a scan tool and the appropriate drive cycle has not been completed, components or systems will be set to “not ready”. This may have been done to temporarily extinguish the MIL for the inspection.
54
Pass / Fail Criteria # 5
DLC communication failure:
If after 2 attempts, communication between analyzer and the vehicle’s OBD II system cannot be established, the emissions test will be aborted.
*Customers will not be charged a fee if the test is aborted.
55
Fuel Cap Pressure Test
Every gasoline powered vehicle from 2-24 years old will be checked to determine if the gas cap is missing or defective.
Inspection Procedure:
*Conduct daily calibration check of the gas cap testing device
*Check for presence
*Check for the correct type of gas cap(s)
*Remove gas cap(s) and test using the approved testing device
*Any gas cap(s) failing the initial test will be tested a second time to verify failure
56
EXEMPTIONS TO GAS CAP TEST:
–Motorcycles
–Vehicles operated by a fuel other than gasoline
–Vehicles newer than 2 years old and older than 24 years old
–Slow-moving vehicle
Slow moving vehicle is a motor vehicle designed to operate at a maximum speed of 25 miles per hour.
57
Vehicle Inspection Report
Customers will receive a vehicle inspection report, whether the vehicle passes or fails the inspection, signed by the inspector performing the test, that includes the following information:
a) The MIL illumination check results
b) If the MIL is illuminated, DTC Numbers and explanations
c) Readiness results
d) Alert statement based on the reason for failing OBD
58
What is nota designated vehicle?
A. A diesel-powered vehicle.
B. A vehicle registered in an “affected” county.
C. A vehicle from 2-24 years of age.
The correct answer is A.
Vehicles that are not capable of being powered by gasoline, including electric and diesel-powered, are exempt.
59
Motorcycles are required to have emissions testing.
A. True
B. False
The correct answer is B.
Motorcycles are considered exempt vehicles.
60
A vehicle can qualify for a waiver at a DPS Waiver Station even if it fails a safety inspection.
A. True
B. False
The correct answer is B.
A vehicle must pass a safety inspection to qualify for a waiver.
61
Do motor vehicles emit toxic air pollutants and contribute to the formation of ground level ozone?
A. True
B. False
The correct answer is A.
Motor vehicles emit toxic air pollutants and contribute to the formation of ground level ozone. A “typical” vehicle emits a half ton of air pollution annually.
62
Motor vehicle-related smog (ground level ozone) damages lung tissue and aggravates respiratory disease.
A. True
B. False
The correct answer is A.
Motor vehicle-related smog (ground level ozone) damages lung tissue and aggravates respiratory disease.
63
64
Inspectors should warm up a vehicle before performing an OBD II emissions inspection.
A. True
B. False
The correct answer is B.
The vehicle does not have to be warmed up to perform an OBD II emissions inspection.
65
OBD II systems were required on all model year 1996 or newer gasoline powered vehicles with GVWR of 8,500 pounds or less.
A. True
B. False
The correct answer is A.
OBD II systems were required on all 1996 or newer model gasoline powered vehicles with GVWR of 8,500 pounds or less.
66
The Maintenance Light is the official term for the warning light (amber in color) that is illuminated by the vehicle’s OBD system when a malfunction occurs.
A. True
B. False
The correct answer is B.
The Malfunction Indicator Light(MIL) is the official term for the warning light that is illuminated by the OBD system when a malfunction occurs.
67
A flashing MIL light is intended to discourage vehicle operation because:
A. There is no oil
B. You are about to run out of gas
C. Severe misfire may be occurring that could damage the catalytic converter
The correct answer is C.
When a severe misfire occurs that could damage the catalytic converter, the MIL is required to flash on and off once per second. Flashing is intended to discourage vehicle operation.
68
When conducting a visual inspection of the MIL –Key On, Engine Off (KOEO), it is acceptable for vehicles like a Honda to illuminate very briefly when the key is turned to the “key on, engine off” position and then goes off. It does not have to stay on.
A. True
B. False
The correct answer is A.
On most vehicles, the MIL will stay illuminated as long as the key is in the “key on, engine off” position. However, on some vehicles, e.g., Chryslers and Hondas, the MIL will illuminate very briefly when the key is turned to the “key on, engine off” position and then will go out. This is not a reason for rejection.
69
A 2000 Toyota Corolla with 1 OBD Monitor set to “Not Ready” will fail an emissions test in an I/M program.
A. True
B. False
The correct answer is B.
For vehicles year model 1996 –2000, we allow two (2) non-continuous monitors to be "Not Ready" and still pass the test, but three (3) or more "Not Ready" readings will cause the vehicle to fail.
70
If the MIL does not illuminate at all when the ignition key is turned to the “key on engine off” (KOEO) position, it will pass.
A. True
B. False
The correct answer is B.
The MIL must come on when the ignition key is turned to the “key on engine off” position. This allows the inspector to check that the MIL is capable of illuminating if a malfunction were to occur.
