GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 193
EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
PROGRAMS
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass an
inspection of your vehicle's emissions control system. Failure
to pass could prevent vehicle registration.
For states and/or provinces that require an Inspec-
tion and Maintenance (I/M), this check verifies the
“Malf
unction Indicator Light (MIL)” is functioning
and is not on when the engine is running, and that
the OBD II system is ready for testing.
Normally, the OBD II system will be ready. The OBD II
system
may not be ready if your vehicle was recently
serviced, recently had a depleted battery or a battery replace-
ment. If the OBD II system should be determined not ready
for t
he I/M test, your vehicle may fail the test.
Your vehicle has a simple ignition actuated test, which you
can u
se prior to going to the test station. To check if your
vehicle's OBD II system is ready, you must do the following:
1. Cycle the ignition switch to the ON position, but do not
cran
k or start the engine.
NOTE:
If you crank or start the engine, you will have to start this test
o
ver.
2
. As soon as you cycle the ignition switch to the ON posi-
tion
, you will see the “Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)”
symbol
come on as part of a normal bulb check.
3. Approximately 15 seconds later, one of two things will
happ
en:
• The MIL will flash for about 10 seconds and then return
to b
eing fully illuminated until you turn OFF the igni-
tion or start the engine. This means that your vehicle's
O
BD I
I system is not ready and you should not proceed
to the I/M station.
• The MIL will not flash at all and will remain fully illu-
mina
ted until you place the ignition in the off position
or st
art the engine. This means that your vehicle's OBD
II system is ready and you can proceed to the I/M
station.
If your OBD II system is not re
ady, you should see an autho-
rized dealer or repair facility. If your vehicle was recently
servi
ced or had a battery failure or replacement, you may
need to do nothing more than drive your vehicle as you
normally would in order for your OBD II system to update.
A recheck with the above test routine may then indicate that
the system is now ready.
3
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