I know some of you will think this isn't quite an "lt1 tech" question, but I still beleive it is.
Has anyone on this board taken their OBDII LT1 (96-97) car through the new emission testing? If so, what exactly are they doing? Are they downloading the whole program from the PCM, then analyze its integrity (doubt it), or they just go through the live sensor readings and scan for codes instead?

Thanks.

 

from what i herd there just scaning for codes

 

As chasmanz28 said, I think they're just scanning for codes. I'll know for sure in a month though.

 

I went about a month ago and here in Mass they plug it into your PCM and if it says everything is working right then you pass. If it says 1 or 2 things aren't working right then they hook you up to the sniffer and if you pass that then you're all set.

 

The newest method of smogging involves a dyno. They put your car on a dyno, THEN check the exhaust readings...

It's no good!!

 

That's been done in OH for 9 yrs.

 

well

they're bringing it to California the first of next month... I'm tryin to hurry up and get some money together so I can pay friends friend off so i can get passed.. lol

do they actually put it on a dyno or are they just stationary rollers of some kind? What would they do with an AWD car? Surely theres a way for regular smog places to be retrofitted without buying a damn dynamometer...

 

The rollers might have some weight to them, not sure. It is to simulate a certain speed on the road.

 

OBDII tesing consists of checking the PCM for codes but goes a bit further. EX-if you reset your computer or disconnected the battery, you will fail if you havent driven the car through the drive cycle(a set amount of miles put in place by the manufacturer that the car must be driven in order for it to be "ready" to be tested) because the readiness monitors(system checkers) havent totally checked the system. If your check engine light is on, dont even bother, you will fail. There is something wrong with your car if the light is on and you need to have it fixed and run the car through the drive cycle before it will pass. In Georgia, they check your gas cap too but thats nothing big. All in all, if your car is taken care of and in good running order, you should be fine. If you have anymore Q's lemme know. I did this for a good little while.

As for the dyno's, they are nothing like the dyno's that measure hp. It is normally two rollers with flywheel that puts a strain on the car, making it as if you are driving up a hill. In Ga, they used it for OBDI cars and older only. It is different everywhere so IL might be a little different. Just keep that in mind.

Sorry its so long and boring.

 

I had mine tested last week. All they did is plug into the connector, take a snapshot of the codes, and issue me a pass sticker. If you fail the OBD test (you have codes, or SES light is on) they will still sniff test the car and if it meets the requirements you still pass.

Drew

 

I am under the impression that the IM240[roller test] is for OBD I cars and that OBD II is done by plugging under the dash?

Here in RNJ they spent BILLIONS building test facilitys that will be obsolete in a few years[they are NOW really, since roller test is really only required for 95 and older]

 

What they said about OBD2 basically. Except after May 02 here in Dallas anyway the roller and sniffer test is no longer a default for the OBD2 if your PCM indicates a problem.
And BTW, What will they do when they inspect AWD cars? Put it on jack stands? Thats a good one, I'll have to ask at my "friendly" inspection station.

 

For AWD cars and full time 4WD drive trucks are tested by what it called an ASM.(Acceleration Simulation Mode) They just rev the motor to 2500 rpms and then keep it at idle with the tailpipe probe.

 

Of course my wonderful state does it a little differently. For an OBDII vehicle they plug in and check for proper operation as brandboz28 explained. THEN after you pass that part they still run you through the rollers with the 15 and 25mph tailpipe test. I just got my tested last week, luckily I passed.

 

Yea, is different everywhere you go. There are some placed like Texas and some states up north where have a safety test. I really dont know much about what goes on during a safety test but I know they test the brakes and even check your tint. Im lucky that I am now somewhere that doesnt even test for emissions.