Emission Testing, will this be a prob

[Jeff02GAGT]

Hey guys,

Need your help here. I have to take my wife's 2002 Pontiac Grand Am GT in for emission testing tomorrow. Here's the catch, on the Grand Am's there is a Service Engine Soon light, and a Service Vehicle Soon light. Well, on her car, we had a retro HID (headlight) setup. Because of this, I pulled the DRL relay so that the HIDS are not running all the time. Anyway's, as a result, the SERVICE VEHICLE SOON indicator pops on and stays on all the time. The SES, however, stays off... Will, I pass an Vehicle Emission Test with this? They hook an OBD scanner up to the computer and check that the emission stuff works. I live in IL. What do you all think?

Thanks Much,
Jeff

[bru333]

If they are just checking emissions (it's also a safety check here in NC) I don't think it would be a problem.

Just take the relay with you , and if they try to fail you for it, put it back in, and take it back out after you get home. "Oh! I forgot all about that! Here's the new relay. I've haven't had time to put it in."

[Jeff_in_Atl]

I don't know the laws of your state but in Georgia it would not pass. Can't you put the fuse in so the light would go off so it would pass?

[Jeff02GAGT]

I suppose, but in IL it's just an emission test, not a saftey check too... So, it should pass.

Jeff

[Dave M]

The computer should be able to tell that it's not an emissions code being thrown, and should not cause problems, but it depends on you state's particular laws.

[Jeff_in_Atl]

The computer should be able to tell that it's not an emissions code being thrown, and should not cause problems, but it depends on you state's particular laws.

It also depends on the person at the testing station knowing there is a difference.

[Dave M]

In PA, the emissions testing machine they use simply hook up to the OBD port and scan the computer for trouble codes. I believe you are allowed to have 1 or 2 faulty codes, after that you fail. Simply having the SES light on won't fail you. Any repairs you need to make have a $150 limit. After that you get your sticker anyway. Cars driven less than 5,000 miles/year don't need to be tested. We also have a saftey inspection, but you aren't allowed to get that until you've had the emissions inspection.

[Jeff_in_Atl]

In PA, the emissions testing machine they use simply hook up to the OBD port and scan the computer for trouble codes. I believe you are allowed to have 1 or 2 faulty codes, after that you fail. Simply having the SES light on won't fail you. Any repairs you need to make have a $150 limit. After that you get your sticker anyway. Cars driven less than 5,000 miles/year don't need to be tested. We also have a saftey inspection, but you aren't allowed to get that until you've had the emissions inspection.

In Georgia they won't even hook up the machine if the SES light is on. So it depends on the states rules.

[Johnyd2]

I too am from IL. And if your SES light is on they will not test your car, its a automatic failure. Maybe if you pull the bulb out, or if there is a fuse associated with the light? I do believe that they will see the code when they plug the reader into your car, however if it's non-emissions related i couldnt see a problem. As long as the light is on, they wont test yoru car.

[Maverick_82]

Best thing u could do is to get a code reader, it will tell you wut is wrong!

[Trash man]

Best thing u could do is to get a code reader, it will tell you wut is wrong!

doesnt need it. the SVS light simply means either u need to change ur oil or a light could be out. just throw the part back on for the test and ull be good

[Injuneer]

If it was the SES light, (and I know that isn't what his problem is) if you pull the bulb out of the SES light, it will set a code in the PCM for a faulty light. You can't beat the system simply by pulling the bulb. They might also notice that the bulb is out or covered with tape when they start the car, since the SES light comes on when you turn the key on, to verify that it is working.