09 Maintenance and specifications
Maintaining your car
09
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How do states use OBD II for emission
inspections?
Many states connect a computer directly to a
vehicle's OBD II system. The inspector can
then read "faults." In some states, this type of
inspection has replaced the tailpipe emission
test.
How can my vehicle fail OBD II emission
inspection?
Your vehicle can fail OBD II emission inspec-
tion for any of the following reasons.
•
If your Check Engine (MIL) light is lit, your
vehicle may fail inspection.
•
If your vehicle's Check Engine light was
lit, but went out without any action on
your part, OBD II will still have a recorded
fault. Your vehicle may pass or fail,
depending on the inspection practices in
your area.
•
If you had recent service that required
disconnecting the battery, OBD II diag-
nostic information may be incomplete
and "not ready" for inspection. A vehicle
that is not ready may fail inspection.
How can I prepare for my next OBD II
emission inspection?
•
If your Check Engine (MIL) light is lit – or
was lit but went out without service, have
your vehicle diagnosed and, if necessary,
serviced by a qualified Volvo technician.
•
If you recently had service for a lit Check
Engine light, or if you had service that
required disconnecting the battery, a
period of driving is necessary to bring the
OBD II system to "ready" for inspection.
A half-hour trip of mixed stop-and-go/
highway driving is typically needed to
allow OBD II to reach readiness. Your
Volvo retailer can provide you with more
information on planning a trip.
•
Maintain your vehicle in accordance with
your vehicle's maintenance schedule.
