What Do They Check for Car Inspection in Texas

What do they check for car inspection in Texas
There are various reasons you may need to get your car inspected in Texas. The state requires annual vehicle inspections from all residents, new residents are required to have their vehicles inspected within 30 days, and out-of-state vehicles need a local safety inspection as well. Even if your car has multi-year registration, state laws still require your vehicle to pass these yearly inspections. However, being aware of what they’re looking at can help you stay prepared for the inspections. So whether you’re planning on moving to Texas or it is that time of the year, let’s take a look at the requirements Texas Safety Inspection and Emissions Test and what do they check for car inspections in Texas.

What Do They Check for Car Inspection in Texas

The State of Texas requires all vehicles to pass official state safety emissions inspections in order to drive legally within the boundaries of the state. This ensures that the car is safe to drive and wouldn’t pose any threats to the driver as well as the other cars on the road. The basic purpose of these tests is to ensure the safety of everyone on the road. Additionally, these tests can also spot minor issues that may not be noticed by the average person. This allows the owner of the car to fix the issue before it becomes worse. It can also save the car owner from potentially expensive repair bills in the future.

Things You’ll Need For the Inspection

Of course, you will have to take your car with you to get it inspected. However, there are certain documents that you will need during the inspection process. If you don’t possess authentic documents, the technicians aren’t legally allowed to perform the inspection. Following are the documents you will need.

· Driver’s License/Photo ID

You need a driver’s license in order to drive a car. Hence, it is necessary that you take it with you for the inspection. However, if you don’t currently have a driver’s license or are in the process of renewing it, you may take any sort of photo ID with you. It is crucial that the driver’s license or the photo ID that you take must be valid on the current date. If you take expired documents with you, the technician will not be able to entertain you.

· Proof of Insurance

You’ll also need proof of insurance while having your car inspected. You do not need Texas State insurance for this purpose. As long as the insurance is valid and has full coverage, it can be from any state. However, if you only have liability insurance, it will need to be through a Texas State provider.

· Payment

You will have to pay the inspection fee irrespective of whether your car passes or fails the inspection. However, in case your car fails the inspection, you will have a 30-day window during which you can fix the issues and bring it back. If you fail to present your car again during this period or the car fails the inspection again, you will have to make another payment for the inspection. The amount you will be required to pay can vary due to various factors. The age of your vehicle, how many miles it has, the type of vehicle you own, the emission requirement of the vehicle, and even the county you’re in all play a role. Additionally, different places have different policies about the mode of payment they accept. So you may want to look into it in advance.

OBDII Testing

  1. What Is OBDII?

On Board Diagnostics-Second Generation (OBDII) is a computerized system on 1996 and newer model year vehicles that monitors emissions-related components and systems for proper functionality. The OBDII utilizes an on board computer to test and monitor all the emissions-related components and systems of the vehicle.

The system detects malfunctioning components and systems before more serious failures occur and even before the driver of the vehicle becomes aware of a problem. The OBDII enables a vehicle owner to make cost-effective repairs before more costly damage is done to the vehicle.

OBDII testing uses a scan tool that plugs into the vehicle’s computer and determines that the emission system and components are working properly. The test downloads stored information from the vehicle’s computer to identify emission systems or components that are not working properly.

When an emissions control malfunction is detected, a dashboard light illuminates stating “Check Engine” or “Service Engine Soon.” If the OBDII system detects a problem, a corresponding diagnostic trouble code (DTC) is stored in the computer’s memory. Using an OBDII scan tool, a repair technician can quickly retrieve diagnostic codes from the vehicle computer and make necessary repairs before a more serious problem develops.

  1. What systems are checked during the OBDII test?

The On-Board Diagnostics (OBDII) emissions test for 1996 and newer vehicles consists of the following:

  • Check 1 – Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) or Service Engine Soon Light, Check Engine Light, Check Engine Symbol check

    This is considered the bulb check portion of the test. The light must come on when the ignition is turned to the ON position and the light must go OFF when the engine is started. The inspector answers these two bulb check questions as either a PASS or FAIL. If the light is not working, the vehicle will FAIL the test, because the purpose of the light is to alert the driver of the vehicle that there is a problem with the OBDII system (exceeding emissions) and the vehicle needs to be diagnosed and repaired.

  • Check 2 – MIL Command Status and Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC’s) check

    If the MIL command status is ON, then the vehicle’s Powertrain Control Module (PCM) is commanding the MIL to turn ON, because a problem has been detected within the OBDII system and a DTC has been set. For example, an engine misfire DTC – PO301. If the MIL command status is ON with a DTC set, the vehicle will fail. If the OBDII system is operating properly, the MIL command status will be OFF.

  • Check 3 – OBDII (Non -Continuous) Readiness Monitors check

    These monitors are like self checks of each emissions component (EGR, O2 sensor, etc) within the OBDII system. These non-continuous monitors are considered Ready until either DTC’s have been cleared with a scan tool or if battery power has been disconnected, then the monitors will reset back to Not Ready.

In order to get the monitors set back to Ready, the vehicle must be driven through a drive cycle, which is a combination of city/highway driving for a set period of time. This drive cycle relearns the OBDII system and rechecks all of the emissions component’s individual systems. As each system completes its own self test, the monitor will set back to Ready.

Effective October 15, 2008:

For vehicles year model 2001 and newer, we allow one (1) non-continuous monitor to be Not Ready and still pass the test, but two (2) or more Not Ready’s will cause the vehicle to fail.

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’s will cause the vehicle to fail.

There are three (3) continuous monitors that are always Ready: Misfire, Fuel System, and Comprehensive Components. If you look at your Vehicle Inspection Report (VIR), you will see the emissions monitors listed and their Ready/Not Ready status. If any of the non-continuous monitors say N/A (Not Available) or N/S (Not Supported), then there is no monitor for that system.

This information is illustrated in a “Ready or Not” poster displayed in all of the emissions testing stations as well as the Recognized Emissions Repair Facilities (RERF’s).

  1. What Are The Advantages Of OBDII Testing?

    OBDII testing is quicker than previous emissions tests. This test determines whether there is a malfunction and/or deterioration of the devices that control the exhaust-emissions level. It can lower repair costs by detecting and storing a code specific to the problem. The OBDII test should readily identify vehicle problems, thereby reducing repair time and costs. This will, in turn, contribute to lower vehicle exhaust emissions.

  2. Emissions Testing Exemptions

    A vehicle registered in an affected county may receive a safety inspection at a vehicle inspection station in a non-affected county if:

  3. The vehicle is not a designated vehicle because it has not and will not be primarily operated in an affected county.

  4. Company fleet vehicles owned by business entities registered at a central office located in an affected county but operated from branch offices and locations in non-affected counties on a permanent basis.

  5. Hunting and recreational vehicles registered to the owner in an affected area, but permanently maintained on a hunting property or vacation home site in a non-affected county.

  6. The vehicle no longer qualifies as a designated vehicle because it will no longer be primarily operated in an affected county. For example, the vehicle registration indicates it is registered in an affected county, but the owner has moved, does not currently reside in, nor will primarily operate the vehicle in an affected county.

  7. The vehicle is registered in an affected county and is primarily operated in a non-affected county, but will not return to an affected county prior to the expiration of the current registration. Under this exception the vehicle will be re-inspected at a vehicle inspection station certified to do vehicle emissions testing immediately upon return to an affected county. Examples of this exception include vehicles operated by students enrolled at learning institutions, vehicles operated by persons during extended vacations, or vehicles operated by persons on extended out-of-county business.

A motorist must have the vehicle emissions testing exemption processed at the time of the vehicle’s annual vehicle safety inspection.

Understanding OBDII Failures

  1. Reasons Your Vehicle May Have Failed The OBDII Test

  • Catalytic Converter failure,
  • Faulty gas cap,
  • Fuel metering out of specification,
  • Incorrect ignition timing,
  • Inoperative injection system and/or thermostatic air cleaner,
  • Mis-routed vacuum lines, and
  • Faulty Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) System or Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) System.

  1. Transmission-Related Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC)

If your vehicle has a transmission-related Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC), please read the important steps below and contact the Waiver Station in your area for more information.

Transmission DTC repairs can range from $1500 to $3000, although some types may be cheaper (e.g., a transmission speed sensor problem). A waiver may be issued if the diagnosis shows the extent and cost of repair to be unreasonable. Contact your DPS Waiver Station to set up an appointment. Make sure to bring your repair receipt showing the cost of repairs required to correct the transmission DTC. Only diagnosis and repair estimates from a Recognized Emissions Repair Facility (RERF) or a dealership will be accepted to qualify for this type of waiver.

NOTE: A transmission problem that has been detected by the On-board Diagnostics system (OBDII) will turn on the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) and set a DTC. The problem could be caused by a number of things, including a bad torque converter clutch (TCC) or shift solenoid switch. Transmission DTC’s can cause the vehicle to exceed emissions standards. The cost of repair may exceed the $600 minimum repair cost to receive an Individual Vehicle Waiver and still may not be enough to correct this problem. The transmission must be removed from the vehicle in order to be repaired, contributing to the high cost of repair. With a transmission DTC, you may not notice a drivability problem unless the transmission slippage gets worse. Sometimes servicing the transmission (replacing fluid and filter) will take care of the problem and sometimes not. Also, you want to make sure that there are no engine-related DTC’s that are keeping the MIL ON, because an engine misfire problem will set a DTC and cause transmission shifting problems. In other words, you may feel a shifting problem, when it may just be an engine misfire. The RERF or dealer will check all electrical circuits, etc. to properly pinpoint and diagnose the problem.

Remember: The transmission is part of the vehicle’s power train, so a transmission problem will turn on the MIL and can cause the vehicle to exceed emissions standards.

  1. What Causes A Malfunction Or DTC?

The OBDII system test determines whether there is a malfunction and/or deterioration of the components that control the vehicle exhaust-emissions levels. If this occurs, a DTC, or Diagnostic Trouble Code, is set in the PCM. A failure occurs when there is a malfunction with the OBDII equipment including the on board computer and related wiring, or when an emissions related component has failed, causing the vehicle’s exhaust emissions to be 1 1/2 times the allowable emissions for the vehicle, as determined by the manufacturer.

Conclusion

Overall, you don’t need to worry too much about the inspection. If your car has been running smoothly and you haven’t encountered any issues lately, chances are that your vehicle will easily pass the test. However, make sure to follow all the rules and regulations set by the State of Texas and don’t get late for the inspection. For instance, if you’re a new resident and don’t get your car inspected within the 30-day time period, you may be liable to pay a penalty. So stay up to date with the dates to ensure you don’t have any issues in the future.