OBD-II failed for smog check

The OBD11 failed for smog check. What do I need to do?
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
Unfortunately without more information as to why your Toyota Corolla did not pass the emissions test, it is difficult to determine the cause for the failed smog check. Provided that the ODB2 port itself has power and is allowing the emissions tester to read the computer, we would need to know what codes the computer populated in order to determine where to investigate necessary repairs. Typically, if you have active codes in the vehicle’s computer, then the Check Engine Light will also be illuminated. This is the first indication that a vehicle will not pass smog. If this is the case for your Corolla, I highly recommend that the next time your emissions test is due, observe the status of this light if it is on and enlist the help of a certified mechanic to help you troubleshoot the codes. Not only will they diagnose and repair the problem, they can aide in informing you if your Toyota is ready to be smog tested. This will help you avoid wasting time before smog checks.

How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?

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What are some possible reasons for failing the OBD check on a vehicle inspection? The vehicle`s OBD system connector has been removed or is otherwise not working properly. The OBD check cannot be completed if the connector is missing or is not working properly.
In many cases, Monitor Readiness problems can cause the vehicle to fail a smog check. Note that it is possible for a vehicle to fail the smog check for Monitor Readiness even though the MIL or Check Engine light is not on and there are no obvious indicators of a problem.
– 2000 and newer model year vehicles will need all emission monitors in READY or COMPLETE status, with the exception of the EVAP monitor. An incomplete evaporative monitor will not cause a smog check failure. It is the only monitor allowed to be incomplete on a 2000 and newer gasoline powered vehicle.
BAR-OIS allows one incomplete continuous monitor. Federal diesel vehicle over 8,500 GVWR is not OBD-II certified. Federal diesel vehicles over 8,500 GVWR were not built to comply with OBD-II or Fed OBD standards.
In most cases, communication issues can be caused by various reasons including: ignition-key position, connector-voltage issues, incorrect communication protocol, hung ECM, missing or bad data, and OEM-updated ECM software that is unknown to the scan tool.
It`s completely safe to leave an OBD2 scanner tool plugged in while driving. In fact, it`s important to have your car running while you diagnose an engine code to avoid damaging the scanning software. Worried about your car`s battery life?
Your vehicle does not need a smog inspection if your:

Gasoline-powered vehicle is a 1975 year model or older (This includes motorcycles and trailers.) Diesel-powered vehicle is a 1997 and older year model OR with a Gross Vehicle Weight of more than 14,000 pounds.

Your oxygen sensor helps you put a good gas/air mixture into your engine. If you have a broken oxygen sensor, even with the check engine light off you`ll fail your smog test.
If the only reason that your vehicle failed inspection is because of a “not ready” monitor reading, you will most likely need to complete what is called a “drive cycle” which may take a few days to several weeks and possibly up to 1,000 miles depending on the make and model of your vehicle.
Take your emissions test again after the scanner reads clear. After a few days of driving, plug the OBD-II back into the port and run another scan. If the error codes disappear and everything is green, you`ve confirmed that the drive cycle is complete and your car will pass the emissions test.
A “not ready” result means your vehicle`s computer has not had a chance to check all of the parts of the emissions control system for problems – so it cannot determine if everything is working as designed. Until the vehicle is “ready” to complete the checks, the OBD inspection cannot complete.
Plug an OBD-II scanner into your vehicle`s OBD port and reset it to clear the check engine light. Disconnecting and reconnecting your battery will restart your vehicle`s computer and clear the light. Drive an older vehicle around for a few days after repairs. The light will go off on its own once the computer resets.
The presence of the OBDII allows telematics devices to silently process information such as engine revolutions, vehicle speed, fault codes, fuel usage and more. The telematics device can then use this information to determine trip start and finish, over revving, speeding, excessive idling, fuel consumption, etc.
OBD-I vs. OBD-II. The central difference between first generation OBD systems and OBD-II is that OBD-II systems are now homogenized into the vehicle itself. Unlike OBD-I, wherein diagnostic systems were externally linked to a vehicle`s console.
Do OBD2 readers work on all cars? Most OBD2 scanners and car code readers do not work on all cars. If you are looking for an OBD2 scanner or car code reader, you should check if it works with your particular make and model before buying it.
Diagnostic trouble codes (or fault codes) are obd2 codes that are stored by the on-board computer diagnostic system. These are stored in response to a problem found in the car by the system.
What is OBDII? On-board diagnostics is a vehicle`s computer system that makes sure the emissions system is working and that the vehicle isn`t excessively polluting. It tests the vehicle`s emission control system while driving.
Let your vehicle rest for eight hours. Do not put the key in the ignition or unlock the car doors during this time.

Relevant Questions and Answers :

the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue

What would your advice be to a person who needs to get a smog check on their car to make sure it passes the smog check? 2005 Mitsubishi
ANSWER : Hi there – the most straightforward and least expensive approach to this problem is to simply take your vehicle in for testing 15-30 days prior to your "deadline" (birthday month?). Most states or metro areas allow a 30 day "repair period" if there is any problem, and re-testing is usually free. Obviously, the car must be in good running order before having it tested. If your Check Engine light is illuminated, or the car runs badly, there is an issue, and the car must be repaired as appropriate. Once inspected, the "pass" certificate is also good for some period of time (sometimes as long as a year) as well, so there is no penalty for checking your emissions early. If you pass, you’re good-to-go. If not, you have a period of time to get it repaired before your current certificate expires. Good luck!

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2006 Ford Mustang has check engine light on
ANSWER : There are countless potential causes for your illuminated check engine light. The mechanic manually turned off the light, but it came back on because the problem has not been fixed. The first place to start is retrieval of the stored diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs). These codes serve as a starting point for any further diagnostics a mechanic may perform. Codes will be stored anytime the check engine light is on. Since the first mechanic was unable to fix your concern, I recommend giving the professionals at YourMechanic a call. We offer expert check engine light diagnosis and repair.

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Failed a smog test
ANSWER : When the catalytic converter and the O2 sensor are not working properly, the car will fail a smog test every time. I would recommend changing the catalytic converter and the O2 sensor in order to get your car to pass smog.

However I would investigate further the issue of the catalytic converter failure in such a short time of four years. This is not particularly normal for most cars. In fact most cars never have to have them replaced. This suggests you may have other issues going on relating to the fuel combustion process.

If you’d like to get this fixed, I would suggest having an expert from YourMechanic come to your home to diagnose this issue and replace your catalytic converter and O2 sensor as necessary. Best of luck.

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I failed a smog check with the codes PO171 & PO174, saying the system is too lean on the bank 1 & 2. Can you tell me what the problem is?
ANSWER : Hi there. When the two codes P0171 and P0174 come up for a lean system on both banks of your engine, then either all of the fuel injectors are not working properly or your fuel pressure has dropped. Check the fuel pressure on the fuel rail and see what the pressure is at idle and when loaded. If the fuel pressure is less than 45 psi but greater than 15 psi, then the pressure regulator needs replaced. If the pressure is lower than 15 psi, but has more than 1 psi, then the fuel pump needs replaced. If you need further assistance with your emissions problem, then seek out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you.

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P0010 -"A" Camshift Position Actuator Circuit/Open Bank 1 & OBD Bulb check failed on smog test – How to search for mechanic?
ANSWER : Hi there. The P0010 code is coming on for the VVT-I (variable valve timing with intelligence) system is malfunctioning. Changing the engine oil and filter could solve this issue and fix most of the problems. But if changing the engine oil and filter does not fix this issue, then check the following components:

oil control valve (OCV) – could be stuck due to dirty engine oil
VVT/VCT circuit – could have a short in the wiring
OCV / solenoid valve – could have a short in the solenoid or be stuck due to dirty engine oil
computer (ECM) – could be damaged

If you need further assistance with your vehicle not passing the smog test, then seek out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you.

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Smog check failed due to Oxygen sensor heater OBDII not ready.
ANSWER : Hi there. Check the fuses and wiring to the oxygen sensors on your vehicle. If they are in good shape, then the sensors would need replaced as they are not warming up to the proper temperature before registering any exhaust particulates. If you need further assistance with your oxygen sensors, then seek out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you.

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Can’t pass smog check due to Check Engine light
ANSWER : The Check Engine light requires a special scan tool to determine the issue. Additional diagnostics may be required. An intake leak is common on this engine and may cause leaks, low fluids, and many other issues. With the vehicle sitting for a long time, other issues may be present. A qualified technician, such as one from YourMechanic, can assist you with diagnosis of your car’s Check Engine light.

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Can’t pass smog check with Check Engine Light on
ANSWER : The most common reason for your Check Engine Light coming on is for random engine misfires. You may be having this problem, and may need to have the ignition diagnosed, to see what is causing the misfire. You may have a failure of your coils, or plugs. The Check Engine Light would need to be checked to see which codes are received, for a proper diagnosis.

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