Can Car Pass Inspection with Engine Light On?

Introduction

The engine light is an important safety feature that alerts drivers to potential problems with their vehicle’s engine.
When the engine light is on, it means that the vehicle’s onboard computer has detected a problem that could affect the engine’s performance or emissions.
In most states, vehicles with illuminated engine lights are required to pass a smog inspection before they can be registered or renewed.

What Does the Engine Light Mean?

The engine light can be triggered by a variety of problems, including:

• Spark plug misfire
• Oxygen sensor failure
• Catalytic converter failure
• Evaporative emissions control system leak
• Mass airflow sensor failure

Can I Drive My Car with the Engine Light On?

In most cases, it is safe to drive your car with the engine light on.
However, you should have the problem diagnosed and repaired as soon as possible.
Driving with the engine light on can lead to more serious problems that could be expensive to repair.

Will My Car Pass Inspection with the Engine Light On?

In most states, vehicles with illuminated engine lights are required to pass a smog inspection before they can be registered or renewed.
However, the specific requirements vary from state to state.
In some states, vehicles with certain types of engine lights may be exempt from the inspection requirement.

For example, in California, vehicles with illuminated engine lights that are due to a minor emissions-related problem may be exempt from the smog inspection requirement.
However, vehicles with illuminated engine lights that are due to a major emissions-related problem will not be exempt from the inspection requirement.

How Can I Get My Car to Pass Inspection with the Engine Light On?

If your car’s engine light is on and you need to pass a smog inspection, the first step is to have the problem diagnosed.
You can do this by taking your car to a mechanic or by using an OBD-II scanner.

Once the problem has been diagnosed, you can have it repaired.
Once the repair is complete, you can clear the engine light by disconnecting the negative terminal of the battery for 30 seconds and then reconnecting it.

Conclusion

In most states, vehicles with illuminated engine lights are required to pass a smog inspection before they can be registered or renewed.
However, the specific requirements vary from state to state.
If your car’s engine light is on and you need to pass a smog inspection, the first step is to have the problem diagnosed.
Once the problem has been diagnosed, you can have it repaired and clear the engine light.