Several states require that a vehicle pass on-board diagnostic (OBD) system tests and the I/M emission inspection in order to renew license plates. This is accomplished by viewing the I/M System Status display on a scan tool. Using a scan tool, the technician can observe the I/M System Status in order to verify that the vehicle meets the criteria that comply with the local area requirements.

Each system monitor requires at least one, and sometimes several diagnostic tests. The result of each test is reported by a diagnostic trouble code (DTC). A system monitor is complete when either all of the DTCs comprising the monitor have Run and Passed, or when any one of the DTCs comprising the monitor has illuminated the MIL. Once the system monitor is complete, the I/M System Status display will indicate YES in the Completed column.

For example, when the HO2S Heater Status indicates YES, either all of the oxygen sensor heater tests have passed or one of the tests has illuminated the MIL. If the vehicle has four heated oxygen sensors, either all four heater circuit tests have passed or one of the heater circuit tests has illuminated the MIL. The I/M System Status will indicate NO under the Completed column when any of the required tests for that system have not run. The following is a list of conditions that would set the I/M System Status indicator to NO:

The OBD II System monitors all emission control systems that are on-board. Not all vehicles have a full complement of emission control systems. For example, a vehicle may not be equipped with secondary air injection (AIR) or exhaust gas recirculation (EGR). The OBD II regulations require monitoring of the following:

For the specific DTCs required for each system, refer to Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) System DTC Table . Systems such as fuel delivery, misfire, and comprehensive components may not be listed in a system status list. These tests run continuously and do not require an I/M System Status indicator.

The I/M System Status display on the scan tool provides an indication of when the control module has completed the required tests. The I/M System Status does not indicate that the tests have passed or failed. When all of the diagnostics for a specific system have run and passed the I/M System Status will update to YES. If a test for a specific system has failed, the I/M System Status will update to YES, indicating a determination was made, even if all of the other tests for that system have not run. If a particular diagnostic fails, a DTC will indicate the failure. When a failure occurs, the Emission Related DTC portion of the I/M System Status display on the scan tool will indicate the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) is requested. The I/M System Status also registers the number of DTCs. If a failure indication is present for a DTC associated with one of the I/M regulated systems, it may prevent other required diagnostic tests from running.

The first failure of a type B DTC does not constitute a final determination of pass or fail, and will not update the I/M System Status to YES. A second trip is required, and all the conditions to run must be met in order for the test to run again. These conditions may include a partial to complete engine cool down.

If there is an impending failure, the system may require more time to run the diagnostic than was allotted in the set procedure. If the test does not run after numerous attempts and no DTC is set, review the appropriate scan tool data list and the service information for an indication of why the test does not complete. Some tests may abort due to changes in the conditions while the test is running. For example, changes in engine load, such as cooling fan or an A/C compressor clutch turning ON, may cause the test to abort.

If a diagnostic test is difficult to run, observe the I/M System Status display while maintaining the necessary enable conditions until the System Status updates to YES.

The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.

1. Any DTCs set, even those that are not listed in the Inspection/Maintenance System DTC Table, may prevent the required DTCs from running. If there is any question as to whether a set DTC is disabling the required I/M diagnostic, review the Conditions for Running in the diagnostic procedures for the DTC required by the I/M diagnostic. A list of disabling DTCs, if applicable, is contained in the supporting text for that DTC.

2. Anytime a control module is reprogrammed or the diagnostic trouble codes are cleared as part of a repair procedure, all the I/M System Status indicators will reset to NO.

3. Use discretion when determining whether the entire system set procedure needs to be performed. For example, if the only tests that have not run are those that require the engine to be at operating temperature, then only those individual tests need to be run. There is no need to allow the engine to completely cool in order to run these tests.