Preparing your vehicle for a smog test can be stressful, but with the right tools and knowledge, you can approach it with confidence. The BlueDriver OBD2 scanner offers a valuable feature to help you determine your vehicle’s readiness for an emissions test, often referred to as a smog test. This article will delve into how the BlueDriver app can assist you in understanding your vehicle’s inspection monitors and what those results mean for your upcoming smog test.
Decoding Inspection Monitors with BlueDriver
Modern vehicles are equipped with sophisticated onboard diagnostic systems that constantly monitor various components, especially those related to emissions control. These self-checks are known as inspection monitors or readiness monitors. When you take your car for a smog test, the testing center will use an OBDII scan tool to access the results of these monitors. The BlueDriver app conveniently brings this capability to your fingertips, displaying the same test results that official inspection stations rely on. This allows you to proactively assess your vehicle’s emission system status before heading to the smog check location.
It’s important to understand that while BlueDriver provides the diagnostic information directly from your vehicle’s computer, it cannot guarantee a pass or fail outcome for your smog test. Local regulations and specific testing procedures can vary. For instance, some areas might allow a certain number of “incomplete” tests, while others demand all monitors to be complete and passed. Furthermore, BlueDriver, like other OBD2 scanners, cannot assess aspects like tailpipe emissions sampling if that method is used in your region.
Interpreting BlueDriver Smog Test Results
The BlueDriver app categorizes smog test results into three key statuses: Complete Tests, Not Applicable, and Not Complete. Understanding each status is crucial for interpreting your vehicle’s readiness.
Complete Tests
A “Complete” status for a test signifies that your vehicle has successfully gathered sufficient data to confirm that the specific emissions system is functioning as intended. This is a positive indication and suggests that system will likely pass the emissions portion of the smog test related to that monitor.
Not Applicable
The list of potential tests is standardized across all OBDII-compliant vehicles (1996 and newer). However, not every test is relevant to every vehicle. For example, an older vehicle without variable valve timing will naturally show “Not Applicable” for a variable timing test. A “Not Applicable” status simply means that this particular test is not used by your vehicle and can be disregarded for your smog test assessment.
Not Complete
A “Not Complete” status requires closer attention as it can stem from two different scenarios:
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Recent Code Clearing or Battery Disconnection: If your vehicle’s diagnostic codes have been recently cleared, or if the battery has been disconnected, it resets the self-check monitors. In this case, you need to perform a drive cycle. A drive cycle involves a specific sequence of driving conditions designed to allow the vehicle to run all its self-tests again. Once a drive cycle is completed, the monitor status should update to “Complete” if the system is functioning correctly. It’s crucial to remember that clearing engine codes invariably resets the vehicle’s self-test results.
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Underlying Vehicle Issue: If a test remains “Not Complete” and you haven’t recently cleared codes or disconnected the battery, it could indicate an actual problem preventing the test from completing. If your check engine light is illuminated or you have pending or confirmed diagnostic trouble codes, it’s likely that some emissions tests will not complete until the underlying issue causing the code is resolved.
Unfortunately, the standard OBDII smog check command itself cannot differentiate between a truly incomplete test and a test that is incomplete due to a failure. Therefore, if you encounter “Not Complete” statuses and have no active or pending engine codes, consulting resources on performing a drive cycle can be beneficial in attempting to complete these self-tests.
Preparing for Your Smog Test with BlueDriver
The BlueDriver OBD2 smog check feature is a valuable tool in preparing for your vehicle’s emissions test. By understanding how to interpret the inspection monitor results, you can proactively address potential issues and increase your chances of passing the smog test the first time. Use BlueDriver to check your readiness and drive with confidence knowing your vehicle is likely to meet emissions standards.
