Car Inspection Quandary (DMV, codes, license)

[mikealialex]

OK, here is the problem. My first car inspection experience was ly. My car failed. It has had a warning light issue for many years. It cant be fixed. Otherwise, the car is fine. Ly, I spent $250 to try to pass the inspection. I eventually got a waiver, and the tag. Now its this year, and the DMV told me that I will have to spend at least $200 again to try to fix the light (which cant be fixed). Of couse the mechanic where I took the car is willing to take more of my $$$ to try to fix something that cant be fixed. Options? Can I even try to sell the car with a now expired tag?
It isnt very often that I miss Florida, but this is one of those times! Thanks...

[InSouthPark]

Have a "mechanic" pull the bulb? I am not sure if they hook up to the computer when they see the light is on or if they always hook up to the computer.

[mikealialex]

Thanks, but they hook it up to a computer.

[lumbollo]

If this is a check engine light, yeah that results in an automatic failure on the NC OBD inspection that is required in Mecklenburg. The state will grant a waiver if you attempt to fix it (by spending at least $200 in repairs) and then have it inspected again and it fails. The test doesn't care about the light on your dash. It is reading values out of the OBD computer and if the CE light is flagged, then it fails.

You need to get the mechanic to read the failure code out of the computer or do it yourself with a OBD reader. This will tell you what is wrong. Unfortunately they won't pass the car otherwise and that eventually means you can't renew your license tag. If you go get it fixed, there is another "gotcha". You will need to drive the car around for around 150 miles or more because on many cars it takes time before all the values are registered again. If you go in and this isn't complete, you will get a "not ready" fail on the test and will have to come back again. Personally I think the OBD test is a big scam for the company that is profiting off running it for the state as it causes a lot of unnecessary grief as you are experiencing.


Generally these can be fixed so I am interested in why you say it can't be.

[vmaxnc]

First of all, you're not trying to fix the light, you're trying to fix what is causing the light. Anything on a car can be fixed, if the cause of the problem is found.

Second, if a mechanic is hired to fix a problem, and doesn't, why pay him? Cars can be complicated, but they are a fixed set of conditions. This isn't an unknown virus that's never before been seen in a human body. OBDII vehicles, which yours must be because they are plugging in to it's computer during inspection, are very much computer controlled. Consequently, you could go to an Autozone, have them pull the codes for what is causing that warning light, and find out for yourself what it is via web research. Any competent mechanic should be able to do this as well.

I'm assuming a lot since I don't know the YMM of your car, and while knowledgeable I'm not an expert on auto repair. Post back with more info and we might be able to steer you in the right direction.

[mayday30]

Auto Zone will read the OBD & OBD II codes for you for free. They can most likely help you get what you need based on the codes displayed.

[southbound_295]

Is the car an import? You may need to go to a deaaler or an authorized mechanic for them to get the exact code for the check engine light.

[Nativechief]

It CAN be fixed and I can fix it . too bad I cant help you cause I would like the money. Go find a real friggin mechanic and get the thing fixed or park it..gez

[lumbollo]

Originally Posted by southbound_295

Is the car an import? You may need to go to a deaaler or an authorized mechanic for them to get the exact code for the check engine light.

No. All cars sold in the USA, domestic and foreign, are required to follow the USDOT spec covering OBD. Any car made since '97 can be read by anyone with a reader. (cheap ones are $35) NC does not do this type of inspection if your car is older than this.