Auto inspection...where to go? (Fort Worth, Arlington: inspections, live in, codes)

[miss_lyssa]

We moved here from a non-emissions county about a year ago and now our truck is due for inspection. It's an '01, but it's kind of a hand-me-down. My husband's older brother drove it for a while and did something to it to where the check engine light won't go off (or maybe it's the fact that the A/C needs to be replaced) and the interior lights don't work either. Plus, they bought it from a small town car lot, I'm pretty sure something's been done to the exhaust. It's always been loud, but they got it that way. I know it has a catalytic converter because we had to replace it a while back. I've been told once before that it doesn't have a muffler, but I'm pretty sure that guy just didn't know how to drive a stick so he made up some excuse. I've never had any other problems. I'm not sure if it will even pass an emissions test and not sure where to go. Being out $40 for not passing would not be ok, and I'm jut not sure what to do. Anyone have any ideas or advice? I live in South Fort Worth if anyone knows knows somewhere that might be able to check it out before I shell out for it.

Thanks!

[texas_nightowl]

Usually A/C will not cause a Check Engine light.

I believe AutoZone will connect a code scanner to it and tell you what error condition is causing the check engine light for free. At least, they used to...and other places might too.

So see what is causing the CEL first.

[jbb303]

Remember: If it doesn't pass, you can usually fix the issues and have it re-inspected for free within a certain time (10 days, 2 weeks?). I would just call a few places that do inspections (Kwik Kar locations are usually pretty reputable) and ask them how they can help. They might tell you they'll look at it without doing the inspection or they might recommend doing the full inspection so you don't miss anything. The check engine light will definitely keep it from passing, but there might be a way to get it to temporarily clear without major repairs. The exhaust system will just depend on what's been done. There are ways to make it loud that are legal, but if the muffler is missing, that's probably a deal breaker.

[Threestep2]

Front oxygen sensor, gas cap (busted seal), ...
Have someone at Autozone read the codes for you.

[Restrain]

Replace the gas cap, have Auto Zone or Oreilly read the codes, then clear them. Gas cap can often be the culprit.

[Ketabcha]

Originally Posted by Restrain

Replace the gas cap, have Auto Zone or Oreilly read the codes, then clear them. Gas cap can often be the culprit.

It sure can. I found that out with a Toyota I had. Light came on an drove me nuts. Finally, I was told to make sure to "click" the cap three times before shutting the cover. Worked like a charm.

I use JiffyLube for inspections in the Ft. Worth/Arlington area. They do a good job and talk to me like I am an adult and take the time to carefully explain things to a non-car-speaking person.