Driving to the inspection station!!!!

[attrapereves]

The real question is why a CEL automatically fail a vehicle for inspection. Shouldn't inspections be primarily focused on things like brakes, wipers, lights, horn? You know, things that can actually be a danger to other drivers if they aren't working.

[danielbmartin]

Originally Posted by attrapereves

The real question is why a CEL automatically fail a vehicle for inspection. Shouldn't inspections be primarily focused on things like brakes, wipers, lights, horn? You know, things that can actually be a danger to other drivers if they aren't working.

At one time the exhaust emissions inspection was done with a tailpipe "sniffer." That test has been supplanted by adoption of the "automatic fail" for a Check Engine Light (also called Malfunction Indicator Light). There are a variety of reasons for this change including the high cost of a sniffer and the possible abuse done by "sniffing" a different car. So, the CEL test is the central part of an emissions inspection.

Checking wipers, lights, horn are part of a safety inspection.

Both inspections (if required) are performed at the same time by the same inspector.

In some counties the emissions inspection is not required.
Older vehicles, diesel-powered vehicles, and pure-electric vehicles are not subject to emissions inspection in any county.
Vehicles more than 34 years old are not subject to the safety inspection.
Source: NCDOT: Vehicle Emissions & Safety Inspection

I think brakes are not checked but cannot find a clear statement to that effect on-line. I've watched my vehicles undergo inspection and didn't see any wheels pulled.

.

[BoBromhal]

I am going to guess the emissions part.

[attrapereves]

Originally Posted by danielbmartin

At one time the exhaust emissions inspection was done with a tailpipe "sniffer." That test has been supplanted by adoption of the "automatic fail" for a Check Engine Light (also called Malfunction Indicator Light). There are a variety of reasons for this change including the high cost of a sniffer and the possible abuse done by "sniffing" a different car. So, the CEL test is the central part of an emissions inspection.

Checking wipers, lights, horn are part of a safety inspection.

Both inspections (if required) are performed at the same time by the same inspector.

In some counties the emissions inspection is not required.
Older vehicles, diesel-powered vehicles, and pure-electric vehicles are not subject to emissions inspection in any county.
Vehicles more than 34 years old are not subject to the safety inspection.
Source: NCDOT: Vehicle Emissions & Safety Inspection

I think brakes are not checked but cannot find a clear statement to that effect on-line. I've watched my vehicles undergo inspection and didn't see any wheels pulled.

.

Makes sense. Here in MO, we only do safety inspections. However, there is no cutoff for inspections. Even a model T needs to be inspected. Kinda ridiculous, which is why I register my vehicles as historic (at least 25yr old. You also get permanent registration!)

They check brakes here, but only pull one tire.

I remember taking my vehicles to Jiffy Lube in NC and them somewhat BSing the inspection. In MO, only mechanic type places (since they are capable of performing repairs) can inspect vehicles.

[Tootie the Brave]

My '98 Accord has had this issue for years. We had it looked at several times and some random repairs made, but it always came back on within a couple of months. Now if the light is on at inspection time, we pull the fuse for the indicators and put it back, I drive around some and then take it in. It might not be so easy with a newer car.

[Bpobill]

Almost any auto parts stores will read and clear the code for you for free. Depending on what the issue is, it might come back immediately or take some time. If you have a smart phone, you can buy an obd2 connector from Amazon for very cheap ($10-$25), which will read codes and you can also clear them yourself.

If you don't have a smart phone, Amazon also has independent scanners for less than $20.

[Sal_M]

Originally Posted by saturnfan

Check gas cap and its gasket.

Many check lights will reset after a few driving cycles.

Not sure if you got the problem resolved if not give this a try, I have done it and it works. But in my case I think the problem is a faulty gas cap.