Can not pass inspection.

paulycams · 12-13-2006, 07:51 AM

The NJ DMV will not pass my inspection for the second time. 1st they said it was'nt getting a response from some of the components of the car from the computer. $200 later after the dealer said there is no problem w/ the computer or components, NJ DMV failed me again stating they can not read the computer at all. The tech at DMV told me "you might have to drive it for a while for the computer to reset". Is this True?

Jeron · Jeron's Garage

When you reset and clear the faults in the OBD it takes a short while to retest all of the components. A hundred miles or so should be enough.

Is the DMV saying they are 1 having trouble communicating with the OBD, 2 some OBD tests are failed or 3 the tests are not completed yet.

Take it to a auto parts store and have them read the OBD codes but do not have them reset them. That way you can see if the OBD comm is working.

paulycams · 12-13-2006, 10:03 AM

Going to the auto store now.

paulycams · 12-13-2006, 01:42 PM

The system has comm. the codes are A/c Refrigerant = unused, Heated Catalytic Converter = unused, secondary air injection = not ready, Evaporative system = not ready.
Do you think the computer was reset?

Jeron · Jeron's Garage

I'm not an expert. The not ready codes mean just that, that the cycle for testing that component has not been completed. Each component tested must go though a series of events or situations such as speed, temperature, acceleration etc before it can determine if the component passes or fails.

The unused results on some components I think means that those don't exist or are not tested for you model.

In TX you would be given a print out by the inspection facility that would show what passed and failed. If you failed the inspection due to too many items "not ready" then the tester should explain to you that the car needs to be driven for a period of time so that those components can complete the internal tests.

I would say yes, the computer was recently reset. Probably by the BMW dealer. The question is what is the exact reason you failed the first time?

paulycams · 12-13-2006, 05:42 PM

Thank you very much. This is a fantastic site and service to all. I am going in to the dealer tomorrow a.m. for them to clear those codes. So they say. Hopefully I will pass inspection directly after. Will post the results
Thanks again.

Jeron · Jeron's Garage

I'm not convinced that resetting the OBD is what you need.

Here is what we have so far in order:
1) DMV failed you, stating they could not comm with some components.
2) BMW said the OBD was working fine.
3) DMV failed you stating no comm with OBD at all but they added "you might need to drive it a while which means most likely BMW reset the codes in #2 and you needed to drive if more before retesting.
4) Autoparts store read the OBD with no problem so we have no reason t believe the OBD is malfunctioning.

My questions are:
Did anyone reset the OBD before your FIRST test? Did the DMV give you a sheet showing why you failed?

My feeling is you need to drive it about 200 miles mixed driving and get it retested. If they fail you then get a detailed explanation of why.

paulycams · 12-15-2006, 07:21 AM

UPDATE: Passed inspection after BMW cleared the codes. They claim it was never reset and did not need to be driven. The codes after the passed inspection all read "ready" except the codes that said "unused" they still say that. Doeas this sound correct?

Jeron · Jeron's Garage

It is not unusual to have some codes that are "unused."

I'm glad you got it worked out.