Does a check engine light mean I'll automatically fail my

>>16192040
Can't give a direct answer, so here's how it went recently for me.

Tester gave ok for everything else but error memory check failed and emission testing was not done. Repair shop used their own tester to check and the emission values were within limits. Had to replace thermostat to clear the code and redo the inspection. There was still another non-p code that was ignored. CEL was never on.

So it depends on whether the inspection will allow any p-codes to be present. My guess is it will bounce, but you probably should just call the inspection shop and ask about it.

Yes you will fail in CA or any other state that relies on monitors for post year 2000 cars

>>16192040
>Does a check engine light mean I'll automatically fail my emissions test? I
Depends on the state, but if it is a 1996 or newer vehicle, you will most assuredly fail.

>>16192040
An inspector isn't legally allowed to tell you it will fail. But on any car that has OBDII and has a MIL or CEL illuminated, yes. You will fail.
You will also fail if the light is not illuminated but certain parameters are still in "not-ready" conditions. For pre 2001 cars, you're allowed to have up to two "not-ready" conditions, 2001 and on, only one "not-ready"

Sorry that may be confusing. But since I wont have my inspectors license for another 4-6 days I figured Id share.

>>16192040
In Colorado cel is automatic fail

I've reset with a scan tool, passed emissions and literally had the cel come on on my way home lel.

>>16192157
What state tho, they're all different you know. For example "inspectors" here are wage cucks with less training than a quick lube employee

>>16192160
did the same thing in VA

>>16192160
Was your car between 96 and 00? That wouldn't work on newer cars in most emissions states anymore because when you clear the CEL you clear all the readiness monitors as well which can take quite a while to set again

Live in PA where emissions are required. Been throwing the a similar code for the throttle position sensor. Passes every time. The only time it failed was when the CEL burned out. A new CEL bulb made it pass.

O2 sensor or anything with emissions will fail you, but there are low mileage exemptions.

>>16192167
While states are different, most of the OBD side is influenced by the EPA and such. Even though a code may be completely unrelated, they see them as "your car is running bad, so its hurting our atmosphere" and thats what they base emissions inspections upon.
Its federally mandated, so even though state and counties may differ, the rules up top are generally always the same.

The only inspections you're technically allowed to give leeway on are safety, and even then it's sketchy.

>>16192160
>>16192208
>>16192217
What heartbreaker said is true. I dont see why they passed you unless they literally didnt hook up the diagnostic tool, or you only had one monitor not ready. You can slide by on not-readies sometimes, but if it's for multiple systems, you can still fail.


>>16192234
This is also news to me. A burned out or inoperable MIL/CEL light will fail, but Ive never heard of passing a car with one on.