Home

Public Health Alerts

Clinic Locations

Programs and Services

Health Connection

Birth and Death Certificates

Request Records

Board of Health

Health Regulations

Environmental Health

Food Establishment/Restaurant Inspections

Emergency Preparedness

Employment

Media

About Us

Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance Program

Your Vehicle Failed the Emissions Test. . . now what?

 

Tail Pipe Emissions

Most 1995 and older vehicles will receive an ASM emissions test. In this test the vehicle is put on a dynamometer and run at 15 and 25 mph. Emissions of HC, CO and NOX are measured. If these measurements exceed predetermined standards, based on the age and weight of the vehicle, they will fail the test.

Some vehicles (such as full time 4 wheel drive) cannot be run on the dynamometer. These vehicles are tested at idle and 2500 RPM for HC and CO only.

OBD System Check

Most 1996 and newer vehicles are tested using the OBD (On-Board Diagnostic) check. These vehicles have a malfunction indicator lamp (MIL), this light comes on when the vehicles computer system indicates that one or more of the emissions control systems have failed.

During the OBD check the I/M technician will access the OBD system to make sure that is operating properly. Starting with 1996 model year vehicles, the on-board computer systems have become much more sophisticated.

Each emissions control system has a monitor that checks its performance as you drive your vehicle. Should any of the emissions systems malfunction, the monitor alerts the on-board computer which captures the data from the failure. A qualified repair technician is able to access this information to aid them in properly diagnosing and repairing the vehicle.

Repairing Failed Vehicles

The purpose of the I/M Program is to identify vehicles emitting high levels of pollution and to reduce those levels by making proper repairs. Adjustments and repairs should be made in such a manner that the repairs will correct the problem causing the excessive emissions. By doing so, the performance and fuel economy of the vehicle will also improve.

In almost all cases, when vehicles are repaired to manufacturer’s specifications, the emissions levels will be well below the emissions standards. Newer computer controlled vehicles that fail the I/M inspection generally require the services of a skilled automotive repair technician, using diagnostic equipment, to make a correct and complete evaluation of an emissions failure.

It is recommended that you obtain the services of a competent repair technician who can correctly diagnose the problem before attempting to repair an I/M failure.

When meteorological conditions are bad high levels of air pollution can accumulate in the Salt Lake Valley. Concentrations of Particulate matter, Ozone or Carbon Monoxide sometimes reach the moderate or unhealthy (for sensitive groups) levels in our air.

Motor vehicles are responsible for a significant (more than 70%) portion of the pollution that affects public health. All gasoline-powered vehicles emit pollution. A concerted effort has been made to reduce the pollution levels from vehicles to a minimum.

When a vehicle is operating properly, emissions levels are very low. However, malfunctioning vehicles can emit a “hundred times” the amount of pollution that they would if they were working properly. Properly tuned and well maintained vehicles provide better performance and fuel economy and reduce the level of air pollution.

Motor Vehicle Inspections

To minimize the pollution from motor vehicles, all 1968 and newer vehicles are inspected and repaired if needed. Inspection items include: * Emissions control devices * Tail pipe emissions of Hydrocarbons (HC), Carbon monoxide (CO), and Nitrogen Oxides (NOX) * Proper functioning of the emissions On Board Diagnostic (OBD) system.

Emissions Control Devices

All vehicles are inspected to be sure that the emissions control devices that were installed on the vehicle are still there and appear to be operating. For 1984 and newer vehicles, these devices must be installed and operating before the test can continue. The catalytic converter and the air injection systems are 2 of the most critical devices that are checked. In addition, the gas cap is checked to make sure that it is sealing properly.

Emissions Warranties

Warranties differ between vehicle manufacturers. To find if your vehicle is under warranty, check your vehicle owner’s manual for specific information. If your vehicle is under warranty and has failed the emissions inspection and;

• The test failure did not result from misuse of the vehicle or a failure to follow the manufacturer’s written maintenance instructions and;
• You present the vehicle to a warranty-authorized manufacturer representative, along with your Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) Vehicle Inspection Report form, during the relevant warranty period then;
• The manufacturer must repair the vehicle so that it will pass the emissions test.

Waivers

Occasionally, there are cases where repairs have been made toward the major cause of the high emissions and those repairs have failed to reduce the pollution levels below the standard. In those cases, a repair waiver may be issued by the Health Department to allow for vehicle registration. The waiver is a last resort. In order to qualify for an emissions repair waiver, certain criteria must be met depending on the model year of the vehicle.

To determine if your vehicle qualifies for an emissions repair waiver, call the I/M Technical Center at (385) 468-3837 for more information.

If you believe your vehicle was not tested in accordance with the I/M Program Regulations, it may be re-tested at the I/M Technical Center.