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Engine light vs passing emissions?

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Old Jun 12, 2015 | 11:21 AM
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Engine light vs passing emissions?

I own a 1997 Ranger 4.0. Purchased used about two years ago. Engine light on when I bought it. Have four codes I'm working on to correct. Interestingly, two codes come up different at the local Ford dealer. Not sure what's up with that. I'm working on the ones I get with my reader.

Need to get this cleared up to go to emissions here in CT before end of July or my registration is void. Apparently, the prior owner failed three times, then sold it to me. That means I do not get the 60 days to correct things : (
Fairly certain they will not even do the test if I have an engine light on.

Question: If I'm able to affect the repairs that clear the codes for good will that mean I will likely pass emissions or does that not have anything to do with it?

Thanks
 
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Old Jun 12, 2015 | 05:08 PM
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Question: If I'm able to affect the repairs that clear the codes for good will that mean I will likely pass emissions or does that not have anything to do with it?
If you do the repairs, and as a result of such repairs the codes do not come back, then you should be fine.

Because your '97 is OBDII, a "sniff" test is not done. The tester will only check for codes, and if there are no codes AND if the Ford "drive cycle" have been completed, you will pass.

If you try to erase the codes with a scanner (or by disconnecting the battery) right before the test, you will not pass, because the "drive cycle" will not be completed.

See: Ford OBDII Drive Cycle
 
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Old Jun 13, 2015 | 10:32 AM
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Originally Posted by Rockledge
Thank you for the reply. Glad to know I will pass IF I can get the codes to clear with repairs.

Question on the Drive Cycle. If I make the truck my daily driver for a week or so will this accomplish the same thing?

Thanks
 
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Old Jun 14, 2015 | 08:21 AM
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If you drive it around for a week, that will probably be sufficient to satisfy the drive cycle.
 
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Old Jun 14, 2015 | 10:01 AM
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Do check to see if you get any allowance for one or two (or whatever) incomplete monitors. It's pretty common to get a "freebie" or two for certain monitors and for certain year vehicles. Check your state's program particulars so you know what is needed.
 
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Old Jun 15, 2015 | 10:49 AM
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I'm not sure I understand what you mean.

The CT emissions agency told me on the phone this truck failed the three tests it is allowed, prior to my buying it. I assume that meant either I pass now, spend some $900 to meet the minimum expenditure (for a truck I paid $1600 for) or the truck is off the road for good.

Explain, please.
 
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Old Jun 15, 2015 | 12:30 PM
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You need to determine what constitutes a "Pass" under your state's particular program. Most programs across the country include an allowance for monitors (self-tests) that have not yet run or completed as long as the rest have passed.

You will need to dig that information up either by calling or contacting a testing facility or the department responsible for administering the emissions compliance program or by digging up the testing criteria yourself. It's usually posted on the website of that department.
 
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Old Jun 15, 2015 | 02:27 PM
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Originally Posted by projectSHO89
You need to determine what constitutes a "Pass" under your state's particular program.
So, they may allow some vehicle monitor tests to slide by as long as there is no engine light on, correct?

That will still kill the deal regardless.
 
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Old Jun 15, 2015 | 02:51 PM
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Okay, you really need to CALL THEM. I cannot answer those questions, the answers need to come from the authority having jurisdiction.

I've given you enough hints on what to look for, it's now time to get off your backside and DO YOUR RESEARCH.
 
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Old Jun 16, 2015 | 11:48 AM
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I'm 99% sure you do not get any free passes with the monitors (in CT, anyway). All the monitors need to be ready, or your truck will not pass.

Also, something isn't adding up. You said the previous owner couldn't get it to pass emissions, so he sold it to you two YEARS ago, and you never got it tested since then? When you registered the truck two years ago, the DMV should've told you right then that it was due for a test and that you had 30 days to get it done, or else your registration is invalid. I don't understand how you went another two years and only just now are finally getting it tested. You've been driving with an invalid registration for the past two years.

CT Emissions
 
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Old Jun 16, 2015 | 01:20 PM
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I'm 99% sure you do not get any free passes with the monitors (in CT, anyway). All the monitors need to be ready, or your truck will not pass.
You should probably go get the exact information because you are 100% incorrect.
 
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Old Jun 16, 2015 | 01:49 PM
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Originally Posted by projectSHO89
You should probably go get the exact information because you are 100% incorrect.
Since you apparently have and know the information, why don't you show it to me? I said that I'm almost positive that that's the rule IN CT, not in every state. I didn't know everyone in St Louis knew everything about CT emissions rules.
 
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Old Jun 16, 2015 | 02:32 PM
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The internet has no bounds. I found the information online in less than five minutes, but I'll leave you folks the challenge of navigating your own state's resources.

Seriously, just call an authorized testing station and ask about the specific vehicle in question that the OP is concerned with.
 
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