Inspection Info - Description of the Tests

On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) Test

  1. The inspector will connect a cable to the Diagnostic Link Connector (DLC) located inside your vehicle. The test system will first communicate with the vehicle's Powertrain Control Module to verify that it has completed all checks of applicable systems and is in a testable state.
  2. When the OBD system runs its check on a particular group of components, it signifies this by setting a flag called a Readiness Monitors to Ready or Complete. For initial inspections, if the vehicle has no more than one readiness monitor Not Ready the OBD test will proceed. If there are 2-3 readiness monitors Not Ready the vehicle will receive a tailpipe test. In any case, 4 or more readiness monitors Not Ready will result in the vehicle being rejected from testing. However, if your vehicle is being re-inspected after previously failing the OBD test, and you have not had repair data submitted by an AirCare Certified Repair Centre, the vehicle will be rejected from testing if 2 or more readiness monitors are Not Ready.
  3. If the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) is commanded on by the OBD system (see MIL Command Status), the test system will download and record the faults stored in memory. This information will be printed on your Vehicle Inspection Report and the vehicle will receive a fail result.
  4. If your vehicle's OBD system has completed all of its system checks (no more than one readiness monitor Not Ready) and the MIL is not commanded on, the vehicle will pass the OBD inspection.

Watch a video describing the OBD test procedure.