,Q1 INTERPRET OBD-II MONITOR READINESS AND DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES TO
DETERMINE INSPECTION PASS/FAIL STATUS
During an OBD-II inspection on a 2010 model year vehicle, the scan tool reports
that the catalyst monitor, oxygen sensor monitor, and EGR monitor are all 'not
ready.' The vehicle has no stored DTCs and the MIL is off. According to Virginia
inspection regulations, what is the most appropriate action?
A. Pass the vehicle because there are no DTCs and the MIL is off.
B. Fail the vehicle because more than two monitors are incomplete. CORRECT
C. Issue a conditional pass pending a 15-mile drive cycle.
D. Perform a tailpipe test instead, as OBD inspection is invalid.
RATIONALE: Virginia regulations require that all applicable non-continuous monitors be 'ready'
(complete) for model year 2001 and newer vehicles. If more than one monitor is not ready, the
vehicle fails the OBD inspection. No DTCs and MIL off do not override readiness requirements.
Q2 INTERPRET OBD-II MONITOR READINESS AND DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES TO
DETERMINE INSPECTION PASS/FAIL STATUS
A technician is inspecting a 1998 model year vehicle in Northern Virginia. The
vehicle is OBD-I equipped but the scan tool cannot communicate with the PCM.
What is the correct inspection procedure?
A. Perform a two-speed idle tailpipe test and visual inspection. CORRECT
B. Fail the vehicle immediately due to communication failure.
C. Refer the vehicle to a state referee station.
D. Conduct an OBD-II readiness check with a different scan tool.
RATIONALE: For pre-1996 vehicles or those not OBD-II compliant, Virginia requires a tailpipe
test (two-speed idle) and visual inspection. Communication failure with OBD-I does not
automatically fail the vehicle; the inspector must use the appropriate test method.
Page 2
,Q3 INTERPRET OBD-II MONITOR READINESS AND DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES TO
DETERMINE INSPECTION PASS/FAIL STATUS
Which of the following best describes the purpose of the 'MIL' (Malfunction
Indicator Lamp) illumination check during a Virginia emissions inspection?
A. It confirms the bulb is not burned out and that the PCM can command it on. CORRECT
B. It verifies that the vehicle has no pending DTCs.
C. It ensures the vehicle's anti-theft system is disabled.
D. It tests the alternator output under load.
RATIONALE: The MIL check ensures the bulb is functional and the PCM can illuminate it. If the
MIL is commanded on during the key-on engine-off (KOEO) test, it indicates the PCM is capable
of warning the driver. A burned-out bulb can mask emissions faults.
Q4 INTERPRET OBD-II MONITOR READINESS AND DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES TO
DETERMINE INSPECTION PASS/FAIL STATUS
During a visual inspection, an inspector notices that the catalytic converter is
missing and a straight pipe has been welded in its place. According to Virginia
regulations, what is the correct action?
A. Fail the vehicle for tampering and refer to the EPA. CORRECT
B. Pass the vehicle if it meets tailpipe standards.
C. Issue a waiver because the converter is not required on older vehicles.
D. Advise the owner to replace the converter within 30 days and pass conditionally.
RATIONALE: Tampering with emissions control devices, such as removing a catalytic converter,
is a violation of both federal and Virginia regulations. The vehicle must fail inspection, and the
inspector should report the tampering to the EPA or DEQ.
Page 3
, Q5 INTERPRET OBD-II MONITOR READINESS AND DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES TO
DETERMINE INSPECTION PASS/FAIL STATUS
A vehicle undergoes a two-speed idle tailpipe test. At idle, HC is 180 ppm and CO
is 0.8%. At 2500 rpm, HC is 120 ppm and CO is 0.5%. The applicable standards are:
idle HC 220 ppm, CO 1.2%; high idle HC 220 ppm, CO 1.2%. What is the
inspection result?
A. Pass, because both HC and CO are below limits at both speeds. CORRECT
B. Fail, because HC at idle exceeds the standard.
C. Fail, because CO at high idle exceeds the standard.
D. Pass, but only if the MIL is off.
RATIONALE: Both HC and CO readings at idle and high idle are below the specified limits.
Therefore, the vehicle passes the tailpipe test, provided other inspection elements (visual,
functional) are also satisfactory.
Q6 INTERPRET OBD-II MONITOR READINESS AND DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES TO
DETERMINE INSPECTION PASS/FAIL STATUS
Which OBD-II monitor is typically the last to complete its readiness check after a
battery disconnect or PCM reset?
A. Catalyst monitor
B. Oxygen sensor monitor
C. EVAP monitor CORRECT
D. Misfire monitor
RATIONALE: The EVAP monitor requires specific conditions (fuel level, temperature, etc.) and
often takes the longest to run. The catalyst and oxygen sensor monitors may complete sooner,
but EVAP is notoriously slow, sometimes requiring multiple drive cycles.
Page 4
DETERMINE INSPECTION PASS/FAIL STATUS
During an OBD-II inspection on a 2010 model year vehicle, the scan tool reports
that the catalyst monitor, oxygen sensor monitor, and EGR monitor are all 'not
ready.' The vehicle has no stored DTCs and the MIL is off. According to Virginia
inspection regulations, what is the most appropriate action?
A. Pass the vehicle because there are no DTCs and the MIL is off.
B. Fail the vehicle because more than two monitors are incomplete. CORRECT
C. Issue a conditional pass pending a 15-mile drive cycle.
D. Perform a tailpipe test instead, as OBD inspection is invalid.
RATIONALE: Virginia regulations require that all applicable non-continuous monitors be 'ready'
(complete) for model year 2001 and newer vehicles. If more than one monitor is not ready, the
vehicle fails the OBD inspection. No DTCs and MIL off do not override readiness requirements.
Q2 INTERPRET OBD-II MONITOR READINESS AND DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES TO
DETERMINE INSPECTION PASS/FAIL STATUS
A technician is inspecting a 1998 model year vehicle in Northern Virginia. The
vehicle is OBD-I equipped but the scan tool cannot communicate with the PCM.
What is the correct inspection procedure?
A. Perform a two-speed idle tailpipe test and visual inspection. CORRECT
B. Fail the vehicle immediately due to communication failure.
C. Refer the vehicle to a state referee station.
D. Conduct an OBD-II readiness check with a different scan tool.
RATIONALE: For pre-1996 vehicles or those not OBD-II compliant, Virginia requires a tailpipe
test (two-speed idle) and visual inspection. Communication failure with OBD-I does not
automatically fail the vehicle; the inspector must use the appropriate test method.
Page 2
,Q3 INTERPRET OBD-II MONITOR READINESS AND DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES TO
DETERMINE INSPECTION PASS/FAIL STATUS
Which of the following best describes the purpose of the 'MIL' (Malfunction
Indicator Lamp) illumination check during a Virginia emissions inspection?
A. It confirms the bulb is not burned out and that the PCM can command it on. CORRECT
B. It verifies that the vehicle has no pending DTCs.
C. It ensures the vehicle's anti-theft system is disabled.
D. It tests the alternator output under load.
RATIONALE: The MIL check ensures the bulb is functional and the PCM can illuminate it. If the
MIL is commanded on during the key-on engine-off (KOEO) test, it indicates the PCM is capable
of warning the driver. A burned-out bulb can mask emissions faults.
Q4 INTERPRET OBD-II MONITOR READINESS AND DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES TO
DETERMINE INSPECTION PASS/FAIL STATUS
During a visual inspection, an inspector notices that the catalytic converter is
missing and a straight pipe has been welded in its place. According to Virginia
regulations, what is the correct action?
A. Fail the vehicle for tampering and refer to the EPA. CORRECT
B. Pass the vehicle if it meets tailpipe standards.
C. Issue a waiver because the converter is not required on older vehicles.
D. Advise the owner to replace the converter within 30 days and pass conditionally.
RATIONALE: Tampering with emissions control devices, such as removing a catalytic converter,
is a violation of both federal and Virginia regulations. The vehicle must fail inspection, and the
inspector should report the tampering to the EPA or DEQ.
Page 3
, Q5 INTERPRET OBD-II MONITOR READINESS AND DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES TO
DETERMINE INSPECTION PASS/FAIL STATUS
A vehicle undergoes a two-speed idle tailpipe test. At idle, HC is 180 ppm and CO
is 0.8%. At 2500 rpm, HC is 120 ppm and CO is 0.5%. The applicable standards are:
idle HC 220 ppm, CO 1.2%; high idle HC 220 ppm, CO 1.2%. What is the
inspection result?
A. Pass, because both HC and CO are below limits at both speeds. CORRECT
B. Fail, because HC at idle exceeds the standard.
C. Fail, because CO at high idle exceeds the standard.
D. Pass, but only if the MIL is off.
RATIONALE: Both HC and CO readings at idle and high idle are below the specified limits.
Therefore, the vehicle passes the tailpipe test, provided other inspection elements (visual,
functional) are also satisfactory.
Q6 INTERPRET OBD-II MONITOR READINESS AND DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES TO
DETERMINE INSPECTION PASS/FAIL STATUS
Which OBD-II monitor is typically the last to complete its readiness check after a
battery disconnect or PCM reset?
A. Catalyst monitor
B. Oxygen sensor monitor
C. EVAP monitor CORRECT
D. Misfire monitor
RATIONALE: The EVAP monitor requires specific conditions (fuel level, temperature, etc.) and
often takes the longest to run. The catalyst and oxygen sensor monitors may complete sooner,
but EVAP is notoriously slow, sometimes requiring multiple drive cycles.
Page 4
