, Question 1
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.
C. Issue a conditional pass pending a 15-mile drive cycle.
D. Perform a tailpipe test instead, as OBD inspection is invalid.
Correct Answer: B - Fail the vehicle because more than two
monitors are incomplete.
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.
Question 2
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.
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.
Correct Answer: A - Perform a two-speed idle tailpipe test and
visual inspection.
Page 2
, 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.
Question 3
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.
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.
Correct Answer: A - It confirms the bulb is not burned out and
that the PCM can command it on.
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.
Question 4
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.
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
Page 3
, conditionally.
Correct Answer: A - Fail the vehicle for tampering and refer to
the EPA.
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.
Question 5
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.
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.
Correct Answer: A - Pass, because both HC and CO are below
limits at both speeds.
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.
Question 6
Which OBD-II monitor is typically the last to complete its readiness check
after a battery disconnect or PCM reset?
A. Catalyst monitor
Page 4
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.
C. Issue a conditional pass pending a 15-mile drive cycle.
D. Perform a tailpipe test instead, as OBD inspection is invalid.
Correct Answer: B - Fail the vehicle because more than two
monitors are incomplete.
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.
Question 2
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.
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.
Correct Answer: A - Perform a two-speed idle tailpipe test and
visual inspection.
Page 2
, 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.
Question 3
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.
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.
Correct Answer: A - It confirms the bulb is not burned out and
that the PCM can command it on.
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.
Question 4
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.
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
Page 3
, conditionally.
Correct Answer: A - Fail the vehicle for tampering and refer to
the EPA.
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.
Question 5
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.
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.
Correct Answer: A - Pass, because both HC and CO are below
limits at both speeds.
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.
Question 6
Which OBD-II monitor is typically the last to complete its readiness check
after a battery disconnect or PCM reset?
A. Catalyst monitor
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