Join the community and post your question. Use our Ask-A-Tech for free now! ASE experts standing by.

Forum > Failed Smog Test > Question

Chrysler Town & Country check engine light came on during test but not on now

My 1994 Chrysler Town & County (85,000 miles) passed all tests at Test Only center but was failed due to check engine light going on during the test. Got in my car and no check engine light was on. Guy said it came on during the test so he had to fail it. Took it to mechanic and he said he can't do anything because the light isn't on so there's no problem. What do I do?
Answer:

You'll need to have an auto mechanic who specializes in smog check repairs diagnose your Chrysler. Truth is even thought the check engine light is not on now, check engine light trouble codes have been stored in your vehicle's engine control computer. Those trouble codes can be extracted using a trouble code scanner, and then used to diagnose the specific emissions system they pertain to. The average mechanic who does not understand auto emissions systems does not know this. Code that trigger the check engine light on intermittently are called soft codes, as opposed to hard codes which trigger the check engine light on constantly. posted by SmogTips Support

Related questions and answers you might find useful:

How Do I Get a Smog Check Waiver? by Margaret

Do I Need a Smog Check This Year? by Joy

Mini Cooper DMV Registration Due in 5 Day Won't Pass Smog by anne

2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo with K&N Air Filter by David

1995 BMW M3 Gross Polluter High HC & NO @ 15MPH by Jared

View SmogTips.com in: Desktop / Mobile