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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
116
For states that require an Inspec-
tion and Maintenance (I/M), this
ch
eck verifies the “Malfunction
Indicator Light (MIL)” is func
-
tioning and is not on when the engine is
ru
nning, and that the OBD II system is ready
for testing.
Normally, the OBD II system will be ready.
Th
e OBD II system may not be ready if your
vehicle was recently serviced, recently had a
depleted battery or a battery replacement. If
the OBD II system should be determined not
ready for the I/M test, your vehicle may fail
the test.
Your vehicle has a simple ignition actuated
te
st, which you can use prior to going to the
test station. To check if your vehicle's OBD II
system is ready, you must do the following:
1. Cycle the ignition switch to the ON posi-
t
ion, but do not crank or start the engine.
NOTE:
If you crank or start the engine, you will have
t
o
start this test over.
2. As soon as you cycle the ignition switch
t
o the ON position, you will see the
“Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)”
symbol come on as part of a normal bulb
check.
3. Approximately 15 seconds later, one of
t
wo things will happen:
The MIL will flash for about 10
seconds and then return to being fully
illuminated until you turn OFF the
ignition or start the engine. This
means that your vehicle's OBD II
system is not ready and you should not
proceed to the I/M station.
The MIL will not flash at all and will
remain fully illuminated until you
place the ignition in the off position or
start the engine. This means that your
vehicle's OBD II system is ready and
you can proceed to the I/M station.
If your OBD II system is no
t ready, you should
see an authorized dealer or repair facility. If
your vehicle was recently serviced or had a
battery failure or replacement, you may need
to do nothing more than drive your vehicle as
you normally would in order for your OBD II
system to update. A recheck with the above
test routine may then indicate that the
system is now ready.
Regardless of whether your vehicle's OBD II
sy
stem is ready or not, if the MIL is illumi-
nated during normal vehicle operation you
s
h
ould have your vehicle serviced before
going to the I/M station. The I/M station can
fail your vehicle because the MIL is on with
the engine running.
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