67 Pa. Code § 177.203 - Test procedures
(a)
I/M emission test procedures.
(1)
Idle testing. Idle tests
of all model year subject vehicles shall be performed in accordance with the
procedures in 40 CFR Part 51 , Subpart S, Appendix B(I) and (II) (relating to
test procedures-idle tests) which is adopted by reference, and Appendix A
(relating to simulation mode: Pennsylvania procedures, standards, equipment
specifications and quality control requirements). The following steps shall be
taken when testing subject vehicles:
(i)
Emission test data shall be entered into the analyzer by a certified emission
inspection inspector using the bar coded vehicle registration card or the
alpha-numeric keyboard in the sequence specified.
(ii) Idle tests shall be either one-speed or
two speed as specified in §
177.51(f)
(relating to program requirements).
(2)
ASM test. The ASM test
of 1981 and newer model year subject vehicles shall be performed in accordance
with the ASM test procedure and specifications and quality assurance
requirements contained in Appendix A. The ASM test procedure, including
algorithms and other procedural details, shall be approved by the EPA prior to
use in the I/M program of the Commonwealth. Special test algorithms and
pass/fail algorithms may be employed to reduce test time when the test outcome
is predictable with near certainty, if approved by the EPA.
(3)
Evaporative system function
tests. Evaporative system functions tests, including an evaporative
system pressure test and an evaporative system purge test on 1981 and newer
model year subject vehicles, shall be administered on subject vehicles
registered in Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties
upon notification to the Department of EPA approved procedures and will be
conducted based on the procedures approved by the Department.
(b)
OBD-I/M
check.
(1)
Readiness
requirement for a valid OBD-I/M check. An initial scan of the OBD
system should determine the status of all readiness codes.
(i) A status indication of "not ready," "not
supported" or similar message for one or more of the continuous monitors (that
is, misfire, fuel trim or comprehensive components), may be disregarded for
readiness determination purposes only and the OBD-I/M check can
proceed.
(ii) For model year
1996-2000 vehicles, a status indication of "not ready," "not supported" or
similar message for two or fewer other readiness codes may be disregarded for
readiness determination purposes only and the OBD-I/M check can
proceed.
(iii) For model year 2001
and newer vehicles, a status indication of "not ready" or "not supported" for
no more than one other readiness code may be disregarded for readiness
determination purposes only and the OBD-I/M check can proceed.
(iv) The readiness requirement may also be
waived or otherwise accommodated for specific makes, models, and model years of
vehicles with known readiness design problems, in accordance with applicable
technical service bulletins or EPA guidance, or both. The Bureau will advise
all participating stations by station bulletin whether the readiness
requirements can be waived or otherwise accommodated for specific makes, models
and model years of vehicles.
(2)
Performing the OBD-I/M
check. Following a determination of readiness, the seven step
procedure delineated below shall be used when performing an OBD-I/M check:
(i) Initiate the official test by scanning or
manually inputting the required vehicle and owner information.
(ii) Visually examine the vehicle instrument
panel to determine if the MIL illuminates briefly when the ignition key is
turned to the "key on, engine off" (KOEO) position. A brief period of
illumination of the MIL at start-up is normal and helps confirm the MIL bulb is
in proper operating condition. This portion of the test procedure is also known
as the "bulb check." Enter the results of the bulb check for downloading into
the VIID.
(iii) Locate the
vehicle's data link connector (DLC) and plug the scan tool into the connector.
While it is recommended that this step be performed with the ignition in the
"off" position, this step can also be performed with the vehicle
running.
(iv) Start the vehicle's
engine so that the vehicle is in the "key on, engine running" (KOER) condition.
The MIL may illuminate and then extinguish during this phase. Continued
illumination of the MIL (MIL commanded on) while the engine is running is cause
for failure of the OBD-I/M check under §
177.204(2)
(relating to basis for failure).
(v) With the scan tool in the "generic OBD"
mode, follow the scan tool manufacturer's instructions to determine vehicle
readiness status, MIL status (whether commanded on or off), and diagnostic
trouble codes (DTCs) for those vehicles with the MIL commanded on.
(vi) The results of the OBD-I/M check will be
transferred automatically to the VIID.
(vii) Without clearing DTCs or readiness
codes, turn off the vehicle ignition and then disconnect the scan tool.
Procedure for clearing codes as necessary is included in §
177.271 (relating to
procedure).
(c)
Gas cap test procedures. The gas cap test will be conducted
using test equipment approved by the Department, in accordance with the
manufacturer's instructions.
(d)
Visual inspection procedures.
(1) A visual inspection of the vehicle
emission control system shall look for the presence of the following emission
control devices:
(i) Catalytic
converter.
(ii) Exhaust gas
recirculation (EGR) valve.
(iii)
Positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve.
(iv) Fuel inlet restrictor.
(v) Air pump.
(vi) Evaporative control system
components.
(2) Visual
inspections shall be performed through direct observation or through indirect
observation, using a mirror or other visual aid.
(3) Inspections shall include a determination
as to whether each subject device is present and appears to be properly
connected and to be the correct type for the certified configuration.
(e)
Subsequent test
procedures approved by the EPA. If the EPA develops or approves other
test procedures, including test procedures prescribed in this section, the
Department may adopt these subsequently approved test procedures consistent
with section 4706(e) of the Vehicle Code (relating to prohibition on
expenditures for emission inspection program).
Notes
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No prior version found.