In the USA, auto Inspection requirements vary from one state to another. Here in Massachusetts, the auto inspection requisite is annual, with a “central” computer interactively determining the specific details of the procedure.
In the past, every second year, cars registered in Massachusetts needed to pass an emissions test that involved realistic driving conditions on hills, simulated on a dynamometer. Several years ago, the results of this test were determined to be bogus, and it was eliminated. About 16 months ago, the test was re-established for vehicles 1996 and older. The OBD (on-board diagnostic) computer in newer cars provides the required information for emissions, and precludes the need for dynamometer testing with those vehicles.
Today, I was informed that the State central computer (the “Wizard of Oz”) had requested a dynamometer test for my 2001 Insight. This occurred at a local, medium sized repair facility with state-of-the-art capabilities. They informed me that this was the first, post-1996 car that a dynamometer test had been requested for since the latest guidelines had been established. After several attempts at the dynamometer routine, the local computer (networked with the “wizard”) was told that the exhaust emissions were not realistic. In other words, the wizard suspected “clean piping”, which is a means of fudging the results, apparently sometimes illegally used to pass a “dirty vehicle”.
Apparently, the “wizard” was eventually satisfied, and despite 5 deg. F outdoor temperatures at the time of the inspection, my report indicated that the hydrocarbon emissions were 0.25% of the limit, and the Carbon Monoxide limits were 7% of the limit. The NOx emissions were 0.00.
On a positive note, this ordeal prompted the proprietor to a discussion with me about hydrogen fuel cell vehicles of the future.
Since for me, the nearest Honda dealer is across the state line in nearby New Hampshire, it's more convenient to get the state inspection at a local facility.
Considering that our Honda Insights will always be esoteric, it is possible that the person who performs the state inspection (at a venue other than a Honda dealer) has never seen one before.
I would therefore suggest that before having your Insight inspected, you set the odometer to “lifetime” mode, and politely offer assistance if it's needed. Then, say a silent prayer that nothing will be destroyed in the process.
For me, every annual inspection has been an adventure.
I’d be interested in hearing if any other Massachusetts residents have had a dynamometer test requirement for inspection in the past year.
In the past, every second year, cars registered in Massachusetts needed to pass an emissions test that involved realistic driving conditions on hills, simulated on a dynamometer. Several years ago, the results of this test were determined to be bogus, and it was eliminated. About 16 months ago, the test was re-established for vehicles 1996 and older. The OBD (on-board diagnostic) computer in newer cars provides the required information for emissions, and precludes the need for dynamometer testing with those vehicles.
Today, I was informed that the State central computer (the “Wizard of Oz”) had requested a dynamometer test for my 2001 Insight. This occurred at a local, medium sized repair facility with state-of-the-art capabilities. They informed me that this was the first, post-1996 car that a dynamometer test had been requested for since the latest guidelines had been established. After several attempts at the dynamometer routine, the local computer (networked with the “wizard”) was told that the exhaust emissions were not realistic. In other words, the wizard suspected “clean piping”, which is a means of fudging the results, apparently sometimes illegally used to pass a “dirty vehicle”.
Apparently, the “wizard” was eventually satisfied, and despite 5 deg. F outdoor temperatures at the time of the inspection, my report indicated that the hydrocarbon emissions were 0.25% of the limit, and the Carbon Monoxide limits were 7% of the limit. The NOx emissions were 0.00.
On a positive note, this ordeal prompted the proprietor to a discussion with me about hydrogen fuel cell vehicles of the future.
Since for me, the nearest Honda dealer is across the state line in nearby New Hampshire, it's more convenient to get the state inspection at a local facility.
Considering that our Honda Insights will always be esoteric, it is possible that the person who performs the state inspection (at a venue other than a Honda dealer) has never seen one before.
I would therefore suggest that before having your Insight inspected, you set the odometer to “lifetime” mode, and politely offer assistance if it's needed. Then, say a silent prayer that nothing will be destroyed in the process.
For me, every annual inspection has been an adventure.
I’d be interested in hearing if any other Massachusetts residents have had a dynamometer test requirement for inspection in the past year.
