Will My Car Fail Emissions If the Service Engine Soon Light Is On?

If your service engine soon light is on, you might be worried about passing your emissions test. Many drivers wonder, “Will my car fail emissions if the service engine soon light is on?” The short answer is: probably. Let’s delve deeper into the connection between that glowing warning light and your car’s emissions.

A service engine soon light can illuminate for hundreds of reasons, from a loose gas cap to a serious engine problem. Some of these issues directly impact your car’s emissions, while others don’t. But because the check engine light acts as a general warning, the emissions testing system is designed to fail a vehicle if it’s on. This is a precautionary measure to ensure that vehicles on the road are meeting environmental standards. Understanding the relationship between the service engine soon light, your car’s emissions system, and the emissions test is crucial for any car owner. This article will explore the various scenarios and provide clarity on what to expect.

Why Does the Service Engine Soon Light Matter for Emissions?

The service engine soon light is triggered by your car’s On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) system. This system constantly monitors various components related to engine performance and emissions. When the OBD system detects a potential problem, it illuminates the service engine soon light and stores a diagnostic trouble code (DTC). During an emissions test, the testing equipment connects to your car’s OBD system and checks for these stored codes. If a code related to emissions is present, the test will likely fail.

You can learn more about the various service lights by reading about what the service light on a car means.

Common Issues That Trigger the Service Engine Soon Light and Affect Emissions

Several issues can trigger the service engine soon light and directly affect your car’s emissions. These include:

• Faulty oxygen sensor: Oxygen sensors play a vital role in regulating the air-fuel mixture. A malfunctioning sensor can lead to an inefficient combustion process, increasing emissions.
• Damaged catalytic converter: The catalytic converter converts harmful pollutants in exhaust gases into less harmful substances. A damaged converter can’t perform this function effectively, resulting in higher emissions.
• Evaporative emissions system leaks: Leaks in the evaporative emissions system, such as a loose or cracked gas cap, allow fuel vapors to escape into the atmosphere.
• Malfunctioning Mass Airflow (MAF) sensor: The MAF sensor measures the amount of air entering the engine. A faulty MAF sensor can disrupt the air-fuel ratio, leading to increased emissions.
• Ignition system problems: Issues with spark plugs, ignition coils, or other ignition components can lead to incomplete combustion and increased emissions.

Do you know when your new car needs servicing? Find out more about when to service your new car.

Vehicle Emissions Testing Procedure

What to Do If Your Service Engine Soon Light Is On

If your service engine soon light is on, the first step is to get a diagnostic scan. This scan will retrieve the diagnostic trouble codes stored in the OBD system, pinpointing the issue. You can then address the underlying problem and have the code cleared. Remember, even after fixing the problem, the service engine soon light may remain illuminated until the code is cleared.

If you’re curious about why your service engine light is on, you can read more about why the service engine light is on.

Can I Drive With the Service Engine Soon Light On?

While you can sometimes drive with the service engine soon light on, it’s not recommended. Some issues, like a loose gas cap, are minor. Others, however, can indicate serious engine problems that, if ignored, can lead to costly repairs. It’s essential to understand what does service engine soon on a car mean.

Car Diagnostic Procedure with OBD Scanner

Conclusion

So, will your car fail emissions if the service engine soon light is on? In most cases, yes. The presence of the light indicates a potential problem, and emissions testing facilities are programmed to fail vehicles with active diagnostic trouble codes related to emissions. It’s crucial to address the underlying issue causing the light to illuminate before your emissions test. Don’t forget to clear the diagnostic trouble code after the repair, ensuring your vehicle is ready to pass. For further information about throttle service, you can explore what is throttle service on a car.

FAQ

1. Can I reset the service engine soon light myself? Yes, you can often reset the light using an OBD-II scanner. However, this only temporarily turns off the light. The light will come back on if the underlying problem isn’t fixed.
2. How much does it cost to fix a service engine soon light issue? The cost varies greatly depending on the underlying problem. It can range from a few dollars for a loose gas cap to thousands of dollars for major engine repairs.
3. How often should I get my car’s emissions tested? Emission testing frequency varies by state and local regulations. Check your local DMV for specific requirements.
4. Will a loose gas cap cause my car to fail emissions? Yes, a loose or damaged gas cap can trigger the service engine soon light and cause an emissions test failure.
5. Can I pass emissions with a check engine light on if it’s not related to emissions? Technically, no. Even if the code isn’t directly related to emissions, the presence of any active diagnostic trouble code will likely cause an emissions test failure.
6. What happens if I fail my emissions test? Most states allow you to make repairs and retest within a specific time frame. There may be a fee for the retest.
7. Can I get an extension on my emissions test if my car needs repairs? Some states offer waivers or extensions under specific circumstances. Contact your local DMV for details.

Need assistance with your car’s service engine soon light or emissions? Contact us via WhatsApp: +1(641)206-8880 or Email: [email protected]. Our customer support team is available 24/7.