In Texas besides the emission testing we are required to have a safety test of the vehicle hence the Department of Public Safety vehicle inspection. Like Bluejay said they check the brakes, the steering, speedometer, the seat belts, the wipers and all the lights, check the brake fluid level and belts and hoses when they get back hey look at the tires, check for exhaust leaks and then they hook up the machines and let it idle. The gas cap check is part of the emission testing except back in the old days of leaded gas they would check to see if you punched out the filler neck to use the larger leaded gas pump nozzels because the gas was cheaper than the unleaded gas and it was a first clue of you removing the catalytic converter.

 

One thing to remember is that *EVERY* time you reprogram the ECM, it erases the OBDII drive cycle test information. If you prefer to have your truck back to stock before an emissions test, you *MUST* complete the OBDII drive cycle to clear the Evaporative Emissions test or you *WILL FAIL* your emissions test. A good 30 mile drive (sometimes less) is usually sufficient enough to reset the cycle and pass the test.

In most cases, there's no reason to return the truck back to stock. The emissions test doesn't care if your truck is programmed or not. All it needs to know is that there are no OBDII P-Codes (DTCs) and the tailpipe is not spewing crud. Unless your programmer is really badly tuned, it should pass just fine.

Unfortunately Jon, returning your truck back to stock was the reason you initially failed the test. As you found out though, it wasn't too bad to get the truck back in shape to pass. Just keep it in mind for next year.

Happy Holidays to all.

 

Nice thing about 96 and newer they should just go off your OBD2 scan to see if you have any codes or a CEL. Some places may do a sniffer too I havent had my truck to emissions yet, but if they dont sniff, I may remove the cats and leave the cat housings on the exhaust and have them tuned out.

 

Thank you for the feedback, I now better understand what the test computer is looking for . I finally found the right place to go, where the tech. doesnt bother you about the window tint and was real informative about how his system worked. I was under the assumption that I may not pass on the performance tune, being that it would alter the truck from a stock tune. My experience with computer controlled vehicles is basic, I have always loved the antiques and clasics because of thier style and that they are easy to work on.

 

As much as I like fuel injection systems for the performance and efficiency, I really miss the days of carbs and distributors. 2 wires to run the engine... Coil and Alternator. What could be easier? *SIGH*

 

I sure agree with you on this Bill! But, I have to admit, the fuel injection system is much more precise, isn't it?

One thought - possibly you could put the caution about setting the tune back to stock before an emissions inspection on your webpage (maybe in the FAQs) - and, I'd certainly put it in the manual you've updated for the Gryphon. (Some of us actually read these things).

- Jack

 

Read.... THE MANUAL? Surely you jest?

I'll make sure to have Corey add it in the manual. I thought it was in there, but apparently not. I'll add it to the website, too. Good suggestion.

Catch ya later.

 

I know, it's a pretty "far-out" statement, isn't it?

- Jack

 

lol i fail like 2 or 3 of those inspection tests luckly i live in the great state of texas :-)

 

bringing this back to the top....

good to know i can leave the truck tuned when i go in....

does it reset the memory when you go from one level to another on a gryphon?

 

i'd say yes,at least it does when i go from tune to tune on my xcal, doesn't matter the device-the pcm with the new tune still needs some miles put on it.

 

very good to know

 

if memory serves me right,even with stock tune in, if you disconnected battery,then tried a emmision test immediately, you'd fail.

 

I think you're absolutely right on this Phil. I believe the PCM has to "relearn" its "idle strategy" (possibly among other things) if power to it is interrupted.

- Jack