PETER’S AUTO WORKS

VOLVO

DEQ TESTING

How often should the car be tested?

  • Every 2 years

  • The car should be tested before the year/month indicated on your license plate.

  • You can have the test performed 3 months prior to the end of the month on the plate.

Which years are eligible?

  • 1974 and older cars are not required to take the test.

  • 1975 to 1980 cars take the simple test (idle and 2500 RPM).

  • 1981 to 1995 are tested on a dynamometer (rollers) by DEQ staff. (enhanced test)

  • 1996 to present are hooked up to DEQ’s computer and checked electronically.

What is the Simple Test?  (1975-1980)

  • In the test lane you will be instructed to let the engine idle and then be instructed to hold the RPM at 2500 until the test is completed.

What is the Enhanced Test?  (1981-1995)

  • You will be instructed to stop the car in the lane, transmission in PARK, air conditioning off and handbrake on.

  • You will be instructed to leave the car and go to the waiting room.

  • A DEQ staff member will run the car on a dynamometer to simulate driving conditions.

  • A series of 4 traces (0-30-0 MPH) will be driven.

  • The emission levels on all 4 traces will be averaged to give a final result.

What is the OBD2 test?  (1996 – present)

  • You will be instructed to stop the car in the lane and go to the waiting room.

  • The car will be connected to the DEQ computer through the diagnostic test connector.

  • It will read the car computer’s memory to see if all emission values are met.

  • The car will pass with 2 or less “not ready” flags up.

  • The car will fail with 3 or more “not ready” flags up.

  • A “not ready” flag indicates that that portion of the emission control system is out of operating limits.

  • There are as many as 12 “readiness” flags depending on the make of car.

What if my car fails the OBD2 test?

  • If the failure is due the check engine light being on, the problem will have to be repaired and the light turned off before retesting.

  • If the car fails on OBD2, a complex drive cycle (a set sequence of driving conditions that must be done in a specific order) must be performed in order for the car to pass the test.

  • You may be told that if you drive the car for a few days it will run this drive cycle on it’s own. This is not true.

  • If your battery goes dead or the check engine light comes on and then is reset, the car will not pass DEQ until a drive cycle is performed.

What will automatically fail a car?

  • If the CHECK ENGINE light is on.

  • If the BRAKE FAILURE light is on.

  • If the exhaust is excessively loud or has major holes in it.

  • If there is visible blue or white smoke coming from the tailpipe.

  • If the drive tires are unsafe. (steel cord showing etc.)

Handy Hints

  • Make sure that the engine is completely warmed up.

  • Leave the engine running in line while you wait.

  • If you bring your completed registration form you will be able to get your tags at that time if the car passes the test.

One stop shopping

If we are servicing your car and you need to take the DEQ test we will run the car through for you. If the car is in for the DEQ test only, we will run it through as often as it takes to pass. This is obviously with your approval of necessary repairs. We will get your tags and install them if you include your completed registration with the car.

Please call 503-684-3188 to schedule an appointment

Close