Inspection Passed, 2016

Post by **MrAl** » 26 May 2016, 05:39

Hello guys,

Havent been here for a while, but wanted to report a successful inspection the other day. The inspection was finally up for this vehicle and so i took it in and got it inspected at a local garage. There was only one "inc" on the OBDII scan and this car can have up to two incomplete monitors and pass inspection. Had to replace a few things here and there months ago and then the monitors finally started flipping. Had a misfire once and the monitor caught it, but then reset by itself after some driving. I thought you always had to reset them manually.

There was a small catch though, and that is the garage guy reported two 'struts' needing replacement. How important is that considering there is no signs of bouncing or anything? Also, a report of "loose idler arm" although steering seems to be very very compliant. Total cost would be over 700 bucks.

But hey, did you hear, and i am sure you all did, that cars 1995 and older dont require inspection in New Jersey anymore? Whats up with that? Too bad i had to get rid of my 1988 junk

From what i understand, NO inspection at all required for those cars. Another three years 1998 and i would have had it made

Hopefully they up the year after another year or two.

I also see Robert starting another journey, that's cool !

Post by **MrAl** » 26 May 2016, 19:46

Hello again,

I almost forgot that one of the reasons i started this thread was to thank everyone here for the ideas and suggestions over the past year or so which helped me learn tricks that helped fix some of the problems that came up with this car especially those that affected the inspection issues.

So thanks to everyone that gave me ideas and suggestions for repairs and thanks to Robert for his very interesting and cool videos!

PS78 · Post by **PS78** » 27 May 2016, 16:48

Congratulations on passing your inspection. I'm from pa originally and I'll actually be returning in few months since my job had me down here in fl for a year. I'm very familiar with the yearly inspection process but had never really gotten the complete rundown on other states inspection procedures. I know it might not be popular to say it but I honestly favor car inspections. I don't think its a bad thing to have an honest shop go over a car once a year. We're all only human and an extra set of eyes double checking components is fine by me . In Pennsylvania they go by population density by county to determine the exact inspection you receive. For instance. Where I live the 2 checks are the safety and the visual emission and "gas cap" pressure test. More populated metro areas include the OBD2 checks, while the least populated counties only have a safety inspection hence the single windshield sticker. I'm almost positive (correct me if I'm wrong any pa members) that businesses selling cars have to have current inspections on a vehicle when its sold I may be wrong. But its an extra measure of integrity in my book. Now Florida on the other hand is a free for all, and if you see some of the condition of cars on the road here its unreal and unsafe. Anyway, lol now I'm wondering how all the individual states handle car inspections?

Post by **scot850** » 27 May 2016, 16:58

Idler arm wear on a P80 Volvo? Interesting, ask the shop to show you where on your car it is fitted unless they are using the term wrongly! I'd also get a second opinion on the struts needing done on that basis too. If there is no signs of leaking, you are not getting undue/abnormal wear on your tires, then the only other reason to swap is if there is significant rust on the spring seat.

Personally, I have no issue on annual inspections. We have none up here in Alberta, unless a vehicle is being brought into the province. I find it hard coming from the UK where any car over 3 years old had to have an annual inspection, including emissions, brake roller testing, headlight alignment and more. At least it meant cars were getting a thorough check over once a year. Here it is up to you.

Neil.

PS78 · Post by **PS78** » 27 May 2016, 17:37

The idler arm puzzled me as well. Wasn't 100% sure but I kept picturing an old truck. That's intersting hearing about the inspections in the UK. Headlight alignment makes good sense as a safety measure. Neil I'm not sure how you feel about your province not requiring the yearly inspection and leaving the responsibility of vehicle condition up to the owner(s) I realize the majority of people take care of their cars at least for their own good, but there's always going to be some who ultimately will travel with bald tires, worn out brakes,etc and with no checks in place nothing to prevent it. So I'm a proponent.

Post by **MrAl** » 27 May 2016, 20:34

Hi again,

Ok, i think it was the "tie rod end" sorry about that. The tie rod end was loose, but he didnt say how bad it really was.
I checked again today and there is absolutely no play in the wheel when driving down a smooth road. Turning the wheel even the tiniest amount makes the car shift position slightly as expected, and no clicking noise or anything like that.
I'll ask to see that when i bring it in.
Also strange is that suddenly the shift release button sticks in so that you cant get the key out sometimes.

In NJ the inspection is every two years, but for new vehicles that does not start until after 5 years i think (that's brand new not just new to you). Cars 1995 and older need no inspection, strange as that sounds. Some vehicles over something like 8000 pounds dont need inspection of they are up to year 2000 or something like that. The details are on the NJ Motor Vehicle site somewhere.