Inspection/Maintenance System Check: Description

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2016 GMC Acadia, 2016 Chevrolet Traverse, and 2016 Buick Enclave. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Several states require that a vehicle pass on-board diagnostic (OBD) system tests and inspection/maintenance (I/M) emission inspections in order to renew license plates. This is accomplished by viewing the Inspection/Maintenance System Status or Data display on a scan tool. Using a scan tool, the technician can observe the I/M status in order to verify that the vehicle meets the criteria that complies with the local area requirements.

While testing in the I/M System Status mode, some DTCs may occur that are called I/M Test DTCs. An I/M Test DTC is defined as a fault code that is currently commanding the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) ON, and is stored in non-volatile memory. The intended use of this data is to prevent vehicles from passing I/M inspection without proper repair to the vehicle. These fault codes are not erasable from any scan tool command or by disconnecting power to the controller. I/M Test DTCs are supported by all emissions related electronic control units, such as engine control modules (ECMs), transmission control modules (TCMs), fuel pump control modules, etc. An I/M Test DTC will not be stored or erased from the electronic control unit except at the end of trip processing which occurs 5 s after ignition OFF.