Inspection/Maintenance System Check: Description

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Several states require that a vehicle pass on-board diagnostic (OBD) system tests and the inspection/maintenance (I/M) emission inspection in order to renew license plates. This is accomplished by viewing the I/M System Status display on a scan tool. Using a scan tool, the technician can observe the I/M System 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 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 erasable by disconnecting power to the controller. The I/M Test DTCs will be supported by all emissions related ECUs such as ECMs, TCMs, FPCMs, etc. An I/M Test DTC will not be stored or erased from the ECU except at the end of trip processing which occurs 5 s after ignition OFF.