My 2005 Buick Century failed a NJ state emission test. The inspection report says “This vehicle has failed the emissions inspection due to a communication problem with the On-Board Diagnostic system. To continue with the inspection process, the OBD system should be repaired and the vehicle re-inspected.”
I was told by my mechanic that only a GM dealer can make that kind of repair. Did anyone in the community have the same problem? Is it a costly repair? Can anyone give me a worst-case estimate? Can a licensed emmision repair garage use an old-fashioned method for checking emmissions?
When you bring the vehicle for emissions test, a scanner must be used to communicate with computer to determine if the readiness monitors for the various emission controls have completed. Or they’re ready to do their job.
If they can’t communicate, you fail the test.
Tester
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Could be something as simple as a blown fuse causing no communication at the data link connector.
Any competent mechanic can address this issue. Any mechanic who says this has to go to a dealer is way above his head being in this field.
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