Illinois Emissions Compliance

"The attention to detail and customer service. Greg is a great mechanic and has always taken the time to keep on top of things to avoid potential problems down the road.”

Alexandria G. in Island Lake, IL


air team logoIn Illinois, a vehicle emissions test is required every two years for many original registrations, as well as for annual registration renewals. Renewal notices are sent annually to vehicle owners, and indicate whether and by what date an emissions test must be completed.

Lund Automotive Service and Repair can address the repairs needed to restore your vehicle in compliance with Illinois's emissions standards. Our experienced technicians and diagnostic equipment will quickly remedy your issues and make sure you pass your next test!

VEHICLES THAT REQUIRE AN EMISSIONS TEST

  • A vehicle requires an emissions test when:
  • It is a 1996 model or newer and is four years or older.
  • It runs on gasoline and is passenger vehicle.
  • It is a light or heavy duty truck or bus.

Why did my vehicle fail the emissions test?

In the case of an OBD test (On-Board Diagnostics see below for OBD definition), there are three main reasons for failure:

  1. The OBD system reported an emissions-related malfunction, as indicated by stored diagnostic trouble codes and illumination of the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (“MIL”),(also referred to as the “check engine” light) on the dashboard;
  2. The OBD system is inoperative; or,
  3. The Diagnostic Link Connector (“DLC”) is damaged, inaccessible, or missing.

When vehicles fail an emissions test, motorists are given several documents that will assist them in determining their next steps:

  • A Vehicle Inspection Report
  • A Repair Data Form

The Vehicle Inspection Report provides details about the specific tests performed and the test results, which helps a technician diagnose and repair the vehicle.

The Repair Data Form must be completed and provided to the test inspector before a retest will be performed. Vehicles returning for a retest without complete repair data are rejected. It is helpful, and sometimes necessary, that motorists bring itemized receipts for all work that was done.

My vehicle failed. What do I do now?

Vehicles that fail an emissions test need to be repaired and retested.

At Lund Automotive Repair and Service our trained and experienced technicians are equipped to repair emissions-related failures. The diagnosis and repair of emissions problems has emerged as a specialty in automotive repair and can involve the repair or replacement of multiple components. This can be very challenging -- even to veteran technicians. Statistics indicate most emissions failures cannot be solved by simple tune-ups.

Bring The Vehicle Inspection Report provided by the emissions station when you bring your vehicle for Lund to bring your vehicle to state requirements. Thus report will give our technicians a list of the diagnostic trouble codes that were stored in your vehicles on-board computer at the time of the emissions test. This information will help diagnose the problem that caused the vehicle to fail the test. But, the report does not identify what component(s) are malfunctioning.

While this information is helpful, it cannot pinpoint the actual repairs that must be made. Our technicians use this information, combined with training and experience and possibly further diagnostic testing, to determine what repairs will be needed.

Usually the Secretary of State requires you to bring your vehicle in for retesting within 30 days of your vehicles failure to pass the initial emissions test. We recommend setting an appoint as soon as possible to ensure we can determine the least expensive options to bring your vehicle in compliance and on the road.

Understanding On-Board Diagnostics (OBD)

The purpose of the OBD system is to ensure proper emission control system operation for the life of the vehicle by monitoring emissions related components and systems for deterioration and malfunction. Federal regulations establish requirements for on-board diagnostic (OBD) systems on light duty vehicles and light duty trucks.

OBD turns on a special warning light on the dashboard called a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) when it finds a fault that may cause high engine or evaporative emissions.

When the MIL is on, it means that something is wrong with the emissions system that requires repair.

If the MIL is flashing, prompt service is required.

Manufacturers cover emission control systems for varying periods, and your vehicle repairs may be covered by warranty.


Content, guidelines and recommendations derived from Illinois Environmental Protection Agency at: www.epa.illinois.gov

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Lund Automotive Service & Repair
847-639-9593
info@lundautocare.com
9419 Doyle Rd.
Fox River Grove, IL 60021
Hours: Monday-Friday 8 A.M. to 5 P.M.
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