Suggestions on passing inspection

Hi Guys,

I'm a newbie here and do not have an automotive background but I am quite handy. I live in NJ and my 2000 taco is up for inspection. It has 234,000 miles on it and runs great. Here's the problem. The check engine light is on and NJ will fail you immediately if the light is on. My mechanic told me the code is indicating the cat needs replacement. On my truck there are 2 cats and the cost would be $2000 +.

The truck is running fine and I want to keep it on the road but don't want to drop $2000 on the truck. When my mechanic turns of the engine light it is random as to when it comes back on. I also know I can and have pulled the 20 amp EFI fuse to reset the check engine light.

Other than trying to get through inspection hoping the light does not come on are there any suggestions from the group that may help.

Thanks,
-Mike

 

I doubt you are going to get any real good suggestions in an open forum on how to break the law (because having a car that works and passes inspection without using any tricks is a law)

I also bet you'd see an improvement in MPGs and/or performance if you replaced the cats.

 

Who is asking to break the law??????????? Nice smartass answer. Just because the light is on doesn't mean the emissions are over the limit. They still will check emissions. I just don't want it failing simply because the light is on.

 

If they fail you because the light is on- I'm going to guess that's part of the inspection.
If the problem was "Are you emissions bad" then the light wouldn't matter...the emmissions results would be the determining factor.

So...in short-YOU are asking to break the law....Ass.

 

Do you have any buddies with the same truck? Maybe you can borrow his CATS for the inspection then return it back to him.

 

WRONG! Why is the light on? Could be a cat issue. Could be a computer malfunction. Could be a short in the light. Whatever the reason there is no law resetting the light. They still run all the tests to make sure the vehicle is road worthy.

 

Actually- Reading the NJ state laws it says "vehicles are expected to be maintained according to the original manufacturer’s specifications, including but not limited to: brakes, suspension, steering, wheel alignment, headlights, taillights, tires, horn, windshield wipers, window and hood operation, glazing, turn signals, mirrors, etc."

So that light came from the manufacture-But it was OFF....and if being ON means something is wrong with your truck. So they are completely justified in failing your truck because the light is on. Trying to trick the inspector is fraud/illegal.

Get your shit fixed.

 

So according to your logic if my interior dome light which was working when it came from the manufacturer blows out and I don’t replace it and then switch it to the "off" position so it is not suppose to come on when I open the door, I would be breaking the law.

You are a total ASS and I’m sure you do not represent the majority of the members on this board. To the members with some suggestions I truly thank you. I would however suggest “Brunes” be told not to interact with newbies on this forum because he is a lousy rep.

 

Okay new guy....Before you start crying about the bad man being mean to you...I would slow down and 1) Realize that you started with the attitude and 2) think about what you are asking.

You asked me my opinion- I would say yes you aren't in compliance...but I (if I were an inspector) saw your done light was out....I probably wouldn't fail your truck.
If I saw your CEL light was on....I would fail your truck and I would tell you exactly what the code is and try to help you come up with options to fix it- but I still wouldn't give you a way around it.

Plus- You asked for suggestions- Just because you wanna be cheap doesn't mean "Get your shit fixed" isn't a good inspection.


Obviously NJ agrees with me....cause you are looking to avoid failing the inspection by completing some procedure to make the light not illuminate while getting the inspection in order to pass...even tho something is still wrong with your truck...

 

How long will the light stay off if you reset it? If it will stay off for a day or two, just reset it while you are waiting to have your truck inspected.

 

I was asking if anyone had any suggestions. I said I did not have an automotive background. Something like, hey try a can of STP fuel injection cleaner. Hey, you could try putting premium gas in the truck. Not knowing if this would help I looked to this forum. You immediately accuse me of trying to break the law.

 

LOL what a great thread...

 

Yeah....As you discuss have you "can and have" pulled the fuse to reset the light....

Get your code read- Find out the actual code (not just what some mech says needs replaced)-Come back and let us know what it is- Then we can give you real advice.

Cause if all we get is "Mech said it needs new cats" the best suggestion is GET NEW CATS.

 

$2000 is way too much for a set of new cats.

 

I just checked Rockauto.com and cats seem to go for $90 each for a 2000 Tacoma with a 3.4 liter V6. Get a new mechanic.

 

http://motors.shop.ebay.com/i.html?...ories&_odkw=2000+tacoma+cat&_osacat=0&bkBtn=1


Might as well upgrade to a good aftermarket for these prices! $2000 sounds a little steep, I'd go with the magnaflows!