My car is "It's ok that the check engine light is on, you can still pass state inspection" years old.
However, "the computer" won't pass it. My mechanic thinks it's because my car was built in Oct. and is 15 and 362 days old. Cars must be "over 15" to pass w/ a check engine light on (just an EVAP code, not a safety issue).
I think some programmer made the computer look for a number that was 16 or over in the "car age" slot. Got a new appointment on Monday. Wish me luck! #ComputersWereAMistake
@jessamyn @gloriousnoise Part of the problem with emissions-related codes is — of which I'm sure you and your mechanic are already well aware — even once reset, the car must be driven for a certain amount of time and under different conditions for it to self-check all the various emissions controls.
This is an entirely separate, absolutely annoying programming thing! I would have thought that the computer would've read "older" because vehicle model years start selling in prior calendar year. :(
@jessamyn @gloriousnoise Maybe the ECU was replaced at some point in the vehicle's history? Maybe under a recall or something, which wouldn't be as obvious and likely would've been partly into production (or well after)?
Not that it matters, just interesting to think about. I tend to agree that computers may have been a mistake, especially in vehicles. And yet, I still find them fascinating to work on.
Regardless, good luck at the next appointment!
Jessamyn
Jake
Morgan Aldridge