Mitsubishi Mirage Exempt From Readiness Monitor Test

EPA document epa420-F-08-009 states my car does not need to pass readiness monitors. Is this correct and current?

I have a 1997 Mitsubishi Mirage 1.8 (ls). I am trying to pass smog to register car in my name. The smog station states it can not be done at his station (passing) because my readiness monitors do no show complete. I've utilized the manufacturer specified procedures for drive cycles and have been unable to set any monitors complete.

Upon researching possible repairs I came across EPA document EPA420-F-08-009 which list my car as "have been identified previously in the existing Appendix D that can be found in the June 2001 EPA document “Performing Onboard Diagnostic System Checks as Part of a Vehicle Inspection & Maintenance Program”.

The document number of this report is EPA420-R-01-015. The recommended procedure for handling these vehicles is to scan them for MIL illumination without regard to readiness status." EPA420-R-01-015. appendix d states "Manufacturers Known to Have OBD Readiness Issues" and list 1996-1997-1998 Mitsubishi Diamante, Mitsubishi Eclipse, Mitsubishi Galant, Mitsubishi Mirage, Mitsubishi 3000, Mitsubishi Montero.

I have no MIL light and have not had a MIL light and I also have all original manufacturer equipment and it is all properly functioning. What do I need to do to be able to go to CA DMV and register vehicle completely ( no temp).

Answer:

The smog station is probably checking the emission monitors before actually conducting the smog check in an effort to help save you money from having to pay for a failed smog test; at least this is the impression the technician is under. Chances are the smog tech is not aware that your Mitsubishi Mirage is exempt from the readiness monitor portion of the smog test.

The smog machine should have updated information regarding your vehicle readiness monitor exemption and should ignore monitor status. Checking for ready emission monitors is not a manual function, yet conducted electronically and automatically by the smog machine once the vehicle is connected to the DLC (data link connector).

We recommend returning to the smog station, or any other smog center (if STAR is needed, take note), and ensure to advise them of the EPA recommendation before the smog test in case they are not aware. They should smog test your Mitsubishi as they would any other vehicle, and not having the emission monitors ready should not cause it to fail the smog inspection.

posted by SmogTips Support