Nevada 1G Inspectors interact with customers on a regular basis. As a result, 1G Inspectors are sometimes asked to explain why the customer’s vehicle failed an emissions test. This is by no means a requirement, but it will help you as an emissions inspector to understand the common root causes of a failed test. There is no scripted procedure for this explanation, but there are certain important points that inspectors should cover.
At the end of the test, once the VIR is printed, inspect the results and explain them to the customer. Inspectors should state if the vehicle passed or failed, and explain the contents and purpose of the VIR to the customer. Remember that a failed test allows the customer to obtain a 10-day moving permit, and to get a challenge test at the emissions lab. Inform the customer of moving permits, retesting, and direct them to the DMV emissions lab if necessary. The VIR will print with a list of the states 2G Emissions Repair shops. Use this to direct a customer to a 2G shop for repair, if necessary. A customer also has the option to self-repair the failing vehicle, and your educated opinion as a 1G Emissions Inspector can help guide the process and save the customer time and money.
- Smoking Failure
- Smoking vehicles will fail the emissions inspection due to visible smoke from the crankcase or tailpipe. If this occurs, inform the customer of the cause of fail when presenting the VIR. A vehicle can fail an emissions test if the inspector notices smoke coming from the crankcase or tailpipe. This can occur while the vehicle is idling and/or at 2500 RPM. While conducting the emissions test, observe the exhaust in the rearview mirror and check for smoke. Do not consider smoke coming from any other area besides the crankcase and/or tailpipe. An oil leak can cause smoke from the engine bay. If oil drips onto a hot element in the engine, white smoke may appear. While not ideal, an oil leak is no cause to fail an emissions test.
- The analyzer will prompt you if you see smoke. In the case that you do, you will need to input yes on the Analyzer. This will cause the vehicle to fail the test. When explaining a failed test result to a customer, it’s important to note the cause. A smoking crankcase or tailpipe is a common cause, so explain to the customer why the vehicle failed and what they can do about it. As with any cause of failure, it’s important to inform the customer of the possible next steps.
- Observing smoke coming from the tailpipe and/or crankcase is only required for the Tailpipe test. It you are performing an OBDII test, then you should only look for smoke from the tailpipe
- Tailpipe Failure
- Some vehicles will fail the emissions inspection due to unacceptable levels of emissions gasses. The tailpipe test will determine if a vehicle falls into this category. If the customer’s vehicle fails the tailpipe test, inform the customer and explain the results when presenting the VIR.
- Tamper Failure
- A verbal explanation is necessary if a customer’s vehicle fails as a result of tamper. Explain to the customer why their vehicle failed and inform them of the possible next steps. Do not accuse the customer of modifying their vehicle or breaking the law—simply inform them of the cause of failure and answer their questions if possible. Remember, 1G inspectors cannot “pre-test” a vehicle. If a customer rolls in a smoking vehicle, you must test that vehicle, even though you know it’s going to fail because of smoke. Some customers find this practice unfair, but Nevada Revised Statutes forbid inspectors from pre-testing. If the customer wishes to dispute the results of an emissions test, explain their options. Inform the customer of the 10-day moving permit and retesting options at the emissions lab.
There is no scripted response for explaining test results to customers. However, Nevada 1G Inspectors should not assume that customers understand the emissions testing process. Inspectors should aim to communicate with customers in a non-patronizing and helpful manner. In all cases, inspectors should give a brief explanation of the VIR and vehicle test results.
If the vehicle passes inspection, simply hand the customer the VIR and explain that the vehicle passed.
Explanations can become more complicated when a vehicle fails an emissions test. It’s important to be candid when explaining the failing VIR, and to avoid accusing the customer of wrongdoing. Refer the customer to the emissions lab and explain the process for obtaining a 10-day moving permit for retesting. The same principle applies if the customer disputes the results of the test.