What to Do If OBD Fails Annual Inspection?
4 Answers
OBD failure should be addressed by upgrading the vehicle's system at a 4S shop. OBD stands for On-Board Diagnostics system inspection. Starting from November 1, 2019, the entire process of tailpipe emission testing has been under OBD dynamic monitoring. OBD refers to the On-Board Diagnostics system inspection. If the vehicle has any emission control-related fault alarms or abnormal connections between OBD and the diagnostic tool, it may result in inspection failure. Vehicles purchased a long time ago are recommended to have their OBD systems upgraded at a 4S shop. Below is additional information on the causes of OBD failure and remedial measures: 1. Outdated OBD system; 2. Malfunctioning OBD system sensors; 3. Engine failure in the vehicle. Methods to reduce OBD failure include: 1. Refuel at reputable gas stations and use the fuel grade specified by the manufacturer; 2. For diesel vehicles equipped with selective catalytic reduction devices, use qualified urea produced by reputable manufacturers; 3. When the OBD light is on, promptly take the vehicle to a 4S shop for repair; 4. Use the vehicle normally, avoiding overloading or exceeding limits; 5. Do not modify, block, or dismantle pollution control devices of the OBD system without authorization.
Last year during my annual inspection, my OBD failed, which really gave me a scare. I immediately went to an auto repair shop for a check-up and found out it was an oxygen sensor malfunction—when this part fails, emissions exceed the standard. The mechanic used a code reader to diagnose the issue, replaced the faulty sensor, and after retesting, it passed. It cost me just over 200 yuan, which wasn’t expensive. Usually, I pay attention to engine maintenance while driving to prevent excessive carbon buildup, and I clean the air filter every six months to avoid such issues. OBD problems are common, but don’t delay repairs—otherwise, the next inspection could be even more troublesome, and you might even face fines. Remember to go to a reputable shop for repairs—it’s safe and reliable.
As someone who has been driving for over 30 years, I've seen plenty of OBD failures. First, check the fuse to see if it's blown, then inspect whether the wiring connectors are loose. Last time, my old pickup truck had aged wiring that just needed a slight adjustment to fix—saved money and hassle. But don't tinker blindly; it's safer to visit a 4S shop. Without passing the annual inspection, you can't drive the car—safety comes first. Regularly change the oil and check the spark plugs to prevent small issues from piling up and causing bigger problems. Driving at night with properly functioning lights is essential—never overlook this.
Dude, every car enthusiast has been through this crap. If the OBD fails, just grab a cheap Bluetooth code reader for a few bucks and connect it to a phone app to check the fault codes. If it shows issues with the catalytic converter or sensors, clear the codes and try again; stubborn ones might need replacement parts. Don’t rush to a repair shop—fix minor issues yourself to save money. Modified cars need extra attention to compatibility, or they’ll easily fail the annual inspection. Here’s a tip: regular highway driving helps clear carbon buildup and prevent faults—give it a try, it works.
