wdb

My 2002 targa is at my indy getting inspected. The state of Pennsylvania requires emissions inspection, which is performed using a state-issued device connected to the OBDII port. When they hook up the device it shows that it has connected successfully but when they try to run the test they are getting "no comms" error. This shop does mostly Mercedes, and they've seen issues with the state stuff with them, but never this particular issue. I thought I'd ask here if anyone has run into this and what they did about it. Thanks in advance.

plpete84

Where in PA are you? I have my inspection booked for Thursday and have a good indy that specializes in P cars. They passed me last time and didn't seem to fish for things. Has your car gone through all readiness states?

rechtien

I had this in Texas. Claimed they couldnt connect to the car. Used my bluetooth reader in the patking lot to show thrm it worked fine. They wouldnt allow me to glance at thier set up.

Went somewhere else next day without issues. I assune it was (new) operator error.

pulpo

the key probably needs to be turned to the accessory setting

motoo344

If you are under 5k miles for the year you are exempt from emissions which may make it easier.

wdb

They took it to another shop that sees more Porsches, same problem. I drove to Texas and back this year so I'm well over 5K miles. I'll pass on the "accessory position" suggestion, thank you!

jbrob007

Any chance you can move to a less "progressive" state...?

wdb

"Accessory position" suggestion is a bust. The test involves a series of steps, including having the car running at one point.

Emissions testing is county by county in PA. Some have it, some don't. It's based on air quality.

De Jeeper

There is always ecu doctors to make sure the dme is healthy. If it is then it may be a wiring issue a pin popped out of the obd2 plug?

Type65

This may be a stupid question, but I feel like I remember from one of your other posts you are a Durametric owner. If so, have you tried it recently? What happens when you do?

philbert996

It’s based on population and proximity to metro areas.
Pennsyltuckians are exempt

wdb

The Durametric and my other scanner work just fine.

wdb

Not all of us Pennsyltuckians unfortunately.

Type65

Very strange. I feel like they have to be doing something wrong. It has been many years since I have had to do a smog test, but last I remember it was more or less a standard OBD II reader they used, so the fact that the shops isn't communicating, but yours is doesn't make a lot of sense to me. I have heard of some OBD readers not working on certain cars, but it is usually old readers on new cars not the opposite. Hope you can get this figured out and definitely let us know the culprit. I am intrigued.

TexSquirrel

If it we’re me, I would disconnect my battery and allow power to drain from the ECU.
Give it several minutes and then reconnect.
You will have to pass all the tests again.