SCRAP CAR PAUL: How to Beat the Drive Clean Tests

The New OBD (On-Board Diagnostics) for Ontario’s Drive Clean TEST
Canadians were introduced to Drive Clean testing in 2001. Drive Clean revision landed on us in January, 2013 making it even harder to pass the test. The new rule: Under the new test, any vehicle with the “check engine” light on will fail. If your (MIL) engine warning light is on, look out. You need to see a mechanic before you can pass your Drive Clean Test. Each year, this adds millions of dollars to the Canadian Government coffers.

In its place will be an OBD (On-Board Diagnostics) protocol, where a government-approved test unit plugs in to communicate directly with your vehicle’s on-board computer, explains Drive Clean expert Eli Melnick of Start Auto Electric in Toronto.
While driving, your vehicle’s computer performs a continuous series of self-tests of its emissions systems. If anything is amiss, the computer illuminates the “check engine” light. from wheels.ca

These new testing facilities have signed a seven year contract. I do not foresee any changes until this time has passed explains Drive Clean expert Eli Melnick of Start Auto Electric in Toronto.

What’s a Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)?
Is the malfunction indicator malfunctioning? My son will slam on the horn on the steering wheel if someone wobbles over to his lane or cuts him off. Now the airbag MIL light is on. The car horn and the airbag are all in one. Why would they design it that way in the first place? If the airbag light is on or off, it will not interfere with driving or make a difference in your exhaust fumes by polluting the air in any way. The mechanic told me it was a malfunction in the wiring. Sometimes you only need new fuses to eliminate that neon yellow light. Not to worry, the airbag was fine. But, the light is still on!
“The check engine light is stupid” says Jalopnik. He really has something interesting to say. Read more

Ban the Check Engine light says Jalopnik

My friend had his break light on for 4 years and his car runs fine. No mechanical problems whatsoever. The electronic dashboards don’t always tell the truth. But, how do you get rid of that annoying light? My best advice to you is ask your mechanic. The new Drive Clean Rules state that the Engine MIL light must be off to determine that the vehicle is road worthy. These inspections have added to the expense of Mr. and Mrs. Joe Public. Does drive clean really means they are taking you to the cleaners?
ELECTRONIC WORLD With the Clean Air Test all 1987 and older vehicles are exempt. These vehicles were not computerized. I’m sure there are a few still on the road and the classics of course. The Drive Clean Program cost motorists more than a billion dollars over the past five years.
JANUARY 2013 DRIVE CLEAN TEST
MIL Engine Lights. This is what the MIL should look like in your vehicle.

Car Light indicators

Some other changes: a car 7 years old is now exempt. (Unless you are selling your car.) It used to be 5 years old. A bit less gouging of the tax payers’ dollars.
REDUCE ~ POLLUTION: REDUCE the pollution not REDUCE my bank account.

PAUL’S Scrap Car Removal and Disposal Management operation is fully licensed and has been providing quality service since 1992.
Call us now at (416) 822-3253 to solve any of your scrap car, van or light truck disposal needs.

Drop me a line: paulscrap@rogers.com. My website is www.paulscrap.ca