My car has been significantly overdue for it's Vehicle Emmision Test. Somehow, even though I pass the sign every day coming home from work, I have forgotten that there was a testing station on the way home. I stopped-in tonight. I've been putting it off because, well, that "Service Engine Soon" light (or MIL for Multifunction Indicator Lamp, which I will learn later) has been on my dash for quite some time. I thnk it was lit the last time I was there two years ago.

But now they've changed the testing. Since my vehicle is "new enough" (1997 Infiniti), it now just gets plugged-in to their compuiter for an On-Board Diagnostic test. If you pass the ODB, then that's it - you get you certificate and show up again in two years.

The tester leans in my window as I pull into the bay, see the light, and says I'm going to have to sign a waiver. OK, not a problem. I am escorted to a waiting area (a long, glass tunnel next to the testing area) and he hooks up the computer.

OBD TEST RESULT - FAIL
P0440 - EVAP Control System
P0136 - O2 Sensor Circuit Malfunction (Bank 1 Sensor 2)
P0446 - EVAP Control System Vent Control Circuit

Great. Wonderful. Now they actually have to put the car on the rollers and do an exhaust test. The car passes the test and I'm certified that my car is clean. I've dodged the bullet for another 2 years. I should get the car serviced by then. I mean, most of the past 2 years was eaten-up by my unemployment time and I didn't want to spend the money. I hope I can spend some on the car in the next two years.