emissions test connection error

[mightybeet]

i tried to post this the other day but guess it didnt post.

not sure how they do emission tests everywhere else but in connecticut ya go to a mechanic with testing equipment, hook up to the on board diagnostic computer thingy and do a diagnostic test. if everything works you pass.

i went to get my 2004 jeep liberty emissions test done and they kept getting a communication error on their scanner. they called the help desk and went thru the basics like if the check engine light is on or off, mine was off. if theres power to the lighter/outlet which it does. so everyone was pretty much baffled and they werent sure if it was the scanner or what. it worked on other peoples cars that day even another liberty.

this happen to anyone else? ideas? thanks!

 

[JeepJeepster]

Not really sure what was going on.

Maybe take it to a auto parts store(advance, autozone, etc) and tell them what was going on. They will usually give a free scan. Since you dont have any codes it wont give any of course but it should still say, "no codes" or whatever.

 

[offrovering]

check fuse for OBD port

 

[mightybeet]

i just went to meineke to see if theyd give me a different result. nope... same communication error. they also tried another scanner which connected fine with no errors and again baffled. they checked the fuses and everything is getting power.

so now the meineke guy tells me that it ll cost bout $120 for him to poke around and find the problem... maybe less if they find it sooner. ...right

i tried calling the emissions help desk myself and again.. no clue.. they told me to try moderate driving around, let it sit over night, drive around again and that will reset the ODB. oh noes my carbon foot print! but since i already do a lot of driving around well... that doesnt seem to be the issue.

other suggestions that cost less than $120?

 

[belvedere]

Have you inspected the contacts in the connector/port?

 

[JeepJeepster]

Have you inspected the contacts in the connector/port?

thats what I was getting ready to say. Get down and look at the contacts really good. Check to make sure none of them are bent or caked with mud. Im sure youve had it covered in mud, right?

 

[tjkj2002]

i just went to meineke to see if theyd give me a different result. nope... same communication error. they also tried another scanner which connected fine with no errors and again baffled. they checked the fuses and everything is getting power.

so now the meineke guy tells me that it ll cost bout $120 for him to poke around and find the problem... maybe less if they find it sooner. ...right

i tried calling the emissions help desk myself and again.. no clue.. they told me to try moderate driving around, let it sit over night, drive around again and that will reset the ODB. oh noes my carbon foot print! but since i already do a lot of driving around well... that doesnt seem to be the issue.

other suggestions that cost less than $120?

Your probally going to need a computer diag,99% of the places charge 1 hour of labor for that service,between $80-$150 per hour depending on your areas labor rate which sounds like about $120.The best way is to take it to the dealership,sure it will be big $$$ but some parts,like the PCM,are covered past the regular warrenty and you may get lucky.Plus the DRBIII is most likely needed at this point and most likely a few calles to Chrysler tech support(which you can not access).