Smog Check Vehicle Inspection Report (VIR) Fails Because Of Permanent Diagnostic Trouble Codes , PDTC

Sep 15, 2026

Uploaded by Oliver

This document addresses a recurring issue where vehicles fail their Smog Check Vehicle Inspection Report (VIR) due to the presence of Permanent Diagnostic Trouble Codes (PDTCs). The report details that upon scanning a vehicle with WiTech 2, PDTCs may be found, leading to a failed smog test. A software update is anticipated in the first quarter of 2021 to resolve this. The document clarifies that Smog Check Inspection equipment will disregard PDTCs if the vehicle has undergone at least 15 warm-up cycles and been driven a minimum of 200 miles since its OBD information was last cleared, a measure designed to minimize customer inconvenience. A warm-up cycle is precisely defined as the engine coolant temperature increasing by at least 40°F (4.44°C) after engine start, reaching a minimum operating temperature of 160°F (71.1°C). For additional support, users are advised to open a STAR Center ticket and reference the provided SOL number for further assistance.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages1

Reading Time3 min

AccessFree to download

Vehicle Inspection Report - PDTC Issue

Discussion

Repair

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FAQs

Why might a vehicle fail its Smog Check VIR?

A vehicle may fail its Smog Check VIR if it has Permanent Diagnostic Trouble Codes (PDTCs). These codes can be found when scanning the vehicle with diagnostic tools like WiTech 2.

When will a software update be available to address PDTC issues?

Engineering is developing a software update to resolve PDTC issues, with an anticipated release date within the first quarter of 2021.

Under what conditions will Smog Check Inspection equipment ignore PDTCs?

The inspection equipment will ignore PDTCs if the vehicle has completed at least 15 warm-up cycles and has been driven at least 200 miles since its OBD information was last cleared.

Sep 15, 2026

Uploaded by Oliver