Section 222-1-175 - CLASS E INSPECTION SEQUENCE & REPORTING REQUlREMENTSSUMMARY: This section describes the types and classifications of vehicle emission inspections. The section also describes the sequence of operations and proper test procedures to be performed during the inspection.
1. REQUlREMENTS TO BECOME A CLASS E STATIONA. Class E station must have an approved scan tool that is capable of reading monitor status and malfunction indicator light (MIL) status of the vehicle being inspected. An approved scan tool is one that complies with the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) Recommended Practice J1978 and J1979, or has been approved by the Commissioner of the Maine Department of Environmental Protection.B. Class E station must have a gas cap pressure tester that has been approved by the Commissioner of the Maine Department of Environmental Protection so long as statute requires the gas cap pressure test to be conducted.C. All Class A and Class D inspection stations and technicians located in Cumberland County shall also be licensed as a Class E station or technician.D. Any licensed inspection station may become a Class E station2. CLASS E VEHICLE CLASSIFICATIONS A. A Class E inspection is the enhanced inspection of a motor vehicle that is registered in Cumberland County.B. The age of the vehicle is determined by the year of the chassis.C. Vehicles manufactured before 1974 are not subject to enhanced inspection requirements. These vehicles, if registered or inspected in Cumberland County shall receive a Class E inspection sticker.D. Gasoline powered vehicles manufactured during or after 1974 and registered in Cumberland County shall be subject to a gas cap pressure test. These vehicles shall receive a Class E sticker.E. Diesel or gasoline vehicles manufactured on or after 1996 and registered in Cumberland County are subject to the on-board diagnostic test. These vehicles shall receive a Class E sticker.F. Vehicles not registered in Cumberland County may receive a Class E inspection and receive a Class E sticker. Vehicles not registered in Cumberland County must receive a Class E inspection if they are inspected at a station that is located in Cumberland County.3. CLASS E INSPECTION SEQUENCE AND REPORTING REQUIREMENTS NOTE***The vehicle must undergo a full inspection of the proper class and then the following Class E inspection.
A. Gas Cap Pressure Test Procedure (This test is only required if the vehicle is not equipped with an OBD II system that monitors the evaporative system of the engine. If the vehicle is so equipped with an OBD II system that monitors the evaporative system of the engine, then skip to number 4.)B. The inspecting technician shall follow the manufacturer's instructions when using the gas cap pressure-testing device.C. Reject the vehicle if it does not pass the gas cap pressure test.4. On-Board Diagnostic Test Procedure The inspecting technician shall conduct a visual and electronic examination of the on- board diagnostic system.
A. Test Sequence OBD Click here to view Image
II Vehicle side connector
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(1) Connect an acceptable scan tool to the vehicle's data link connector.(2) Visually examine the instrument panel to determine if the Malfunction indicator Light (MIL) illuminates when the ignition key is turned to the "key on, engine off' position.(3) Start the vehicle's engine, and following the scan tool manufacturer's instructions, determine:(4) The vehicle's readiness status;(5) Whether or not diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) are present:(6) Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) status (on or off).A. Reject the vehicle if the data link connector is missing, has been tampered with, or is otherwise inoperable.B. reject the vehicle if the malfunction indicator light (MIL) does not illuminate when the ignition key is turned to the "key on, engine off' position. It is acceptable for the MIL to go out within a few seconds after the key is turned to the "key on, engine off' position.C. Reject the vehicle if the Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC's) are present and the MIL status, as indicated by the scan tool, is on. Do not fail the vehicle if DTC's are present and the MIL status is off. MIL status must be determined with the engine running.D. A vehicle shall be considered "not ready" for testing if; no DTC's are present, the MIL is not commanded to be illuminated, and for 1996 to 2000 vehicles, more than 2 monitors are incomplete or (for 2001 or newer model year vehicles), more than 1 monitor is incomplete.E. All new vehicles with less than 1000 miles on the odometer are exempt from the readiness status. Some makes of vehicles are also exempt from the readiness status because of manufacturer's problems. A list of exempted vehicles may be obtained from the Maine Department of Environmental Protection.F. The station shall provide information to the vehicle owner on how to make the vehicle ready for testing. The vehicle shall return after self-correction. An additional inspection fee may be charged for a retest. Note*** Maine standards for new aftermarket catalytic convertors (AMCC), starting June 1, 2018. SEE SUPLEMENTAL INFO
Class E Inspection Reporting Requirements
Inspection Technicians who perform an OBD-II Class E inspection on any vehicle must completely and accurately fill out the OBD-II form provided the Maine Department of Environmental Protection Agency at time of inspection. The form must be returned within 30 days to the Maine Department of Environmental Protection at 17 State House Station Augusta, ME 04333-0017.
C.M.R. 16, 222, ch. 1, 222-1-175