Failed Emissions: Communication Failure

[MustangP51]

My Explorer just failed its emissions test. The vehicle inspection report says that the inspection machine failed to communicate with the vehicles computer. The mechanic also said that he is not getting 12 volts from the OBD II port. The check engine light is not on, and it does illuminate for the pre start bulb check. The vehicle has no problems and runs perfectly, and I'm still getting around 21 MPG highway. So confused.

Id appreciate any help, I'm going out to start checking wiring.


2000 XLT 5.0 4r70w with 142,000 miles

Thanks guys

 

[section525]

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=210109

 

[Gus Gorilla]

PM sent

 

[1991 F350 Crew]

It happened to me this past winter with a Jeep I sold. It was a problem with their machine (or dummy doing the test). I brought it back to the shop wrote that we changed a fuse ( never did) and brought it back to the same place. Passed just fine. I didn't know about the cig. lighter fuse on the explorer but your truck is probably fine.

 

[MustangP51]

Thanks for the quick responses. Ok I'm a little pissed now. I went through the wiring and also checked the fuses, that link helped me, The fuse for the cigarette lighter was blown. But this is why I'm upset. I think the place that I took it to do have the emissions done blew the fuse. I have a charging dock for my phone that plugs into my cigarette lighter and I was charging my phone on the way there, so I am absolutely positive that the fuse was not blown before the test. Either they blew the fuse by accident, or they tried to rip me off, because they did offer to look at the vehicle tomorrow morning, and they gave me about 5 pages of forms to fill out so the state would cover the repairs. I heard some other bad things about this place before, so I'm leaning toward it was done on purpose. I'm having it re tested tomorrow, this time I will be standing next to him when he does it.

Anyway rant over. Thanks for your help guys, I appreciate it.

 

[robertoa1a]

What did they do, plug it in with the engine running?