PapiBarcelona
Ultimate Member
- Jan 1, 2011
- 7,362
LOL My mistake, I completely missed it!
I cleared the check engine code today on my 08 Cobalt with 218k miles. The code was P0301, something about a misfire on cylinder 1. I used a bluetooth ODBII device I purchased on Amazon for $25 and my android tablet.
I was on my 3rd extension and had a $10 late fee. I paid $29. They tested and asked if I may have had a battery replaced recently--I didn't deny that claim. They gave me another 6 weeks and said the computer needs at least a week to run before testing. They refunded my $29 and said if I come in before the next due date then the fee will only be $19.
I guess I'm going to have to take it to the mechanic to get it fixed before a failed emissions test. The car's blue book is worth only $1000 but otherwise runs great. The code indicates anything from a bad spark plug to compression problems. I guess if it's the former we'll get it fixed.
Can you clear the code and see if it comes back?
Everyone I know with older daily economy car gassers just clear the codes, drive around long enough so the readiness monitors complete (hopefully without tripping the same code) and go do the emissions.
I'd prefer that the government know for 5 minutes once every two years where my vehicle is (i.e., at the VEIP kiosk) than know 24/7/365 where my vehicle is and what it is doing. I mean, I have to keep my Transformers hidden now.
They do monitor emissions compliance onboard. There is this little computer in the vehicle that makes sure everything is running correctly with the emissions system. If you are talking about giving the government control to monitor that computer in my vehicle remotely, I think I will take a rain check. I'd prefer that the government know for 5 minutes once every two years where my vehicle is (i.e., at the VEIP kiosk) than know 24/7/365 where my vehicle is and what it is doing. I mean, I have to keep my Transformers hidden now.
My 5th grader has been discussing in class the balancing of "individual rights" with the "common good". Personally, I believe clean air for the common good is well worth the cost (i.e., $10) and the inconvenience (i.e., 30 minutes once every 2 years) to try to keep our air quality decent. I believe the VEIP notice gives us 30 to 45 days to get it done. Just hard to believe that most of us cannot find a VEIP station/kiosk somewhere along our travels during a 30 to 45 day span. Truthfully, I don't see this as a huge imposition on a personal basis.
Now, ask me how i felt about it when I was driving a POS Fairmont with a carburetor on it back in the mid 90's. I hate going to emissions because I knew it would fail and I would have to spend at least the minimum required for the waiver, which is what I did both of the times I had to get it tested. It died in 1998, and since then the only vehicle that has been in our fleet and has failed is the Hyundai Sonata, which is no longer in the "fleet". That thing would eat through O2 sensors.
Anyway, I'm alright with VEIP. The infringement in time/money is extremely low in respect to the benefits we receive from it.
I disagree. I don't need the government telling me that I need to fix my vehicle. You speak out of both sides of your mouth. You espouse how it's such a wonderful system for the good of all, while admitting that you did the absolute minimum to get a waiver rather than fix the pollution issue. SMH
As far as not needing the government to tell us stuff, I agree. I should be able to shoot whoever I want to, run over whoever I so wish, take advantage of the slower witted, etc. Government robs me of all my freedom. Survival of the fittest and freedom is key.
I really feel sorry for you if you need the government to tell you those things are wrong and that you think the world would just fall apart without governments telling us how to act. Being a complete douchebag is not necessary just because someone disagrees with your position.
Perhaps you've been dealing with complete idiots for too long. Not everyone needs "extreme examples". I never said I believe in zero government. I do believe in government sticking to its intended purpose and that is not running our everyday lives.
You think the majority of people would keep their emissions system up to snuff if it wasn't for the $10 every two years VEIP test?
End of the day, we will have to agree to disagree about this. I am almost in favor of a bi-annual vehicle inspection like they have in Virginia. That way, people will be driving vehicles that actually have good brakes, a good suspension, etc.