If cleaning cannot confirm the integrity of an emission component, what should the inspector do?

• A. Pass the vehicle based on other findings.
• B. Document the issue and consider a fail if inspection cannot confirm integrity.
• C. Clean the area and retry.
• D. Defer testing to a later date without documentation.

Answer: (B)

When you can't confirm the integrity of an emission component after cleaning, you must document the issue and consider a fail if the inspection cannot confirm integrity. This ensures the inspection record reflects what was observed and prevents approving a vehicle when a leak or defect could still be present. Note exactly what was done, what was found, and why confirmation isn’t possible, then follow the fail criteria. Passing based on other findings, retrying after cleaning without documentation, or deferring testing without documenting the reason do not provide a valid basis for a pass and would not meet standard procedure.