Emissions testing and codes.
 

When you go to emissions tests. Here in washington they now plug a device into your cig lighter. Does this scan your system for codes or just give them a more accurate read on the rpms. Can it tell if you changed the chip-timing -cam etc. My car passes the sniffer just fine. But at one time was stolen and it has not had a lot of the emissions ( pump, pre cats, converter) replaced. If they ever looked - :ack: I would have to locate all this stuff. Thank goodness for Ebay.

Some scanners, like the TECH 2, plug into the cigerette lighter. Your law is here (click on the PDF link - looks like only OBD2 requires the scan, but I didn't bother to read the entire Code):

http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/air/c...tive_pages.htm

They plug into your cigar lighter to get a tach reference for engine speed. If your car is a 96 or newer then they would plug into your OBD2 ALDL port to see if there is any active DTC codes. Otherwise depending on model year you either get an enhanced dyno tested emissions test or just a plain sniffer test.

If they're getting like Ca.-they'll also make sure all readiness tests are completed; so if you just cleared a set code you'll need to drive it long enough to complete all readiness checks. (OBD2 only)