Can you fail OBDII inspection for a swapped ECU?
 

Not like an AEM EMS, that will obviously fail, but like in my case an AP2 with an AP1 ecu? Is the VIN# of the car in the ECU at all? Someone was telling me that the ECUs are matched to cars by VIN#.

My car runs fine on the AP1 ecu with no CELs, and obviously the ECU can complete its drive cycles and pass an OBDII test, but will my car fail simply because the ECU will report a different VIN than my car's? Is that true?

Makes me wonder what happens if your ECU breaks and you have to get a replacement from Honda, what happens then?

Maybe there's no problem after all? Just wondering if anyone is familiar with OBDII testing and can shed some light on this. I have the the original ECU still and my valet key works with it, so I guess I can just swap it back in if I really wanted to, I just seem to screw up that panel a little more every time I take it off, so I'd rather not do it if I dont have to :p

You need to find out the testing requirements in your state.

I thought OBBII testing was pretty standardized in emissions controlled counties all across the US

I mean, they plug into the computer, check for codes and readiness, and thats it, provided you don't fail for the reason I just mentioned.

Not all test procedures are the same state to state, some procedures even change in different counties of the same state. Some states never require an inspection.

I don't think you're getting it

Im pretty familiar with state emissions testing. I know some states have no such thing. Here in NC some counties only have safety inpections while other have emissions testing

Regardless of the difference between counties and states, the actual OBDII test procedure should NOT be varying from state to state or county to county. The test simply involves hooking a machine up to the OBDII port on a vehicle to check for CELs and to make sure the readiness monitors are met. I HIGHLY doubt this "procedure" specific to OBDII testing changes from state to state or county to country, that would totally defeat the purpose of introducing a standardized system.....

you don't have the answer to my question.


****

I think I just found my answer though.

"An OBD II test is a simple plug-in computer check that verifies four things:
1. The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
2. That the vehicle

Neither do you.

You need to figure out how to pass your state's testing requirment. Have fun.

You just told a well known, Certified Honda Tech that he does not get it.

So you will need to look for your anwsers elsewhere.

:idisagree:
Each state does indeed have different ways of smog checks that also can have different ways of testing the OBDII system.

I did a google search for you and found this web site for you, you should be able to contact them and find out what you are looking for.

The - North Carolina Department of Enviroment and Natural Resources (NCDENR)

http://daq.state.nc.us/motor/inspect/

There are only so many things you can ask a OBD2 check to cover. As far as I know all any of them check is that there are no emission codes in the last so many cycles or miles. My Mugen ECU has passed in two states and I would think the swap you have will pass without problem.

your Mugen ECU passes an actual OBDII test where they plug you in to the computer? that is really interesting!

SlowS2k, please tell me what requirements someone has to pass for the OBDII test in your state then, I want to see how they differ from NC. If you're a honda technician you might be familiar with this information or could obtain it, if you can do inspections at your dealership.