‘Check engine’ light spells a Drive Clean failure
My 2007 car has 200,000 km. The “check engine” light frequently comes on, but my mechanic resets it and reports there’s nothing wrong. If I have it e-tested this September, will a pass certificate still be valid for its June 2016 plate renewal? If it fails, I’ll replace it before winter. Eric Lai replies: A Drive Clean pass certificate is valid for one year, but must be valid on the renewal date (normally, your birthday). Since June 2015 has already passed, any test done from now onward will still be valid for your renewal next June.
A “check engine” light on is an automatic fail. If your mechanic resets it beforehand, the vehicle will need to be driven a bit before the on-board computer registers enough information to be e-tested. Drive Clean’s website says a few days of mixed highway and city driving normally should suffice. But, particularly in winter, it may be necessary to complete a vehicle-specific “drive cycle.”
Kate Jordan, Drive Clean media liaison for the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MOECC), replies:
The Drive Clean pass certificate is valid for a year from the date of the test. So from September 2015 to September 2016, using the dates the reader has indicated.
Information on vehicle-specific drive cycles can be found by checking your owner’s manual, inquiring of the manufacturer or speaking to your Drive Clean facility qualified mechanic. I understand that current modelyear cars don’t require e-testing. But if I buy a brand new 2015 car in late 2015, after the 2016 models have come out, would it need a Drive Clean test? Kate Jordan of MOECC replies: Vehicles require a valid Drive Clean pass to transfer the ownership, if the model year is older than the current year, so both 2015 and 2016 models are exempt in 2015. Apast article cited that it’s illegal for minors (under 19) to consume or possess alcohol, for adults to supply minors with alcohol, and drivers age 21and under can’t have consumed any alcohol whatsoever when driving. Is there any exception for religious observances in which kids/teens are traditionally offered a sip of wine? Eric Lai replies: Section 30 (13) of the Liquor Licence Act allows a parent or person in lawful custody of a minor (under 19) to supply them with liquor in a residence or private place, and the minor may lawfully consume it in the place where supplied.
The zero blood alcohol requirement in the HTA for drivers age 21 and under still stands. If intoxicated, drunk driving charges may apply. Email your nonmechanical questions to Eric Lai at wheels@thestar.ca. Due to the volume of mail, personal replies cannot be provided. Freelance writer Eric Lai’s Auto Know column appears each Saturday in Toronto Star Wheels. For more Toronto Star Wheels stories, go to thestar.com/autos. To reach Wheels editor Norris McDonald: nmcdonald@thestar.ca.