Check Engine Light
 

Coltrane, for some cars, e.g., VWs, the trick to avoiding the check engine light situation is simply to turn the gas cap so that it clicks three times after refueling. Obviously this won't reset the code, but it can prevent its being triggered. Have you done a google search to see if your car is one with this little habit? Now it's true that car repair chat boards can be full of freaks, but it might be worth your while to take your chances ...

OBD
 

This is not a very manly approach to the problem.

OBD
 

He probably asks for directions, too.

Pussy.

Check Engine Light
 

Or call the Car Talk guys. (Uh, they take 8 calls a week from about 2000 calls, so your odds on getting an answer may be their message boards, but it'd be cool to hear you on the radio.)

OBD
 

Please. I refused to get my car inspected in DC for 18 months past the due date--I stuck it to the Man.

Worked for 18 months, until I was up for renewal. Then the Man stuck it to me with a $30/mo. fine.

OBD
 

Of course. In the time it takes me to dig out a map and orient myself, I could ask Vinny in the Exxon station how to get there. Never gotten lost that way.

Check Engine Light
 

I bought a new gas cap and clicked three times. I have reset the code (by removing the negative cable on the battery for a few minutes). We'll see what happens.

ETA: isn't this exciting?

OBD
 

The fuckers are going to suspend my license if I don't pass by the end of the month.

Check Engine Light
 

You need to keep repeating "there's no code like zero" as you do this.

OBD
 

Given the amount of time you would have spent waiting in line for the previous year's inspection, by skipping one year, it seems you came out even.

(Fines in DC are more prices than penalties.)

OBD
 

True, although remarkably this year I sailed right through. No waiting. No idea how that happened, except that everyone else probably has adopted my approach. Which I heartily recommend for everyone else.

OBD
 

That hardly seems fair. What does your owning a crap car have to do with your ability to drive someone else's law-abiding car?

OBD
 

Coltrane should bring Abba 's car to his inspection.

(Though he might have better luck if he just brought Abba.)

OBD
 

Here I am worrying about my December 05 inspection sticker while y'all hardened criminals are sticking it right up the system. It's a weight off my mind, so it is.

OBD
 

Kinda funny - they bagged the entire inspection system and requirement in MN - not worth the price or the time or the infrastructure.

In MN! Land of intrusive government!

That's one of the valid reasons to elect a libertarian action-figure pro-wrestler governor.