Your vehicle may have failed because it exceeded one or more of the allowable emissions limits established by the state for that vehicle. Or, it may have failed for visible smoke or missing emissions control equipment such as the catalytic converter, oxygen sensor, or gas cap.

The I/M 240 emissions test is designed to detect pollutants emitted from your vehicle under real-life operating conditions. You are responsible for making any necessary repairs to your vehicle before it is retested. Keep in mind that if your vehicle registration is due for renewal, it cannot be renewed without proof that the vehicle has passed the test or a waiver has been granted.

To find out why your vehicle failed, review the Vehicle Inspection Report given to you at the testing center. Test results are clearly documented under several key headings. To correct the problem, take this report to the repair technician of your choice. It will help in accurately diagnosing and repairing the problem. In most cases, simple corrections can be made to bring the vehicle into compliance and allow it to be successfully retested.

Getting Your Vehicle Repaired

Take the vehicle and the Vehicle Inspection Report to a repair facility. The Emissions Repair Guide you receive at the end of a failing test lists voluntarily registered repair facilities that can perform the necessary adjustments or repairs. In the booklet, you will find detailed information on each of the listed repair facilities including training, types of vehicles serviced, professional certifications, and a "grade" that reflects overall emission repair success.

This booklet can be a valuable aid in selecting the best repair facility to suit your needs.  

You do not have to use a repair facility listed in the booklet. You may choose your own repair technician to perform the necessary adjustments or repairs. However, if your vehicle fails the retest and you decide to apply for a waiver, only repairs made at registered facilities will count toward the repair cost limit.
** The cost of parts, however, may be applied toward the repair cost limit.

Once adjustments or repairs are completed, your repair technician must complete the back of the report before you return to the testing station.

Return the vehicle along with the completed Vehicle Repair Form on the back of your Vehicle Inspection Report to any of the 14 Air Care Colorado testing centers in the Denver/Boulder metro area for a retest. Once it passes, you will be able to renew your vehicle registration.

Remember, if your vehicle is repaired and retested at an Air Care Colorado station within 10 calendar days (not 10 business days) of failing the original test, the first retest is free. If the 10th calendar day lands on a Sunday or holiday when emissions centers are closed, the free test will be extended to the 11th day.

Warranty Repairs

If your vehicle is still under warranty, you may be eligible for free warranty repairs from your dealer. Contact your dealer regarding this. If you still have questions about it, you may contact the Division of Motor Vehicles Emissions Office, 303-205-5603, for further clarification of the dealer's responsibility.

Repair Cost Limits

The limit is $75 for 1967 and older vehicles and $715 for 1968 and newer vehicles. Cost limits apply to all vehicles regardless of whether they failed the idle test or the I/M 240 test. However, these limits do not apply if the vehicle failed for visible smoke or missing emissions control equipment. You may be eligible for a waiver if you have reached the spending limit and your vehicle still won't pass the emissions test. Hardship waivers are also available. Call the Division of Motor Vehicles Emissions Office, 303-205-5603, to inquire about waivers.

More Information

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I'd like to see the Repair Effectiveness Guide.