Research data and training curriculum are developed directly from the testing and repair research projects performed in our high altitude Federal Test Procedure laboratory.
Some vehicles can change dramatically from test to test.
This is often due to the deterioration of emissions control equipment over time or from poor maintenance. The perception is that the underhood equipment inspection can be performed by virtually anyone. But our training has shown that underhood inspectors need to have a strong automotive background and extensive training on these systems to identify missing or disconnected equipment. Emission control equipment varies in appearance and location from manufacturer to manufacturer, and often model to model. It is important to realize that idle testing was designed around non-computerized, carbureted vehicles and did a fairly good job of identifying dirty cars with that technology.