Safety Inspection Failure List

[n2soccer21]

Hi all,

I just had a safety inspection on my '95 ATX and I'm wondering whether or not I should have a go at these items or just have a shop do them. Some of the things seem relatively simple, but others don't. Also, are all of these things required (in Virginia)?

E brake warning light:
Is this an easy fix with a new module? They didn't have any problems with my brakes, so does that mean this is probably just the light or could it be another issue with the brake system?

3rd brake light:
The entire string of LEDs is out. Is it likely that the entire unit failed or might it be a different electrical problem? Where can I find a replacement unit? Are they difficult to install?

LF fog light out, RF fog light loose:
It's my understanding that I can just remove these.

RF headlight bucket loose:
I'm not sure why it's loose, but I'll look for a way to tighten it up/replace connectors.

RF lower engine mount broken:
I just had this (I believe it was this engine mount) replaced by a reliable mechanic, so I'm not sure why it's showing up again.

RF sway bar link:
I feel relatively comfortable replacing this.

Vehicle has many oil leaks, LR strut is leaking:
I just had a tune up by the same reputable mechanic, so I don't buy the oil leaks. The strut does make noise. It's my understanding that the dampener is broken but the strut is still attached well. Is this something that can fail a safety inspection?


That's the list. The guy gave me an estimate of $750; does that seem reasonable? Should I just have him do it all at that price or should I spend the time doing what I can and take it back for other things? More importantly, are there any good SHO mechanics in the DC area?

They tell me I have 15 days to fix these things, but I have out of state plates still, so that may not be as pressing. In any case, I'd like to get this resolved as soon as possible.


Thanks a lot!!

Nick

 

[kevinspann]

It's half BS and half stuff that needs fixing.

On the ebrake light - has the rubber pad disintegrated? If so, that can cause the switch to stick closed, and not trigger the light.

I doubt the whole row of LEDs has gone out. I do not have a spoiler, so I don't know what needs to be done to diagnose. First thing is to make sure the wiring for it is plugged in, and to check and see if it has a fuse that may have blown.

You can remove the fog lights.

Loose headlight could be that it is broken, or is missing headlight clips. Has any one replaced them? The header panels on these cars are REALLY flimsy, so they're going to move some anyways.

Motor mount could be legitimately bad, if it has been that recent, and you have the receipt, try taking it back to that mechanic to get their opinion, or see if you can get it replaced under the parts warranty, if it has one.

End links aren't particularly hard to replace, I don't know what other things you've done in the past though.

Oil leaks aren't part of the safety inspection AFAIK, if it were that significant a leak you would probably already know about it due to seeing the oil spots.

Many a car with struts that are completely toast pass inspections here.

I would fix the issues myself personally, but that depends on what each person can and can't do.

http://www.vsp.state.va.us/Safety.shtm#InspectionProgram

List of the requirements there.

 

[JRA2000TL]

On that Ebrake warning light, I found on my 89 that the little rubber connector simply had come loose, and yes the rubber pedal pad had disintegrated and caused black goo to get all over the carpet. There's a little metal tab/notch that the L shapped plug with the rubber boot slips over, simply slip it back on. That may be your problem. It was with mine. (No state inspections, just checked to see why it didn't work).

Remove the fog lights temporarily if they're going to be a PITA about them.

Headlight, look to see where it's loose. If something is broken, see if you can inconspicuously zip tie it tighter out of the way where they can't see it. This is one of those BS items Kevin mentioned. I'm sure it's not so loose that the headlight is going to fall out.

Again, like Kevin said, have the mount checked out.

 

[n2soccer21]

Great, thanks a lot! Do you have any suggestions as to where I should go for my next inspection? I'm not too thrilled with Skyline Automotive...

I believe I might be missing a clip or 2 with the headlight. And they're special clips; do I have to get them from Ford or will Autozone carry them?


again, many thanks!

 

[JRA2000TL]

You can try the Help! section at the parts store, but your best bet is to order them online. Not the best idea though as time is of the essence. You should be able to get them easily within 15 days though.

Here they are. I have bought from these folks before. Excellent source for all automotive clips and fasteners.

http://www.clipsandfasteners.com/Headlight_Component_Pivot_Retaining_Clip_p/a15940.htm

 

[n2soccer21]

Oh awesome! Yeah, those are the special clips! I just checked, it's missing the top outer clip (kind of central). It wobbles a bit but otherwise it's plenty secure. Is it illegal to use a zip tie to snug it up?

That E brake suggestion was PERFECT! One problem solved!

I checked the fuzes but none seemed to be blown (for the 3rd brake light). I checked my Chiltons but it wasn't clear which fuze is for the 3rd brake light. Does anyone know exactly which one it is for a '95 ATX SHO?

I poked around at the fog lights, but it's not obvious just yet how to secure the loose one. It is secured on the inner mount, but the outer connection is loose. I didn't feel/see a place where a bolt might be missing. Any ideas? I'll consult my Chiltons and/or the web later tonight.

I think I will let the engine mount go since I just replaced it, and have a different place do the inspection. If they find it, too, then I probably do have a problem with it, and I'll have them replace it.


Thanks for all the good advice so far!

 

[kevinspann]

The bulb for the fog light twists and locks in place. Some times the housing melts and you can't get it back in right.

 

[Whydah91]

The headlight clips are model specific. Ford no longer services them, and there are no aftermarket. I got some back in '07 from Green Sales. www.GreenSalesCompany.com They specialize in obsolete Ford parts, and I actually found NOS pices for my SHO ground effects there.
Mike

 

[kevinspann]

Auveco 15940 is the MFR/PN for the clips, but I don't know who would have have them in stock.

 

[n2soccer21]

The bulb is secure, it's the big metal housing for the fog light that's not secure

 

[kevinspann]

The bulb is secure, it's the big metal housing for the fog light that's not secure

There are two 10mm bolts that attach it to the plastic bumper support.

 

[rbruso]

The headlight clip:



Available in packs of 25 for $12.81 here: http://www.clipsandfasteners.com/Headlight_Component_Pivot_Retaining_Clip_p/a15940.htm

That's 19 more than you need to replace them all, but they're available.

 

[St Louis SHO]

I replaced the motor mounts and did a front 60k for Nick.

Since when did a motor mount fail inspection? lol! they were used ones reinforced. But that was July 09..

Id shop around with what Kevin said and get more estimates on said work.

 

[kevinspann]

They fail them often enough for that here. Whether it's to make money or replace bad parts, I'm not sure.

 

[SHOtime2511]

They fail them often enough for that here,it's to make money.

Fixed:wave:

 

[19sho90]

Excuse me sir, but your Headlamp, and fog lamp are Loose, i'm going to have to fail your Vehicle, it is deemed unsafe to drive on the streets.

 

[n2soccer21]

Wow, that really was way back in '09. Seems like only yesterday, haha.

Any ideas on replacing the 3rd tail light? Does anyone know where I can find that part?

 

[kevinspann]

Depends on if it's bad. I know where are a couple gen 2s in the junkyard down here.

 

[19sho90]

ShoSource Sells them.

 

[n2soccer21]

ok, great. I think I'll order one from SHO Source. Although, the entire unit is out; not just a couple LEDs, all of them are out. I checked the fuses and none seem to be blown. Could this be something else or should I just replace the 3rd tail light first anyway?


Thanks