'I Once Again Can't Pass Inspection:’ Woman Takes Her Car In For Inspection. $680 Later, She Fails Once More

"This is so exhausting."

Woman takes her car in for inspection. $680 later, she fails again

Photo by: thegirlwiththe7jobs & KANGWANS

Mustafa Gatollari

By: Mustafa Gatollari

Jan 19, at 6:00am ET

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A Massachusetts-based esthetician who’s had a hard time getting her car to pass inspection has failed yet another evaluation of her vehicle. TikTok user @thegirlwiththe7jobs says that despite paying $680 to replace the oxygen sensor on her car, it still failed to meet emissions requirements.

She aired her grievances in a social media post where she showed off the repair bill to the camera. Judging from the text on the receipt, it appears that she took her car in for an exhaust service charge and to get her catalytic converter replaced.

The receipt says that her car “will not hold a charge.”

“So once again I can’t pass inspection,” she says. “It’s $680 for the oxygen sensor. I drove 100 miles and it’s still not ready. So it’s so frustrating I’m gonna leave this overnight, go home with my Jeep, but, this is so exhausting and it took half of the day. And $650, so we will see.”

Another sheet of paper has the “OBD Readiness Monitor Results” for her vehicle. The report reads that her oxygen heater sensor and EGR and/or VVT systems are ready. But her vehicle’s catalyst, evaporative system, and oxygen sensors are considered “not ready” to pass inspection.

What Factors Play into a Car Passing Inspection?

Chase bank published a checklist car owners should be appraised of prior to bringing their vehicle in for inspection. It reports that there are five main elements that are considered when it comes to a vehicle passing or failing an inspection. A car’s exterior is scrutinized in an inspection, which includes head and brake lights. Additionally, any extensive body damage could prevent a vehicle from passing inspection. A car’s windshield should also be in good condition, with working wipers. Seatbelts are assessed, as well as a airbags and steering wheel and column.

Mechanical components are also analyzed as well. A vehicle’s engine, brakes, and transmission are all looked at. Inspectors also check exhaust and emissions to see if there’s any fluid leaks. Finally, a car’s framework is looked at, which includes its suspension, axles, frame, and tires.

Commenters Dig Deeper on her Inspection Woes

Multiple people took to the comments section of her video to offer opinions as to what could be going on with her vehicle. Some mentioned that she may need to drive for a bit longer in order to reset its sensors.

“I had a Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited. It took 250 miles for the monitors to set. Drive it more,” one recommended. The creator replied that it was difficult for her to “find the time” to put more mileage on her ride. Others surmised that the TikToker’s 100 miles of driving wasn’t enough to get the monitors calibrated.

“Keep driving … they sometimes take 160 miles plus,” another suggested.

Someone else recommended that she search the year, make, and model to determine the necessary drive cycle it takes to reset monitors. Someone else opined that she should fill the gas and leave it overnight. Then, the following day, drive it for around 30-60 minutes. Afterwards, if the car still doesn’t pass inspection, they said it means that it needs more work.

Another person speculated that her car may be suffering from problems beyond its oxygen sensors. “On the receipt it said the car will not hold a charge. I would imagine there's more going on,” they wrote. The TikToker replied that the battery issue was attributed to a camera she had installed that “ran off the battery.” She went on to state that the camera drew power from the car’s battery even with the engine off.

How Much to Replace an Oxygen Sensor?

One person remarked that $680 to replace the oxygen sensor was too high. According to Blue Ridge Automotive, the average price for an oxygen sensor “typically ranges from $200 to $500.” It adds that “parts costs alone range from $50 to $200 per sensor.” Blue Ridge states that the price of these components as well as labor for installation can fluctuate depending on make, model, and year.

Rick’s Auto Center reports that improperly working oxygen sensors can result in “engine performance problems,” causing a car to “either sputter or surge.” Additionally, “reduced fuel efficiency,” is another consequence of a failing oxygen sensor, along with “increased emissions levels,” which could cause a car to fail inspection.

What do you think?

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As Rick’s Auto Center puts it: “the excess hydrocarbons caused by the malfunctioning 02 sensor increase the emissions in your vehicle’s exhaust and this is why it fails the test.” The company recommends that owners have their vehicles properly assessed before bringing it in for an inspection to ensure they’re functioning properly.

Motor1 has reached out to @thegirlwiththe7jobs via Instagram direct message for further comment. We'll update this post if she responds.

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