State Inspection

Complete state safety inspection procedure for 2018-2024 Honda Accord 1.5L Turbo, verifying all lights, safety systems, brakes, tires, suspension, emissions components, and windshield condition per state requirements.

Warnings

Tools required

Preparation

1. Ensure vehicle has been driven at least 50 miles since last ECU reset to set readiness monitors
2. Park vehicle on level surface and apply parking brake
3. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
4. Start engine and allow to reach normal operating temperature (cooling fans cycle)
5. Have vehicle registration and prior inspection records available for reference

Procedure

1. 1

   Check OBD-II System and Emissions Readiness
   Connect OBD-II scanner to diagnostic port located below steering column on driver's side. Turn ignition to ON position (do not start engine). Check for active or pending diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs). Verify that all emissions readiness monitors have completed their drive cycles - for 2018-2024 Accord 1.5T, catalytic converter, EVAP system, oxygen sensor, and secondary air system (if equipped) monitors must show READY. Maximum of one monitor may be NOT READY depending on state requirements. Record any fault codes for correction before passing inspection.
2. 2

   Inspect Exterior Lighting Systems
   Check operation of all exterior lights including headlights (low and high beam), front turn signals, side marker lights, rear turn signals, brake lights (both center high-mount and rear), reverse lights, license plate lights, and hazard flashers. Verify headlight aim is correct - low beams should not project above horizontal at 25 feet. Check for proper amber/red lens colors and no white light visible to rear except reverse lights. Inspect for cracked lenses or moisture intrusion in any light assemblies.
3. 3

   Test Horn and Windshield Wipers
   Press horn button to verify audible horn operation from under-hood horn assembly. Test windshield wipers in all speed settings (low, high, and intermittent). Verify washer fluid sprays on windshield with adequate coverage. Check wiper blade condition for tears, hardening, or streaking - replace if worn. Inspect windshield for cracks longer than 6 inches or any crack in driver's primary viewing area.
4. 4

   Check Steering and Suspension Components
   With engine running, turn steering wheel lock-to-lock and verify smooth operation with no binding, excessive play (more than 2 inches free play at rim), or unusual noises. Turn engine off. Safely raise front of vehicle using floor jack and support on jack stands at factory lift points behind front wheels. Grasp each front tire at 12 and 6 o'clock positions and check for vertical play indicating worn ball joints. Grasp at 3 and 9 o'clock and check for horizontal play indicating worn tie rod ends or wheel bearings. Visually inspect control arm bushings, sway bar links, and strut mounts for tears, separation, or excessive wear.
5. 5

   Inspect Brake System Operation
   With vehicle still raised, remove all four wheels and inspect brake pads for minimum thickness (must be at least 2mm above backing plate). Check rotors for scoring, cracks, or excessive wear - measure thickness if questionable. Inspect brake lines and hoses for leaks, cracks, bulges, or chafing. Check caliper slide pins move freely. Reinstall wheels and torque lug nuts to specification in star pattern. Lower vehicle. With engine running, apply brake pedal firmly - pedal should be firm and hold position without slowly sinking. Check parking brake holds vehicle on incline. Verify no brake warning lights illuminated on instrument cluster.
6. 6

   Measure Tire Tread Depth and Condition
   Using tread depth gauge, measure tread depth at multiple points across each tire including outer, center, and inner tread blocks. Minimum legal tread depth is 2/32 inch (1.6mm), but recommend replacement at 4/32 inch for safety. Check for uneven wear patterns indicating alignment issues. Inspect sidewalls for bulges, cuts, cracks, or exposed cords. Verify all tires are same size as specified on driver's door jamb placard (2018-2024 Accord 1.5T uses 235/40R19 or 225/50R17 depending on trim). Check tire pressure in all four tires plus spare - adjust to placard specification (typically 33 PSI front/32 PSI rear cold).
7. 7

   Verify Safety Restraint Systems
   Check that driver and all passenger seatbelts retract properly, latch securely, and show no fraying or cuts to webbing. Verify airbag warning light illuminates with ignition ON and extinguishes after engine start (self-test complete). If airbag light remains on, vehicle fails inspection and requires diagnosis. Inspect driver's seat for secure mounting to floor - check all seat track bolts are tight and seat does not rock or shift unexpectedly.
8. 8

   Check Fuel System and Emissions Components
   Inspect fuel filler cap for damaged gasket or improper sealing - cap must seal properly to pass EVAP system checks. Visually inspect accessible exhaust system from underneath vehicle for leaks, holes, excessive rust, or missing components. Verify catalytic converter is present and not gutted. Check for any fuel odors or visible leaks from fuel tank, lines, or connections. On turbocharged 1.5T engine, verify no excessive oil leaks from turbocharger oil drain or feed lines.
9. 9

   Test Instrument Cluster Warning Lights
   Turn ignition to ON position without starting engine. Verify all warning lights illuminate including: check engine, ABS, airbag, brake system, tire pressure, oil pressure, and battery/charging system lights. Start engine and confirm all warning lights extinguish within a few seconds except tire pressure light if system requires relearn. Any warning light remaining illuminated (except TPMS during relearn) indicates a fault requiring repair before passing inspection.
10. 10

    Inspect Underbody and Frame Condition
    With vehicle safely supported, inspect frame rails and unibody structure for rust perforation, cracks, or damage from collision. Check for evidence of improper repairs or modifications to structural components. Verify no exhaust components contact body or chassis creating fire hazard. Inspect heat shields are present and secure - missing heat shields may fail inspection in some jurisdictions. Check for leaking fluids from engine, transmission, differential (if AWD), or brake system.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all wheels are properly torqued to 140 Nm in star pattern after inspection
2. Lower vehicle from jack stands and remove wheel chocks
3. Reset tire pressure monitoring system if any tires were adjusted
4. Clear any temporary OBD-II scanner connections

Verification

• Start engine and verify no warning lights remain illuminated on instrument cluster
• Test drive vehicle to confirm brakes operate smoothly with no pulling or noise
• Verify all exterior lights function correctly one final time
• Confirm OBD-II scanner shows no pending codes after test drive
• Document any advisories for customer regarding components approaching end of service life
• Complete state inspection form and affix inspection sticker per local regulations if vehicle passes all requirements

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