What does the I/M Monitor check for?

The I/M Monitor is an essential tool in vehicle emissions testing focused on detecting issues within the emission devices and identifying any system failures that could lead to non-compliance with emissions standards. This component systematically monitors key systems responsible for controlling exhaust emissions, including the catalytic converter, oxygen sensors, and on-board diagnostics (OBD) systems.

By focusing on the health and functionality of these emissions-related systems, the I/M Monitor ensures that any malfunction or degradation in performance is identified, enabling timely repairs or adjustments before the vehicle can pass emissions testing. This role is critical because such issues can lead to increased pollutant output, thereby affecting air quality and compliance with environmental regulations.

While the other options address relevant aspects of vehicle emissions and performance, they do not specifically highlight the goal of the I/M Monitor. For instance, compliance with federal emissions standards pertains to overarching legislation rather than monitor functionality, while checking temperature and pressure of the exhaust or overall vehicle performance status, while important, does not directly relate to the specific focus of the I/M Monitor on emission control systems.