Will getting P1281 code cause my truck not to pass North Carolina safety inspection?

P1281 - Engine coolant temp remains below normal operating temperature during vehicle travel (thermostat)

This all due to installing a 180 tstat.

 

Like you, I was a victim of this better performance, better gas milage, longer engine life, blah blah blah performance mod.[:@][:@][:@][:@]

What did North Carolina safety inspection say when you asked them?

 

Have not checked yet. My truck was due for inspection in november and I just found out yesterday. Not one of those things you think alot about until they send you a letter saying that you will be fined $250 if you dont get it done within 60 days.

 

Is the MIL light on
I don't know how sophisticated their emission check is, as it varies from state to state and province to province.
Some states they only do a visual check. They look to see if all the OEM equipment is there and that the "check engine" light is not on.
If they check codes or put a sniffer in the tailpipe you will probably fail. Low engine temp can cause increase tailpipe emissions.
Try blocking off part of you radiator with cardboard. That may increase temp enough to not set the code.

Good luck

 

Yes the MIL is on. I ran it with the 180 tstat for about 6 months before it ever come on. Hate to have to chage it out again. Not fun. I will try the cardboard trick, reset the computer and see it that works. Thanks for the advice.

 

I misread your original post You said safety inspection, I was thinking emission inspection.
From a safety standpoint it shouldn't fail, but like I said all states are different.

For example
I know where I'm from all vehicles after 95 need to have cat converters if they originally had them to pass safety. Although there is no spec that says it has to be functional. No mention of MIL light in the standards.