CA Smog, it's been 2 years ... New rules ?
 

It's that time again, I've never had an issue passing smog, always go to the same place, quick in and out. What type of changes can I expect this time around ? Since I swap CATS in and out, I know the rear O2 sensors are disabled in my tune. Will this be an issue this time around ? It hasn't been an issue in the past, I know rules are always changing.

Thanks.

How well do you know your smog guy ?

Its all OBD port testing now so if your O2 sensors are not status ready you auto fail. They killed the sniff test unless you are pre-198x (don't quote me on exact decade) cars.

You will not pass if your O2 sensors are disabled since the readiness codes will not be set. Same for secondary air. All OBD2 testing now....

If you have your O2 sensors activated along with the installation of a legal exhaust, you will need a certain amount of drive cycles to set the readiness codes. Could be a 100+ miles of driving

I heard a story of a local guy pass with his o2 sensor deactivated on a proto tune. 100 cell cats. New smog test no rollers or sniffer... just OB2 test.

They still allow gas engines in California?!

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.6sp...0326a77a6f.jpg
We all have these :)

I'm not sure how they determine the sniff test qualification. They just sniffed and dyno-rollered my '97 Lexus LS400, but the very same shop did the OBDII port scan on my '02 Audi S8 and my recently sold '07 WRX STi (full exhaust and tune). All cars passed no problem.

Given the 996TT is AWD, they can't put it on the rollers, so more than likely you should just get the OBDII scan. I haven't had my TT long enough to smog yet, so am always curious how other with exhaust and tune do.

not sure if Cali compares OBD2 readiness against a database or not, but up here in Ontario, CAN. we run a similar OBD2 test and can pass with readiness's shutoff...my old B5 S4 passed with about half the readiness's shutoff but the rest still 'ready'... if the car says everything 'available' is ready it passes...

For the old test they would not put it on rollers b/c its awd but they would also put in the sniffer. For the new test its only OBD2. The test allows 1 monitor to fail but any more than that and you don't pass.

They are being more strict on visual inspection. Mine failed because no CARB numbers on EVOMS recirc valves and RPI exhaust with 200 cell cats. Had to put the stock, which was dirtier emissions wise to the RPI exhaust, back on for it to pass.

for cars with "questionable" parts


rule #1: know your smog guy. I take all my vehicles to the same guy. he knows what we are dealing with and my car as well as the "tester" are always in "ready mode".


rule#2: don't think that aftermarket parts in abundance will just "pass" as they have in the past. yes, it's all about CARB numbers and visuals, but if all are in "ready mode" as has been noted upthread, there shouldn't be an issue. though bright red intake piping, you're gonna get more hassle than it's worth.


as to readiness codes, I had to drive around for about 20 minutes and closely follow the reset protocol which is 5 mins at 30mph not over 3krpm, 5 mins at 40 mph same, not over 4k etc etc. until all are in ready mode.


as long as you have visual cats? even with a clearly aftermarket exhaust you should pass the visual portion since the obd is mostly all they care about, unless your car is loaded with bright red and obviously aftermarket NON OEM parts. you can always run into an a**hole but how you deal with them often dictates how lenient they can/will be when overlooking obviously questionable "stuff". it IS discretionary as they are not supposed to "pass" anything that appears aftermarket absent a carb number for the part.




bottom line? know your tester, it's the best insurance one can have.


when in doubt? refer to rule #1 lol

That's it really. Walking into a random shop where they don't know me and I don't know them is a recipe for failure (on a modded car esp.).

I even had a a local SF smog shop "try' to fail my bone stock '97 Lexus a few years ago, and that car blows as clean as they come.

That was the last time I went to an unknown shop.

And I haven't had an issue since..

I am quite good friends with my smog guy and we spoke at length about my modded car recently. Visual fail or pass is somewhat subjective. The equipment are required to be there don't get me wrong, however things like colored hoses cannot be a failure point. I found that my car with my tune and equipment installed was actually cleaner than when it was stock.
That being said, smog check is like taking your vehicle to an unknown mechanic for anything else. If the attitude is sideways that day, your vehicle will be sidewayed also.

^ exactly.

Some good info here. FYI:

MY 2000 cars and newer only have the visual inspection and OBD II port test. 1999 and earlier get the full dyno test, and visual inspection.

You also want to know that the BAR is pressuring stations to fail cars! No, it is not just that I am paranoid, it is on their website. They state it referring to good performance on the part of the station. Their concept being if they aren't failing enough cars they aren't inspecting carefully enough.

For several years they have been doing roadside and remote testing [yes, reading your license plate and smiffing you .. usually on an uphill on ramp.. and comparing the readings to the official emissions tests]. As you might guess, a lot of cars pass their emissions test but would fail with the numbers on these unannounced tests.

One last point. If you encounter a roadside emissions inspection they will have a CHP officer with them who directs you into their inspection point. They have a handout they present to their victims.. and it just happens to EXCLUDE a vital part of the official statement regarding these; it leaves out the word "voluntary". A member of the public who chooses to not participate is supposed to be free to continue on. I have heard of various threats made to people regarding disregarding an instruction from a peace officer, etc. I have not been able to verify this has actually occurred. I certainly can verify the discrepancy between the BAR official statement vs the copies they give to the members of the public whom they decide to inspect. This is offensive and gives credence to people who suggest that they are playing with a stacked deck.

One last thing- i recently smogged my GT2. Piece of cake. Only issue -and you could encounter this- is that the probe that plugs into my OBD II port was a very tight fit and was not getting a consistent reading. I reminded my tech that the same thing happened with my wife's 987S and it required a firm PUSH to get it to snap into place. It was a loud "click" when it seated.

That's all folks. Be careful out there.

JR