California Smog Check Official thread
01-03-14, 12:10 PM
#32
Tech Info Resource
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Yeah, rolling test at 15mph and then at 25mph with the tail-pipe sniffer. My emissions numbers were barely anything at all. Passed with flying colors.
Average HC: 4. ..... My measure: 2
Average CO: .01 ..... My measure: .00
Average NO: 15 ..... My measure: 2
The fail gets sent to the DMV electronically but I can go to any smog shop to have it re-tested.
I'm on the fence about swapping my exhaust and doing it again, or finding a less reputable place. But having 2 fails in a row will certainly get me flagged for STAR for all future tests. So I may just go back to stock temporarily. That's better then getting on the DMV crap-list.
Average HC: 4. ..... My measure: 2
Average CO: .01 ..... My measure: .00
Average NO: 15 ..... My measure: 2
The fail gets sent to the DMV electronically but I can go to any smog shop to have it re-tested.
I'm on the fence about swapping my exhaust and doing it again, or finding a less reputable place. But having 2 fails in a row will certainly get me flagged for STAR for all future tests. So I may just go back to stock temporarily. That's better then getting on the DMV crap-list.
I don't see why you can't just pay an extra fee to the state for visual failure as long as you meet tailpipe and evap specs. I don't understand why Sacramento is so blind to this revenue opportunity.
As for the smog tech who didn't seem interested in a few extra dollars - the local news in Sacramento was present when CARB did a Gestapo style raid on a guy's smog business for passing illegal cars. I'm talking M-16s and SWAT quite literally storming the place to shut it down. The poor guy behind the desk in the office looked like he pissed his pants. They got shut down, they got fined, they got jail terms, and they can never do smog testing in California again. I can totally understand why a tech would turn down a Benjamin to pass something illegal.
01-03-14, 01:05 PM
#33
The tech was an honest and reasonable guy for sure. I'm not upset he didn't try to work something out for a pass. He did his job professionally and I would certainly go back to him in the future (for my wife's car at least 
) and would recommend him to others.
But yes, it's crazy that I pass emissions but failed the overall test. It makes no sense.
) and would recommend him to others.But yes, it's crazy that I pass emissions but failed the overall test. It makes no sense.
01-03-14, 02:20 PM
#38
And if you are completely zero emission, they will make you go back to becoming a polluter as long as you fail visual inspection. Doesn't that defeat the purpose of clean emission? I understand people can mess around but if you passed the freakn sniffer, it should be all good. Make it simple, if it's clean, then let it go! I f'n hate **** cali.
01-03-14, 03:05 PM
#39
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Is it that little place by the auto center next to wheel and tire connection? I always get my tires there and thought about smoging next door but I may not now.
01-04-14, 11:03 PM
#41
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I have been a gear head all my life and Tech for 10 yrs+ .... Guys who think their smog shop will fail them please don't take it there. As of now since all 08 isf is now due for inspection make sure all parts are back to OEM or have E.O # for all aftermarket parts that isn't consider O.E replacement . It's not consider "most likely to fail or gross polluter" yet ! Let's keep it this way .. So we all must keep it passing with first try otherwise the BAR and ARB will put our cars in the star certified required .if too many visual fail for tampered . Furthermore new program is in the process of just OBD testing without dynometer load mode testing for 2000 and newer .... Please don't give them idea to reverse the new bill . Don't ruined it for everyone else ... If it take 10 minutes to change out your intake and 1 hr to replaced your headers and exhaust ... Do it!! I feel all your concern and trouble when it's time for inspection. Any question you can pm and ask me. I also work at a star certified station bring your car by . In mission viejo.
01-07-14, 07:26 PM
#43
Quick update. Took the ISF in for my smog check today. Passed with no issues. Tech said numbers were beautiful just like the car. Smogged with joe Z exhaust, intake and aftermarket air filter.
I'm in SoCal
I'm in SoCal
01-07-14, 08:20 PM
#44
Just had mine done today as well. My shop guy actually had to bring out a laptop and check on how the engine bay and exhaust looked to make sure nothing was modified. A quick glance, and I mean quick, and he printed out my smog check report. Driving back home, I was strongly debating if I should get some headers. Now would be the time, I guess.
