New SMOG procedure for newer cars

[ischmitz]

So I went and had the 996 smogged the other day and to my surprise it just got hooked up via the OBD-2 connector to the machine while the engine idles. No sniffer into the tail pipes, no checking of the gas cap or any other stuff any more. The longest part of the test was the technician trying to make sense out of the emission components diagram under the hood and trying to ID all components in the engine bay.

I still remember the first time in 2001 when the technician struggled to find the loop on one of the coil-on-plug contraptions to get the RPM reading into the machine. And he had a hard time keeping the RPM between 2500 and 3000.

Interesting how times change. The test doesn't give any numbers, only says it passed.

Ingo

[LJ851]

It's reading data stored in the ecu regarding what all the sensors have been reading as you drive. If you disconnect your battery for whatever reason and immediately go get the car tested, the test can not be completed since there is no data and it will "fail". Ask me how i know.

You have to drive the car for a while and go through several cold starts, etc until enough data is collected in the ecu. The inspector told me to come back in at least 150 miles which i did and it passed.

[WANNA930]

They are getting a lot more info then emissions from your computer. Seams like another Jerry Brown CA far reaching SMOG nonsense.


He has to employe all of the illegals he is letting in free so maybe this will open up job opportunities. OBD2 test technician no green card, free health care and $75k a year.

[hcoles]

I believe past data shows that if what can be read via OBD reports all is working well or well enough running the car on the rollers is of marginal or no benefit. The price of smog checks should go down - there is less involved. Good question re. what other data they gather and store.

[Trackrash]

Yea, this is California logic for sure. A number of years ago smog test stations were forced to install dynos to test cars because it was believed that would reduce smog levels. Well, duh, I guess they were wrong, since now they don't even bother to actually test the tail pipe emissions.

Don't like CAs smog testing program? Move to Humbolt county, no testing required there!

Before you flame me, I am not against smog controls on cars or reducing emissions. I just think the way that it is enforced in CA borders on ridiculous.

[DRACO A5OG]

So what year do they start this OBD2 reading only at the Smog Check Stations? 1996 on?

[911pcars]

Originally Posted by WANNA930

They are getting a lot more info then emissions from your computer. Seams like another Jerry Brown CA far reaching SMOG nonsense.

He has to employe all of the illegals he is letting in free so maybe this will open up job opportunities. OBD2 test technician no green card, free health care and $75k a year.

Huh? May be a better fit for the OT forum.

[Avanti]

2000 and newer.

[DRACO A5OG]

ah Poop, well, I am gald to have a CEL on my 96 Lexus, found leaking vacuum lines, would have never passed smog. now it should

[hcoles]

Originally Posted by DRACO A5OG

So what year do they start this OBD2 reading only at the Smog Check Stations? 1996 on?

I think this is recent (within one year). I wasn't able to find the documentation online that explained the schedule.

[Trackrash]

Originally Posted by hcoles

I think this is recent (within one year). I wasn't able to find the documentation online that explained the schedule.

"Documentation, we don't need no stinking documentation"

[Avanti]

The CA BAR implemented the OBD II only smog testing Summer 2014. Only vehicles 2000 and newer will get the test. 1999 and older get the full tailpipe test with the dyno Unless it is AWD or has traction control that cannot be disabled. Those get a two speed idle (TSI) test with just the tailpipe emissions test and no dyno.

[Trackrash]

Originally Posted by DRACO A5OG

ah Poop, well, I am gald to have a CEL on my 96 Lexus, found leaking vacuum lines, would have never passed smog. now it should

In one respect the new system is more stringent than the old one. It used to be that you could have one of your engine management systems "not ready" and still pass on tail pipe emissions.
Now all the engine management systems have to show no malfunctions and have to be in operation.
I was able to pass the smog check the last three times with the CEL on in my wife's car. That is no longer possible.

[eastbay]

Originally Posted by hcoles

I believe past data shows that if what can be read via OBD reports all is working well or well enough running the car on the rollers is of marginal or no benefit. The price of smog checks should go down - there is less involved. Good question re. what other data they gather and store.

Price go down in Kali? hahaha I tried a few of those $16.95 coupon places (since an OBD2 connector in an OBD2 connector, right?)and strangely enough they all said a 996 is a "Luxury Car" and therefore the price is $79.95. Maybe you will have better luck in the south bay

[ischmitz]

Outch. I got my coupon and it was 19.90$ + 10$ state fee. In fact cheaper than last year


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