Smog certificate in CA

[Dugless]

I got my registration renewal and it says I need a smog check. Apparently the law recently changed and all CNG vehicles under 14,000 lbs. require a smog certificate. So here is the problem. My check engine light is on. it has always has been, I bought the car that way. When hooked up to a code reader, it says that a fuel rail sensor is bad. The car runs perfect with the light on. When the sensor is unplugged, the engine stalls.The cost of the part is ridiculous, over $2000! So, I have just been cruising around with it on. In CA, you cannot get your car smogged with the check engine light on. I paid $3K for the car, it's not even worth it to get it fixed.

So basically, I have a ULEV that won't pass smog! This state blows.

Any suggestions?

[Curtis]

Re: Smog certificate in CA

Spend $50 and buy an OBDll reader that will clear the code. Do it just before they roll it onto the machine. It will pass smog... but not pass if the light is on... so turn it off and hope it stays off for the test.
You wanted a suggestion....

And you didn't hear that from me...

[Dugless]

Re: Smog certificate in CA

An OBDII reader, please elaborate?

[ajgiorgi]

Re: Smog certificate in CA

An OBD II reader is a handheld computer that you plug into your cars ECU and reads the trouble codes that are stored when your check engine light comes on.
You can clear the check engine light with it. If that don't work find an illegal smog, but your gonna pay around 200 I think.

Good Luck,
Anthony

[BRodri]

Re: Smog certificate in CA

An OBD II reader is a handheld computer that you plug into your cars ECU and reads the trouble codes that are stored when your check engine light comes on.
You can clear the check engine light with it. If that don't work find an illegal smog, but your gonna pay around 200 I think.

Good Luck,
Anthony

i say before you spend your money go get autozone to clear the code for you and see how long it takes to come back on that way you can see if it will help you and it won't cost you any money.

[Kevin Fern]

Re: Smog certificate in CA

Most of the time when the pcm detects a hard failure ie. fuel rail sensor, TPS or others, the pcm will usually set the code on the first try. If it is a sensor or driveability issue, sometimes it will take a couple of drive cycles for it to set. Most of the time, when you go through a smog test, their computer will check to see if the moniters are active, if they aren't it might not let you through. I would get the sensor fixed. You say a $2000.00 sensor? what type of vehicle and what system do you have?

[cngsteve]

Re: Smog certificate in CA

There is a waiver available for two years in California, but you have to spend $450 at a qualified smog check station first to get it. The theory is that you get more time to ultimately get it fixed. After the two years, it will have to pass or retire.

Here's the quote from the Bureau of Automotive Repairs:

"Repair Cost Waivers are available to everyone who has a vehicle that fails a biennial inspection and
who's emission system has not been tampered with. It allows a vehicle to be registered without passing its
Smog Check inspection by providing a temporary (two year) extension of time to complete all emissions-related
repairs. To qualify, at least $450 in emissions-related repairs must be made to the vehicle at a licensed Smog
Check station. The waiver may only be used once by a motorist during their ownership of the vehicle."

The full fact sheet is at:

http://www.smogcheck.ca.gov/stdPAge.asp?Menu=/includes/Menu_GenInfo.htm&Body=/Geninfo/Factsheets/Referee_Centers.htm

Don't know how they would look at it if the only thing it needs is the $2,000 part. Maybe you could slide, or maybe they want the part replaced to qualify as $450. You might give BAR a call to explain your unique situation (regarding a hypothetical CNG car, of course) and try to find out what they'll require.

There is also a program to provide financial assistance up to $500 (you pay the first $100) if you were directed to a Test Only station. Details at:

http://www.smogcheck.ca.gov/stdPAge.asp?Menu=/includes/Menu_GenInfo.htm&Body=/Geninfo/Factsheets/Consumer_Assistance_Program_FAQs-Aug_2006.htm

http://www.smogcheck.ca.gov/stdPAge.asp?Menu=/includes/Menu_GenInfo.htm&Body=/Geninfo/Factsheets/Consumer_Assistance_Program_Factsheet.htm

Key issues -- you have to get the repairs done at a Gold Shield station participating in the Consumer Assistance Program (you’d have to find one qualified for CNG), and you have to apply and get approved FIRST. They won't retroactively credit money you spent before applying.

[Mshepcomm]

Re: Smog certificate in CA

Dugless,

I have an OBD II reader if you are near Coastal Orange County. I can clear it in a couple of minutes, and there is a Test Only about 3 blocks away that I always use. (He is not one who will "fudge" though)

[Green GX]

Re: Smog certificate in CA

I got my registration renewal and it says I need a smog check. Apparently the law recently changed and all CNG vehicles under 14,000 lbs. require a smog certificate. So here is the problem. My check engine light is on. it has always has been, I bought the car that way. When hooked up to a code reader, it says that a fuel rail sensor is bad. The car runs perfect with the light on. When the sensor is unplugged, the engine stalls.The cost of the part is ridiculous, over $2000! So, I have just been cruising around with it on. In CA, you cannot get your car smogged with the check engine light on. I paid $3K for the car, it's not even worth it to get it fixed.

So basically, I have a ULEV that won't pass smog! This state blows.

Any suggestions?

Remove the check engine light bulb!

Bill