Can a car pass a smog check in California?
In other words, the exhaust can be just fine, the car can be within the legal limit for California, but it still will not pass muster on a smog check.
What happens when your car fails a smog test?
When your car gets a smog test, one portion of the test involves connecting the smog test machine to the car’s computer and checking if there are any DTC’s, and also checking to see if the monitors are ready. If they are not, the vehicle fails the test, because there may be problems in the system that can’t be reported by the computer.
Why is my smog check OBD 2 incomplete?
There are several reasons why the monitors may be incomplete. If your car has recently been repaired for a problem that set a DTC (check engine on) and the technician cleared the DTC, he also erased the monitors. Also, if battery has been disconnected, replaced or needed a jump-start, the monitors may be erased.
Can a DTC erase a smog check monitor?
If your car has recently been repaired for a problem that set a DTC (check engine on) and the technician cleared the DTC, he also erased the monitors. Also, if battery has been disconnected, replaced or needed a jump-start, the monitors may be erased.
Can a car fail a smog test if not running right?
So don’t use these additives right before a smog test. Actually, more often than not, this myth is true. If you car is not running right, or is misfiring, it will most likely fail the smog test. If you have a bad misfire, this could cause your check engine light to come on also, meaning you will fail the functional portion of the smog inspection.
In other words, the exhaust can be just fine, the car can be within the legal limit for California, but it still will not pass muster on a smog check.
Do you need a cat for a smog test?
Your smog technician may be recommending a cat just to make a quick fix so that your car will pass this week. But you may find in succeeding years that each time you take your vehicle for a smog inspection, it will either need a catalytic converter to pass, or it will fail for sure.
Can you get a tune up before a smog test?
Get a tune-up (but not right before the smog check). A tune-up is a great way to find and address any problems that could lead to a smog test failure. However, your car’s battery is disconnected during a tune-up, which resets its computer (and the emissions monitoring system).