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1

General Topics / CA M42'ers - SMOG Test Results?

« on: August 26, 2009, 07:06:00 PM »

Hey, thanks for clarifying!  I have always been curious about how it all works & where some of this stuff came from (started driving in 2000).  I had been under the impression that being sent to a "test only" center was somehow a bad thing, meaning that CA thinks that your car is in bad shape & wants to test it extra hard or something.  I guess I should be happy that I go to them!

The owner of World Mufflers said that CA revoked his gold-shield SMOG testing license because he was "passing too many cars."  Do you know anything about shops having that happen to them, or is there likely more to the story?

Sorry, I forgot to answer you question. B.A.R loves paying regular or surprise visits to all automotive shop. Since their job is to regulate and make sure all shops is operating within ca laws and regulations. They can slap anyone with a fat fine for any reason related to procedures, equipment, or smog technician's knowledge. They do mention about the ca avg failure rate, but even if you are under that margin(about 10%) that can't do much besides possibly keep a closer eye on your shop. And if any shop gets red flag for something they suspect is out of the ordinary, they can send in undercover vehicle to make sure you are performing the smog test without a flaw. I am not too worry as I play by the book, and I have the experience and knowledge to cover my behind. Tell you the truth I think due to the budget crisis they haven't paid me a visit for almost 2 years now.......knock on wood.

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General Topics / CA M42'ers - SMOG Test Results?

« on: August 26, 2009, 06:20:41 PM »

Hey, thanks for clarifying!  I have always been curious about how it all works & where some of this stuff came from (started driving in 2000).  I had been under the impression that being sent to a "test only" center was somehow a bad thing, meaning that CA thinks that your car is in bad shape & wants to test it extra hard or something.  I guess I should be happy that I go to them!

The owner of World Mufflers said that CA revoked his gold-shield SMOG testing license because he was "passing too many cars."  Do you know anything about shops having that happen to them, or is there likely more to the story?

I've known Pat since the day he opened, and I wasn't aware of him trying to be a gold shield station. Good honest person, decent muffler work, but definitely not an advance emission or repair tech/diagnostician.

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General Topics / CA M42'ers - SMOG Test Results?

« on: August 26, 2009, 12:45:00 PM »

OK, now that I am home, here are the final SMOG numbers...



So, with the exception of the hydrocarbon emissions, I am kicking out a tiny fraction of what most cars here do, and am resting quite comfortably within the test limits.  Clearly, a well-maintained E30 has absolutely NO problem passing the sniffer.  No "snake oil" gas additives or other BS necessary!

Thanks!  I was very relieved when I was informed that I had passed lol.  I have gone down as a gross polluter twice before because I was too cheap to replace the cat (read: college student) and somehow managed to pass.


Not in CA, unless you drive an AWD vehicle.  Supposedly the 15 & 25mph load test is more appropriate.  I don't think it is any harder to pass than the idle test, personally.  Actually, I do not think that all cars need to be on the rollers, only ones that are told to go to "test-only" centers.  I think that includes all OBD-I cars now.

Hello fellow car enthusiast,

This is the the owner/tech of  the smog station, and it was nice to meet you bmwman91. I just came across your thread, and just wanted to correct a few pieces of information you have related to smog. All vehicle's in the enhanced areas(most of bay area) is subjected to biennial smog testing except if you own a new vehicle not older than 6yrs of age, hybrid, diesel(which will be tested in 2010), motorcycle, or 75 or older. As far as the types of testing in the enhanced area goes, there is just ASM(Acceleration Simulation Mode) or TSI(Two Speed Idle). And the only time a TSI is called for is when a vehicle is if it equiped with full AWD, non-disengagable traction control, and/or if its over a certain size or gvwr. Also TSI is alot easier to pass since there is one less reading to measure(Nox) and with no load.

The reason Test-Only was created in 97 was to ensure consumers gets a unbiased test, since a lot of Test and Repairs were caught failing vehicles intentionally to up sale repairs. Not to mention most test-onlys offer free a re-test, we hate to see vehicles fail. And if it does fail an your vehicle was designated to a Test-Only is would automatically qualify for the CAP program which helps pay for most of the repairs. Roughly 40% of all vehicles are designated to a Test-Only, and even though that never clearly stated why but I know it based on mileage. So if your vehicle has excessively high of low mileage(compared to nat avg) for that model year you are most likely going to a Test-Only. Hope this information helps!