I have a 1991 318ic with 146,462 miles. I received my renewal notice and the dreadful Smog Certification is required this year. The alarming part was I am required to go to Test Only or Gold Shield station.
I decided on the Test Only station. Well, I failed the Fuel Evaporative (Evap) Controls functional test and passed the Emission Test. To my surprise the technician was unable to explain what the problem was with the Fuel Evap. Controls. Several days later I contacted my mechanic to help with resolving this issue. He contacted the technician and he stated that the carbon canister was leaking.
The mechanic proceeded in doing his own testing and the test shows leaking at the bottom of carbon canister, which was normal (car was cold). The mechanic recommended that I contact the referee station to resolve this issue. On the day of my appointment with the referee I drove the car for 90 minutes on the freeway to heat up the Cat. I arrived to the appointment and (car sat for one hour) the referee performed the test and was unable to replicate the technician finding. The Referee explained that the universal gas cap being used in this test had to be completely tightened down and turned back ¼ turn to guarantee no leaks. By doing this he was able to complete the test and there were no leaks. I Passed Smog.
I just wanted to thank everyone for the helpful information being posted on this form and to thank IPB-AUTOSPORT (Ron Kain) for his assistance in this issue.
Topic: Smog Chk Failed 2008 (Read 1926 times)