Odds & Ends

I'm That Guy

An e-mailer asked if I'm the same guy from SmogCentral.com and if I will be updating my "Smog Dogs"? The answer is "Yes" I am the guy from the now defunct SmogCentral.com. That site went belly-up 'cause I didn't know how to market it. A blog is much easier to manage. And, yes, "Smog Dogs" will be updated in the near future.

Hey. Thanks, Mike!

A big thank-you goes out to Mike Nemeth of the Fresno Bee for mentioning California Smog Central in his blog the other day. Here is a link to Mike's blog.

Reader Email Bag

Q. Are there any cars you really hate?
A: Yes, read the next question.

Q. My 1988 Ford Festiva won't pass the Smog Check. It has high HC. I've replaced the catalytic converter, the spark plugs, spark plug wires and the oxygen sensor. But it still fails. What should I do?
A. Any attempt to repair this car will be for naught. As I've stated in the past, the Bureau of Automotive Repair knows these cars never ever pass the Smog Check. In fact, they launch an investigation when one does pass. Fortunately there are only a handful of these cars on the road. Actually, they're sitting on the side of the road, out of gas, expired tags and the cassette is stuck in the tape deck.

Happy Thanksgiving

More to come,
Bob

Your Phone Call Can Help Stop Smoking Vehicles

Now You Can Report a Smoking Vehicle

The California Air Resources board has made it very easy to report your neighbor's smoke belching 1974 Pinto. The car doesn't even have to be in the Smog Check Program.

The next time you see a rolling smoke machine on one of California's roadways simply pick up your cell phone and dial #SMOG. Now this number works only in the larger California cities. You can call the Air Resources Board or one of the local air pollution control districts.

The following phone numbers are available in the regions listed:

Air Resources Board	1-800-END-SMOG
Bay Area AQMD	1-800-EXHAUST
San Diego County APCD	1-800-28-SMOKE
San Joaquin Valley Unified APCD	1-800-559-9AIR
Shasta County AQMD	1-888-249-SMOG
South Coast AQMD	1-800-CUT-SMOG
Ventura County APCD	1-800-559-SMOG

Please have this information ready to report:

• Vehicle Type
• License Plate Number
• Date and Time of the Incident
• Location of the Incident

The state encourages you to step up and do your duty.

More to come,
Thanks,
Bob

Did You Know Your Car Can Fail For...? pt2

Did You Know Your Car Can Fail For...? pt. 2


This is a follow-up to my November 10, 2007 post describing scenarios for Smog Check failures that may not be immediately understood.

1. The gas cap is missing.
Explanation:
The gas cap is part of the fuel evaporative (EVAP) system. The EVAP system prevents raw gasoline from escaping the vehicle and evaporating into the atmosphere. As part of the inspection, the technician visually inspects the EVAP system and associated plumbing for defects or modifications, including the gas cap. If the gas cap is missing, fuel vapors from the gas tank will reach the atmosphere. The gas cap integrity is also checked. The technician will either pass or fail the EVAP system based on observations made during the test.

2. The gas cap is loose.
Explanation:
A loose gas cap will allow fuel vapor from the gas tank into the atmosphere. On 1996 and newer vehicles a loose gas cap can cause the "Check Engine " light or "Service Engine Soon" light to come on. When either of these lights come on during the Smog Check, the vehicle will fail the test.

3. The "Service Engine Soon" light is on.
Explanation:
This also applies to the "Check Engine" light. The vehicle's on-board computer monitors various engine management and emission systems on the vehicle. It looks at and receives information from sensors and actuators. The on-board computer uses this information to adjust the air-fuel mixture on the vehicle. It can also tell by the data it sends and receives if a particular emission system is working as it should. When the light comes on, the computer will store a code or codes telling the technician which emission systems are affected. This is part of the "Functional" test of the Smog Check.

4. The "Check Engine" light does not work.
Explanation:
This also applies to the "Service Engine Soon" light. During the Smog Check, the technician will move the ignition key to the "on" position. The "Check Engine" light or "Service Engine Soon" light should illuminate. If it does not, then the vehicle owner will not know when an emission system is not working correctly and the vehicle may not be performing optimally. This important warning light MUST work.

5. The engine RPM is too high or too low.
Explanation:
This applies to vehicles that require the ignition timing be checked as part of the Smog Check. The ignition timing is described as: the timing of the spark relative to the operation of the valves and the placement of the piston in the cylinder. BTDC stands for "before top dead center" a reference to a mark on the main pulley on the front of the engine. For most engines, when the timing is set to 0 degrees TDC, the number one piston will fire at the very top of the stroke. For vehicles where the manufacturer specifies a timing setting, the Smog Check inspection allows plus or minus three degrees from that setting. For vehicles where the manufacturer specifies a timing range, the vehicle must be in that timing range.
If the manufacturer specifies an engine RPM, the Smog Check inspection allows plus or minus 100 RPM.
For instance, if the timing spec is 10 degrees BTDC @ 800 RPM, the engine has to be at 7-13 degrees BTDC @ 700-900 RPM
If the engine RPM is below 700 or above 900 RPM it will fail the Smog Check.

6. The alternator was just replaced on your 1999 Honda Civic.
7. You just replaced the battery in your 2000 Buick Regal.
Explanation:
Statements #6 and #7 are related and apply to 1996 and newer vehicles.
The on-board computers on these cars monitor emission systems and components such as:

• Fuel evaporative system
• EGR system
• Oxygen sensor
• Catalytic converter
• Misfires
• Fuel system
• Secondary air system

There may be other or even more of these "monitors" on some cars. As the on-board computer looks at these systems, it decides if each one is working or not. If all is well it will call each system "ready". It takes time and driving time for the computer to complete this readiness check. This is called a "drive cycle" .

As part of the Smog Check the readiness monitors are checked, If not enough of these systems are "ready", the car will fail the Smog Check.

If the battery is disconnected, the on-board computer has to start these "readiness monitors" all over again, requiring a "drive cycle" to complete the checks.
So, if you get your Smog Check shortly after you have replaced you battery or for one reason or another disconnected it, the readiness monitors may not have run.

8. Your neighbor just turned off the "Service Engine Soon" light on your 2001 Chevy truck.
Explanation:
This is related to the previous two statements.
The "Service Engine Soon" light was on because the on-board computer saw a problem with one or more of the emission systems. By turning the light off , (requires special equipment) the computer has to start over and complete a "drive cycle" and enough "monitors" have to be ready. If not enough monitors are ready, the vehicle will fail the Smog Check.

More to come...
Thanks,
Bob

New Part of Smog Test Starts December 1, 2007

Fuel Evaporative Testing Starts December 1, 2007

Beginning December 1, 2007 the Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) will mandate that 1976 thru 1995 model year vehicles be tested for low pressure fuel evaporative emissions (LPFET) as part of the statewide Smog Check Program.

This additional test will check the integrity of the fuel evaporative system from the fuel tank to the evaporative canister on the vapor capture side of the system.

This is how it works:
A special cap is used in place of the vehicle's gas cap. The fuel capture hose at the fuel evaporative canister is either pinched off or removed from the canister and plugged.

Nitrogen is introduced into the gas tank and the vapor capture system via the special gas cap on the fuel tank filler neck.

It is then pressurized to one-half pound psi. This is all connected to and monitored by a special computerized tester, The tester determines if there is a pressure drop indicating a leak in the vapor capture part of the evaporative system.

The LPFET test will verify only that there is a leak in the vapor capture system. If a leak is detected, the vehicle will fail the Smog Check. The vehicle owner will likely have to pay a diagnostic fee to determine the location of the leak. It is possible there could be more than one leak.

The state postponed the November 1, 2007 start date, apparently so that enough Smog Check stations had the special $3000 equipment.

Consumers can expect the cost of a Smog Check to increase.

Some 1976 - 1995 vehicles are exempt from the test. This includes:

• Vehicles not originally equipped, and not required by state or federal law to be equipped, with a fuel evaporative control system.
• Vehicles with two or more fully operational fuel tanks.
• Vehicles powered exclusively by compressed natural gas (CNG), liquid natural gas (LNG) or liquid petroleum gas (LPG).
  
• Vehicles for which there are no filler neck adapters.
• Vehicles in their original factory configuration, with a fuel evaporative canister and fuel vapor hoses that are not accessible or would require the partial dismantling of the vehicle in order to gain access to them for testing.
  

Why is the state picking on the 1976-1995 model year vehicles? Because 1996 and newer vehicles already have a fuel evaporative system monitor on the vehicle. If a problem with this system occurs, the "Check Engine" light or "Service Engine Soon" light will illuminate.

This is likely to cause consternation, concern and calamity among the driving public and will be a challenging PR problem for your neighborhood smog shop.

More to come,
Thanks,
Bob

My Car is a GROSS Polluter!

The Gross Polluter and You


A lot of urban legend surrounds the car that fails the Smog Check as a "gross polluter". Some of the things I've heard are:

• The state will confiscate your "Gross Polluting" car.
• The state will force you to retire your "Gross Polluting" car.
• The state will make you buy another car.
  
• The state will forbid you to drive your "Gross Polluting" car.

The Back-Story

In 1996 the state of California implemented the term "gross polluter". It was meant for vehicles that failed the Smog Check with extremely high emissions. It was a heavy burden to own a gross polluting vehicle.

It meant there was no cost limit to get the offending vehicle below the gross polluter threshold. It also meant the vehicle would have to undergo an annual Smog Check for up to four consecutive years. Additionally, after repairs had been performed, the vehicle would have to be certified by the Smog Check Referee.

The Smog Check Referee was soon overwhelmed with gross polluting vehicles in need of certifying. In some parts of the state it took up to 30 days to get an appointment.

The state soon relented, amid a consumer and legislative outcry, and allowed the gross polluter to be tested at "Gold Shield" or "Test-Only" Smog Check stations.

The state dropped the no cost limit to get the vehicle below the gross polluter threshold. Further, after the vehicle passed the Smog Check, it went back into it's normal biennial cycle.

The Gross Polluter Today

Today if the vehicle fails the Smog Check at or above the gross polluter levels, it has to be certified at a "Gold Shield" or "Test-Only" Smog Check station after repairs are performed. There are no other penalties for owning a gross polluting vehicle.

If being pegged as a gross polluter is a real concern to you, the Smog Check station might run a pre-inspection first. Not all Smog Check stations offer a pre-inspection and you have to ask for one.

More to come.
Thanks,
Bob

The Smog Check Referee

The Court of Last Resort- The Smog Check Referee

The Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) has contracted the Foundation for California Community Colleges to operate the Smog Check Referee Program on 33 community college campuses throughout California.

The Smog Check Referee serves many purposes.

The following are some of the responsibilities of this important part of the Smog Check Program.

• The consumer believes that their vehicle was tested and/or repaired improperly, which resulted in a failure at the licensed smog station.
• The consumer is eligible for a repair cost waiver.
• The consumer is eligible for a low-income economic hardship extension (not available for change of ownership).
• Vehicle has a limited parts exemption.
• Vehicle is exempt from a smog check, but received a "Smog Certificate Required" statement on the DMV registration renewal notice.
• Vehicle cannot be inspected by a licensed station due to an inherent problem with the vehicle.
• The vehicle's engine has been changed with a non-replacement engine.
  
• Vehicle is a kit car or the vehicle make is Specially Constructed Vehicles (SPCNS) and does not have a BAR label.
• Vehicle is a Gray market/Direct import vehicle
• Vehicle is converted to operate on pure electricity.
• Vehicle requires verification that an alternative fuel conversion system has been properly installed.

If your vehicle needs to be seen by the Smog Check Referee call 1-800-622-7733 for an appointment. There is a fee for the Smog Check Referee service.

More to come...
Thanks,
Bob

Kit Cars (SPCNS) and Smog Check

Kit Cars (SPCNS) and Smog Check

One of the most asked questions we get is how does the owner of a kit car get it registered? For the sake of this discussion, and for DMV purposes, these cars are legally designated as Specially Constructed Vehicles (SPCNS) . Typically, these cars are built at home or in the garage.
The following is a legal description of an SPCNS:

" A "specially constructed vehicle" is a vehicle which is built for private use, not for resale, and is not constructed by a licensed manufacturer or remanufacturer. A specially constructed vehicle may be built from (1) a kit; (2) new or used, or a combination of new and used, parts; or (3) a vehicle reported for dismantling, as required by Section 5500 or 11520, which, when reconstructed, does not resemble the original make of the vehicle dismantled. A specially constructed vehicle is not a vehicle which has been repaired or restored to its original design by replacing parts."

A few years ago SB 100 was made into law and created the Specially Constructed Vehicle Emission Program.

What is the Specially Constructed Vehicle Emission Program?

Existing law requires most 1976 and newer model year vehicles to pass an emissions control inspection (smog check) prior to original registration, transfer of ownership, and every second annual renewal. Since Specially Constructed Vehicles (SPCNS) are homemade and do not have a manufacturer-assigned model year, they must be taken to a Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) Referee Station for the original inspection. Upon completion of the inspection, the referee will affix a tamper-resistant label to the vehicle and issue a certificate that establishes the model-year for future inspection purposes.

Per California Vehicle Code §4750.1, the first 500 program applicants in each calendar year may choose whether the inspection is based on the model-year of the engine used in the vehicle or the vehicle model-year. If the engine or the vehicle does not sufficiently resemble one previously manufactured, the referee will assign 1960 as the model-year.

After the first 500 vehicles have been registered in any calendar year, all others will be assigned the same model-year as the calendar year in which the application is submitted.

Previously registered vehicles may be included as one of the first 500 applicants in a calendar year and apply for a different model-year determination.

What is an SPCNS Certificate of Sequence?

An SPCNS Certificate of Sequence identifies a vehicle as one for which the owner may choose emission control inspection based on the model-year of the engine used in the vehicle or the vehicle model-year. The certificate is issued by DMV Headquarters and will be mailed 7-10 working days after the application is accepted by your local DMV. The certificate must be presented to the BAR Referee Station at the time of inspection.

Per statute, only 500 certificates can be issued in a calendar year. Once the yearly allotment has been issued, applicants must wait until the following year to apply for a certificate.

SPCNS Certificates of Sequence cannot be transferred to a different vehicle or reissued in someone else's name. The seller of a vehicle must provide the buyer with the SPCNS Certificate of Sequence along with the bill of sale and any additional registration documents. In addition, fees deposited in one year cannot be held over for the next year's allocation of certificates.

Note: Due to the limited number of SPCNS Certificates of Sequence available, you may wish to submit your application for registration in person at a local DMV office.

The Registration Requirements For An SPCNS

• A completed Application for Title or Registration (REG 343).
• A vehicle verification done by the California Highway Patrol (CHP). You must start your application process with the DMV prior to contacting the CHP for a vehicle verification.
  
• A completed Statement of Construction (REG 5036).
• Proof of ownership, such as invoices, receipts, manufacturers’ certificates of origin, bills of sale, or junk receipts for the major component parts (engine, frame, transmission, and body).
  
  NOTE: A motor vehicle bond is required when proof of ownership cannot be obtained for parts valued a $5,000 or more.
• Official brake and light adjustment certificates. When an official brake and light station that inspects specific vehicles such as motorcycles and large commercial vehicles is not located within a reasonable distance, DMV will accept a Statement of Facts (REG 256) from a repair shop attesting that the brakes and lights are in proper working order. Brake and light certificates are not required for off-highway vehicles or trailers weighing less than 3,000 pounds gross vehicle weight.
• A weight certificate for commercial vehicles weighing 10,000 pounds or less.
• An emission control inspection (smog check) by a Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) Referee Station. To make an appointment at a BAR Referee Station, call 1-800-622-7733.
• All fees due.

Visit your local DMV to begin the application process, make an appointment for faster service.
source: California Department of Motor Vehicles

By January 3, 2007 all 500 Certificates of Sequence had been issued for calendar 2007.

Thanks,
Bob

New Law: Visible Smoke = Fail Your Smog Check

Does Your Car Smoke?

The Bureau of Automotive Repair has picked January 1, 2008 to kick-off a new wrinkle in the Smog Check program.
Vehicles that emit visible smoke from the tailpipe or crankcase will fail the Smog Check.
As most experienced smog techs know, many smoking cars have passed the emission part of the Smog Check. Apparently, what the state is concerned about is particulate matter. They are also aiming to get the older, higher mileage cars off the road. These cars are typically owned by people of low income.
Earlier this year, some CAP stations were asked to note whether or not the vehicles they tested and repaired were emitting smoke. CAP stations perform smog repairs for income eligible motorists.
The state has yet to tell Smog Check stations when "smoke" is "smoke". Are they looking for smoke on engine start-up? Are they looking for smoke that occurs only during the actual smog test? What color of smoke will equate to a Smog Check failure?
If the plan goes forward, the owners of such offending vehicles can appeal to the Smog Check Referee and low income vehicle owners may be eligible for repair assistance.
The details have yet to be worked out and the state may delay implementation.
Stay tuned.

More to come...
Thanks,
Bob

Did You Know Your Car Can Fail Smog Check For.....

Would you believe your car can fail the Smog Check because...

1. The gas cap is missing.
2. The gas cap is loose.
3. The "Service Engine Soon" light is on.
4. The "Check Engine" light does not work.
5. The engine RPM is too high or too low.
6. The alternator was just replaced on your 1999 Honda Civic.
7. You just replaced the battery on your 2000 Buick Regal.
8. Your neighbor just turned off the "Service Engine Soon" light on your 2001 Chevy truck.

I will address these issues in my November 17th post.

More to come..
Thanks,
Bob

FREE Money to Pass Smog Check

Consumer Assistance Program

The state of California offers income eligible motorists and motorists directed to "Test-only" shops up to $500 for smog repairs and diagnosis. Please follow along closely. There may be a quiz at the end.

Income Eligible Motorists
The vehicle must have failed a biennial (every 2 year) Smog Check. There can be no missing, modified or disconnected smog components or systems. The vehicle owner must meet income requirements. The car owner completes and submits a Consumer Assistance Program (CAP) application.
After the application is approved the car owner will receive an official CAP approval letter with a list of "Gold Shield" smog shops that can perform approved CAP repairs. In most cases a $20 co-pay is required. The state will pay the CAP station up to $500 in approved smog repairs and diagnosis.

Test-only Directed Vehicles

The vehicle must be directed to a "Test-only" shop for the Smog Check. This would be noted on the DMV registration renewal notice. The vehicle must fail the biennial Smog Check. There can be no missing, modified or disconnected smog components or systems.
There are no income requirements for owners of "Test-only" directed vehicles. So, even Jay Leno can get CAP money if his "Test-only" directed Ferrari fails the biennial Smog Check.
The car owner completes and submits a Consumer Assistance Program (CAP) application.
After the application is approved the car owner will receive an official CAP approval letter with a list of "Gold Shield" smog shops that can perform approved CAP repairs. In most cases a $100 co-pay is required. The state will pay the CAP station up to $500 in approved smog repairs and diagnosis.

Click here to download a CAP application

More to come...
Thanks,
Bob

Smog Check Basics pt. 2

So your car failed the Smog Check....

There are three parts of the California Smog Check inspection. The Visual Inspection, the Functional Test and the Emission Test. Your vehicle must pass all three to pass the Smog Check. Let's take this one step at a time as it can get tricky.

Visual Inspection Failures
Anything missing, modified or disconnected must be repaired or replaced. This is referred to as "tampered" on the Vehicle Inspection Report (VIR). There are no cost limits or minimums to repair tampers.
If the part is simply worn out, it is not considered tampered. It is considered "defective".
If the vehicle is undergoing the biennial Smog Check, there would be a $450 cost minimum to repair the "defective" part. More on the $450 cost minimum later. On transfers and initial registration there are no cost limits or minimums.

Functional Test Failures
Basically the same as above. No cost limits or minimums on vehicles undergoing transfer or initial registration. There would be a $450 cost minimum on the biennial Smog Check.

Emission Test Failures
Again, the same as above. No cost limits or minimums on vehicles undergoing transfer or initial registration. There would be a $450 cost minimum on the biennial Smog Check.

Remember and this is very IMPORTANT, smog repairs can be performed only at state licensed Smog Repair shops by licensed smog technicians.

Also note, there are no cost limits to get the car in a testable condition. So if your car overheats, has a high idle, has a bad exhaust leak etc. it may not be testable until those issues are addressed.

The $450 Cost Minimum
This pertains only to vehicles undergoing the biennial Smog Check. If your vehicle fails the Smog Check and there are no missing, modified, or disconnected components, you are required to spend at least $450 on smog repairs and diagnosis before the vehicle would be eligible for a Smog Check Waiver.
The next two sentences are VERY IMPORTANT. Only repairs and diagnosis at licensed smog shops count towards the $450 cost minimum. Any smog repairs or diagnosis performed prior to the official Smog Check do not count towards the $450 cost minimum.

Smog Check Waiver
Again, this pertains only to vehicles undergoing the biennial Smog Check and there are no missing, modified or disconnected components.
If, after spending $450 or more on smog repairs and diagnosis, and your car still fails the Smog Check, it would be eligible for a Smog Check Waiver.
Be advised that after the Smog Check waiver is issued, the vehicle must pass the next Smog Check regardless of cost.
Only the Smog Check Referee can issue a waiver. Call 1-800-622-7733 for an appointment.

More to come...
Thanks,
Bob

Exempted Vehicles

Not all motor vehicles are subject to the Smog Check Program.

Smog Certifications are not required for transfers of ownership that occur for any motor vehicle that is four or less model years old.

Also note, Smog Certifications are not required if the Transfer of Ownership occurs between a spouse, sibling, child, parent, grandparent or grandchild.

Further, a Smog Certification is not required if a Biennial Smog Certification was submitted to DMV within 90 days prior to the vehicle transfer date. A Vehicle Inspection Report may be required for proof of certification.

These vehicles are currently exempt:

• Hybrid vehicles
• 1975 year model or older
• Diesel powered vehicles
• Electric vehicles
• Natural gas powered and has a Gross Vehicle Weight rating of 14,001 lbs. or greater
• Motorcycle
• Trailer

More to come...
Thanks,
Bob

Smog Check Basics

The state of California requires every gasoline and natural gas powered automobile and truck, 1976 and newer, to pass a Smog Check. In some areas of the state a biennial (every 2 years) inspection is required. This would happen every other year the vehicle registration is renewed. In all parts of the state a Smog Check is required on transfer of ownership and initial registration into the state. Currently 1976 - 2001 model years are subject to the biennial inspections. We will soon be moving on to the 2002 model year.

As is usual with the state, the powers that be have made some exceptions:

Beginning January 1, 2005, vehicles 6 or less model-years old are exempt from the biennial Smog Check inspection requirement.

Beginning January 1, 2005, vehicles 4 or less model-years old are exempt from the Smog Check inspection requirement upon change of ownership and transfer of title transactions with DMV.

Beginning April 1, 2005, vehicles being initially registered in California that were previously registered in another state are exempt if the vehicle is a 1975 and older model-year vehicle. Newer vehicles, the first 6 model years, are not exempted upon initial registration in California. These vehicles are required to undergo a Smog Check Inspection.


The Smog Check has three components. The Visual Inspection, the Functional Test, and the Emissions Test. The vehicle must pass all three to pass the Smog Check.


The Visual Inspection:
All required emissions control components and systems are identified, and must appear connected and functional.

The Functional Inspection:
This includes checking the operation of the emissions control warning indicators, ("Check Engine" light or Service Engine Soon light), the ignition timing, the gas cap, and the Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) system (if the vehicle is so equipped and a Two-Speed Idle (TSI) test is being performed). A functional check of a vehicle’s On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) system is also performed on 1996 and newer vehicles. Diagnostic information stored in the vehicle’s computer is reported on the Vehicle Inspection Report (VIR) that the motorist receives at the end of the Smog Check inspection.

The Emissions Test:
This measures exhaust emissions using a probe inserted into the vehicle’s tailpipe during testing. Vehicles pass or fail this part of the Smog Check inspection based on established emission standards.

Repair shops displaying this sign can perform an official Smog Check and perform repairs should your car fail.




More to come...
Thanks,
Bob