Author: dewok

Permanent DTC / Smog Checks in CA

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Check Engine Light

As of July 1, 2019, vehicles with Permanent DTCs will fail a smog check. Permanent DTCs were phased-in with 2010 model year vehicles and was completed for 2012 model year

What are Permanent Diagnostic Trouble Codes?

Permanent Diagnostic Trouble Codes (PDTCs) are very similar to regular Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs). However, unlike regular DTCs, they cannot be reset by disconnecting the vehicle’s battery or cleared using an On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) scan tool. The only way to clear a PDTC is to fix the underlying problem with the vehicle that originally caused the PDTC and its corresponding DTC to set, and then allow the vehicle sufficient drive time to re-run the monitor that identified the problem in the first place. When the monitor runs without identifying a problem, the PDTC will clear itself.

Are there circumstances under which a PDTC will not cause a vehicle to fail a Smog Check inspection?

Yes. PDTCs will be ignored if the vehicle has completed at least 15 warm-up cycles and been driven at least 200 miles since its OBD information was last cleared.

Conclusion

Permanent DTCs can cause a vehicle to fail a smog check even if the check engine light (MIL) is not illuminated. Unplugging the vehicle’s battery or using a scan tool are techniques sometimes used to clear OBD information for a vehicle that has an illuminated malfunction indicator light in an attempt to hide the fact that the vehicle is malfunctioning. Some of these vehicles can pass a Smog Check inspection before the vehicle can re-identify the underlying problem that set the malfunction indicator light and DTC(s). This can have a dramatic impact on air quality and decrease the effectiveness of the Smog Check Program. Although the use of readiness monitors reduces the chances of passing a Smog Check inspection with an active DTC, PDTCs can further ensure emission control systems are working correctly.

At JUST SMOGS®+ REPAIR, we specialize in emission related diagnosis and repair. If your check engine light is on or your vehicle has failed a smog check, feel free to give us a call: 714-596-1019.

Happy Thanksgiving !

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Wishing you and your families a safe and happy Thanksgiving. Thank you for the 20 years of community support.

CAP Amendment 2020

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The Consumer Assistance Program (CAP) has been amended as of September 1 2020.

New Consumer Assistance Program (CAP) regulations relating to Repair Assistance Program have been adopted that amend California Code of Regulations sections 3394.3, 3394.4, and 3394.6 by:

·         Increasing the state’s contribution toward emissions-related repairs from a maximum of $500 to either $900 or $1,200, depending on vehicle model year. All repairs over $500 must be preapproved by CAP.

·         Modifying the consumer copay from the total cost of testing and diagnosis of the emissions-related failure to a minimum of 20% of the total cost of diagnosis and repair of the emissions-related failure.

·         Establishing a flat fee for CAP diagnosis of 1.5 hours times the posted hourly labor rate for repairs. The diagnosis includes a pre-repair baseline inspection. An after-repair inspection is to be performed at no additional charge.

·         Allowing participation in CAP of a vehicle with vehicle registration expired up to 365 days.

·         Eliminating eligibility requirements pertaining to prior registration lapses.

A copy of the adopted regulation is attached.  For updated CAP materials and information, please see the links below or visit www.bar.ca.gov.

·         Repair Assistance Operations Manual

·         Consumer Assistance Program Application

·         Frequently Asked Questions

·         Repair Notification/Invoice Form

Happy Labor Day

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We will be closed Monday September 7th in honor of Labor Day. Have a safe and happy holiday!

Smog Check: Not Ready – Readiness Monitors

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This Jeep wasn’t driven during the Covid lock down and as a result the battery died. As many of you now know, a dead battery = a failed smog check. To pass, a Drive Cycle must be successfully completed prior to a smog check. Our team tested and replaced the battery, completed a drive cycle and the Jeep pass it’s smog check!

Open during Covid-19

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As a California essential business, we have remained open during these difficult times. We have adjusted our schedule and staffing. Please call 714-596-1019 or schedule an appointment online to ensure the best service possible.

We have taken a number of precautionary measures to protect you and our staff. If you currently do not feel comfortable coming in for service, we recommend paying your DMV fees online and visiting us when you’re ready. We will be here for you when this passes.

Wishing you and your loved ones the best.

Uber Vehicle Inspection

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We’re an official Uber Vehicle Inspection location.

Feel free to give us a call (714-596-1019) or stop on by.