Smog Check: McLaren Mercedes Benz SLR

Posted on January 13, 2014 by dewok

Yet another gorgeous vehicle from the Griffith Racing Team. This black beauty is probably one of the most expensive cars that we’ve ever tested.

From Wikipedia: The Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren was inspired by the Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe & Racecar of 1955,^[2] which was a modified Mercedes-Benz W196 F1 race car. It was introduced on 17 November 2003. On 4 April 2008, Mercedes announced that they would cease production of the SLR. The last of the coupes rolled off the production line at the end of 2009 and the roadster version was discontinued in early 2010.

Smog Check: Griffith Racing’s Dodge Viper GTSR

Posted on January 8, 2014 by dewok

This 1998 Dodge Viper GTSR (No. 21 of 100) is one of many high-end vehicles in the Griffith Racing collection. The Viper passes its smog check with ease.

Smog Check: 2004 Ferrari Spider

Posted on December 9, 2013 by dewok

This beautiful Ferrari 360 Spider passes a STAR smog check inspection. Licensed smog technician John takes special care during the inspection.

Chrysler & Dodge OBD Drive Cycle to Complete Readiness Monitors

Posted on November 20, 2013 by dewok

Chrysler Drive Cycle Information

All Monitor Drive Trace
Pre-Conditioning Requirements:
– MIL must be off
– Cold start (Note: cold start temperature is undefined)
Driving Procedure

Warm engine up for five minutes (must reach closed loop)
Drive (with steady throttle) at a speed between 40 and 60 mph for 8 minutes.
Stop and idle for 3 minutes.
Drive (with steady throttle) at a speed above 20 mph for 2 minutes.
Turn key off, leave off for ten minutes (to run O2 sensor heater monitor).

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Star Smog Check: Aston Martin Vanquish & 1978 VW Bus

Posted on November 15, 2013 by dewok

Our smog technicians are inspecting two very different vehicles. The Aston Martin Vanquish passes it’s star smog check. Unfortunately, the 1977 Volkswagen Bus does not. It is sometimes difficult for older vehicles to conform to the strict smog standards set out by the State of California. On the bright side, California offers subsidized smog repairs for low-income motorists. There is also a vehicle retirement program that will give you cash for your “clunker.”

Help, My Car Failed a Smog Check. (High HC Failure)

Posted on September 27, 2013 by dewok

Solving Exhaust Gas Failures: High HC

Failure to achieve a pass on HC emissions is usually due to an excessively high ratio of fuel to air, thus causing high levels of unburned HCs. Start by checking the following in the order suggested here.

1: Spark plugs & wires
2: Timing spark/advance
3: Vacuum leaks
4: Other ignition problems
5: 02 Sensor
6: Evaporative fuel system

Plus…Fuel Injection system, Air/fuel mixture adjustment, PCV system, Catalytic converter(s), Throttle position sensor, MAP sensor, MAF sensor, Other sensors/switches, Computer PROM, Internal engine repair, Other repairs/unknown.