Category: Vehicles smog certified by Just Smogs

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.

Do I need to Smog Check ?

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California DMV requires a smog check for the following reasons:

  • Biennial Inspection
    The most common reasons a vehicle is required to be smog certified is simply to comply with California biennial (every other year) smog check regulations. Once a gasoline vehicle is older that 8 years, the DMV requires a passing smog check every other year. So for example in 2021, vehicle model years 2013 and older will require a smog check. Vehicle model years 1975 and older are exempt from inspection.
    Diesel vehicles do not get the 8 year waiver. All 1998 and newer diesel vehicles under 14,000 GVWR are required to be inspected every other year.
  • Transfer of Ownership
    A smog check certification is required when a vehicle is 6 model years or older gets sold in California. The seller of the vehicle is required to provide a passing smog check certificate (within 90 days) upon time of sale.
  • Out of State Transfer
    When a vehicle is brought into California from another state, a smog check is required regardless of how new the vehicle is. 1975 and older gasoline vehicles and 1997 and older diesel vehicles are exempt.
  • Salvage Title
    California can require a smog check and brake-and-lamp inspection if a vehicle becomes titled salvaged.
    

What is the difference between a smog check and a STAR smog check?

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That actual “smog inspection” is the same between a STAR station and a “regular” station. The difference comes down to equipment requirements and the licensing requirements for the smog check station.

So to reiterate, if you bring your 2000 Toyota Camry to a “regular” smog check station and then to a “STAR” smog check station, you theoretically should be getting the exact same inspection.

The California BAR created the STAR program to combat improper/illegal smog testing in California. STAR stations and STAR station technicians are required to maintain a certain level of “accuracy” via a report card in order to remain in the STAR program.

So if you open your DMV registration renewal letter and it states “Required at a STAR Station”, don’t worry, you aren’t getting punished with a harder inspection. It’s the same exact test.

2001 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 – P1416 – MIL / Check Engine Light

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This 2001 Chevy Silverado 1500 5.3L with a check engine light on failed a California smog check for the functional portion of the smog check. The vehicle originally failed at another smog shop for “Not Ready”. Apparently a mechanic cleared the MIL and sent the customer on her way. After attempting to complete the drive cycle, the check engine light appeared with P1416 DTC.

Although we diagnosed the problem associated with the P1416 DTC, the Air injection monitor still would not complete. During the drive cycle, P0141 & P0161 pending DTCs appeared in the system. Upon testing oxygen sensor bank 1 sensor 2, our technician found high resistance within the heater circuit of the sensor.