OBD Monitors and Testability Issues

Posted on January 28, 2016 by MasterTech

OBD Monitor Readiness

Readiness monitors are self- tests performed by a vehicle’s on board diagnostic (OBD) system to verify emission control functionality.

While most vehicles complete the various self tests during normal driving, achieving monitor readiness in a few types of vehicles is more difficult due to the vehicle design requiring unusual operating conditions or due to the fact that the owner never drives the car in the necessary operating mode.

Monitor completion is also dependent on properly functioning components, so a vehicle may never complete a monitor until a thorough diagnosis and repair of affected components is performed.

Readiness monitors must be rerun after a repair activity like disconnecting a vehicle’s battery, clearing diagnostic trouble codes, or replacing a defective emissions component.

OBD Test Monitor Readiness Standards (Implemented May 4, 2015)
Model Years	Fuel Type	total Incomplete Monitors allowed
1996-1999	Gas*	Any One
2000 and newer	Gas*	Evaporative system
1998-2006	Diesel	Zero
2007 and newer	Diesel	Any two
*”Gas” includes gasoline, propane, natural gas (CNG, LNG, LPG)

OBD Monitor Readiness Testability Issues

Some vehicle models are known to have issues that interfere with the successful completion of OBD readiness monitors. The State of California Bureau of automotive repair maintains a list of these vehicles and specific remedies, if known, that can assist a motorist in completing monitors. In some cases repairs may be required, and in others test equipment is programmed to ignore some or all readiness monitors on affected vehicles.

To learn more about OBD readiness monitors and testability issues, please download the Smog Check OBD Reference from the Bureau of Automotive Repair website.

Just Smogs® Star Certified Test and Repair

Posted on December 8, 2015 by MasterTech

Just Smogs Star Certified Test and Repair

For over fifteen years Just Smogs® has set the standard for fast, clean, and friendly smog inspections in Huntington Beach, Fountain Valley, and beyond. At Just Smogs® we take pride in providing five star service for all your smog check needs.

But what happens if your car fails?

Just Smogs® has always employed ASE certified technicians that are licensed by the State of California Bureau of automotive repairs to perform inspections and repairs; however until now, Just Smogs® has operated as a Test Only station. That meant that no repairs could be performed on the premises, only inspections… Until now.

Just smogs is now a star certified test and repair center

Just Smogs® can now both inspect, certify, and properly diagnose and repair most vehicles, including those that require “Star” certification, and vehicles that qualify for repair assistance under the Bureau of Automotive Repair Consumer Assistance Program (CAP).

We offer competitive labor rates, fair parts pricing, and the Just Smogs® guarantee of clean, friendly, and reliable service.

Toyota Prius on the beach near Huntington Beach Pier

Hybrids in Huntington Beach

Posted on November 21, 2015 by MasterTech

Huntington Beach Hybrids at Just Smogs

Nobody performs more hybrid smog inspections in Huntington Beach than the dedicated ASE certified smog technicians at Just Smogs®.

It doesn’t matter if you drive a Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, Ford Escape, Mercedes E-Class, or any other brand of Hybrid, the dedicated smog technicians at Just Smogs® in Huntington Beach will deliver your hybrid smog check fast while you relax in our clean and comfortable waiting room. Just don’t get too comfortable because at Just Smogs® hybrid smog checks fast really does mean smog checks fast!

We’re making changes

Posted on October 22, 2015 by MasterTech

We’ve been re-decorating at Just Smogs®

The Just Smogs® Reception Area

In addition to new furniture and displays in our reception area, we feature a family friendly waiting room with television, Netflix, games, and other features designed to enhance your smog check experience.

Stop in soon and enjoy a hot cup of fresh coffee. Let us know what you think about our new look. Of course you may not have a lot of time because at Just Smogs® we do Smog Checks Fast!

Pssst, check http://www.justsmogs.com often for the latest news and information. Big news is on the way.

Aftermarket Catalytic Converters

Posted on July 24, 2015 by MasterTech

In order to be sold and installed in the state, aftermarket catalytic converters must be exempted from California’s anti-tampering laws. If an aftermarket catalytic converter is shown to be durable and meets vehicle emission control requirements, it is granted an exemption Executive Order (EO) that allows it to be installed on specific emission controlled vehicles.

Aftermarket Catalytic Converter Requirements

1995 and Older Vehicles (Pre OBD II)

On non-OBD II vehicles, smog inspectors are required to ensure that all aftermarket catalytic converters installed on the vehicle have an EO number that covers vehicles within the correct vehicle category (PC-1, PC-2, T-1, or T-2). Refer to the ARB Web site for a separate Pre-OBDII EO Listing containing the EO numbers and corresponding vehicle categories.

Inspectors are not required to check specific vehicle application using the series or part numbers on non-OBD II vehicles.

Most 1996 and Newer Vehicles (OBD II)

In order to comply with California’s anti-tampering laws, and pass the smog inspection, the part numbers on aftermarket catalytic converters that are installed on OBD II vehicles must be approved for the vehicle’s make, model, model year, engine size and test group/engine family designation.

To verify application, inspectors must verify the EO and part number against the ARB Aftermarket Catalytic Converter Database. Each EO contains a catalog listing the applicable vehicles.

Unlike non-OBD II vehicles, it is important to note that inspectors are required to check specific vehicle application using the series and part number.

For more information about add-on and modified parts, or aftermarket catalytic converters, please contact ARB’s Public Information Helpline at (800) 242-4450.

New Readiness Monitor Standards for OBD System Functional Inspection

Posted on July 6, 2015 by dewok

A vehicle will FAIL a Smog Check if:

Gas Powered
1996 – 1999 : If 2 or more monitors are incomplete

Gas Powered & Hybrid
2000 – Newer: If any monitor other than the Evaporative system monitor is incomplete.

Diesel Powered
1998 – 2006: If any monitor is incomplete
2007 – Newer: If 3 or more are incomplete

Sometimes, readiness monitors will not set because of a broken emission control system component. The Owner’s Manual often contains drive cycle information to achieve monitor readiness. BAR has found that certain vehicles, including the vehicles listed below, may have difficulty completing all monitors during normal driving:

2000-2001 Nissan Maxima
2000-2001 Infiniti I30
2000 BMW 323i
2004 Ford E350 Super Duty (5.4L)

Please click here for BAR’s complete list of OBD Testability Issues, and BAR’s suggested solutions, or contact the BAR Referee at (800) 622-7733.

Smog Check: Toyota Prius Hybrid (STAR Certified)

Posted on April 22, 2015 by dewok

This 2008 Toyota Prius Hybrid passed its change-of-ownership smog check inspection today at JUST SMOGS^® in Huntington Beach. Hybrid emission inspections are essentially the same as most 2000 and newer gasoline powered vehicles.

The inspections consists of a comprehensive visual inspection of the emission systems as well as an OBD computer scan.

HYBRID Smog Check – Statewide Implementation (Huntington Beach)

Posted on March 20, 2015 by dewok

HYBRID Smog Check Inspections Are Now Required in California

Why are hybrids being brought into the Smog Check Program?

Hybrids are designed to meet strict emission standards and to provide improved fuel economy over conventional vehicles. However, hybrid emission control systems experience the same causes of long-term deterioration affecting other vehicles. Emission control system malfunctions on hybrids can cause emissions to sharply increase. By ensuring that hybrid emission-related problems are identified and then properly repaired, emission levels will remain low over the life of the vehicle.
Since their introduction to the California market in 2000, hybrid vehicles could not be properly tested on the BAR-97 equipment that was introduced in 1997. This equipment could not test the emissions of hybrids as the vehicles would switch into electric mode during an inspection. The new Bureau of Automotive Repair On-Board Diagnostic Inspection System (BAR-OIS), which is based on a visual inspection of emission control components and a scan of the vehicle’s On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) system, has resolved this testing issue.

Which types of hybrids will be required to receive a Smog Check?

All hybrid vehicles will be subject to a Smog Check. Just like traditional gasoline-powered vehicles, hybrid vehicles six model-years and newer are exempt from the biennial Smog Check requirement. Hybrid vehicles four model-years and newer are also exempt from the change-of-ownership Smog Check requirement.