Tag: smog check

Smog Check OBD Reference Update

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The Bureau of Automotive Repair has issued an update to the Smog Check OBD Reference Guide.  The update check engine lightincludes new service bulletins, emissions recalls and information on the following vehicles:

  1. BMW 323i: ECM reflash recall is needed to set oxygen sensor monitor.
  2. 2000-2001 Nissan Maxima and Infinity I30:  New catalyst may be needed to run catalyst monitor.
  3. 2001 Chevrolet Silverado and Tahoe C/K 1500: Send to BAR Referee only if secondary air monitor is not running.
  4. 2002 Chevrolet Silverado C/K 2500 HD Diesel: Send to BAR Referee only if EGR monitor is not running.
  5. 2009 Kia Borrego LX/EX: Send to BAR Referee only if EGR monitor is not running.
  6. 1999-2006 Nissan UD1200 Box Truck (10-14K GVWR, Federal Diesel): Not equipped with OBD, BAR-OIS skips OBD test.
  7. 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser 2.4 liter turbo: Catalyst monitor not running.  BAR-OIS allows any one monitor.
  8. 2001-2002 Chevrolet Cavalier CNG: Catalyst monitor not running.  BAR-OIS allows any one monitor to be incomplete.

Click here to view the complete Smog Check OBD Reference Guide.

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OBD Monitors and Testability Issues

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OBD Monitor Readiness

check engine lightReadiness 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.

Consumer Assistance Program

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Designed to help improve California’s air quality, the Consumer Assistance Program (CAP) offers help to consumers who own vehicles that may have trouble passing the smog inspection.

Consumer Assistance Program – Repair Assistance

The Repair Assistance Program provides qualified consumers who own a vehicle that fails its biennial (every other year) Smog Check inspection up to $500 in financial assistance towards certain emissions-related repairs.

To qualify for CAP repair assistance, a vehicle must have failed its most recent biennial smog inspection.  Pre-Test, manual mode, and training mode inspections do not qualify.

Also, the vehicle and owner must meet registration and household income requirements.

You can learn more about CAP Repair Assistance at www.bar.ca.gov/pdf/RA_Requirements.pdf, or by calling (866) 272-9642.

Consumer Assistance Program – Vehicle Retirement

In addition to offering qualified consumers up to $500 towards certain emissions related repairs, CAP also offers consumers up to $1,500 to retire vehicles from operation.

Eligible vehicle owners who also meet household income eligibility requirements may $1,500 for each vehicle retired.  All other qualified vehicle owners shall receive $1,000 for each vehicle retired.

You can learn more about CAP Vehicle Retirement at http://www.smogcheck.ca.gov/pdf/VR_Requirements.pdf, or by calling (866) 272-9642.

The new STAR smog check program-Effective January 1, 2013

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star smog check stationWhat is a STAR Smog Station?

Some vehicles require a Smog Check at a STAR station. STAR stations must meet specified performance standards established by the Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR). Some STAR stations are licensed to perform only tests while others are licensed to perform both tests and repairs. Continue Reading →