Tag: smog

Smog Check: Check Engine Light is on?

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Will my car pass a smog check with a CHECK ENGINE LIGHT on?

No, unfortunately your vehicle will fail a smog check if the check engine light is illuminated. The industry term is Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL).

The MIL is usually located somewhere on the dash. A proper functioning MIL illuminates when the vehicle is initially started. The MIL then “goes off” a few seconds later. If the MIL stays “on” the vehicle will fail the On Board Diagnostic (OBD) Functional portion of the smog inspection.

Why is the CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON?

It’s a common misconception that an illuminated MIL indicates the need for an oil change or other routine service. An MIL is triggered when the vehicle’s computer finds a problem somewhere in the system. A “trouble code” is set and the MIL is illuminated to notify the driver. Common trouble codes are: faulty gas cap, oxygen sensor, catalytic efficiency, etc. In some way fault codes that illuminate the MIL are always emission related.

Common terms and symbols for an MIL:

  • Check Engine
  • Service Engine Soon
  • A symbol outline of an Engine

High Hydrocarbon (HC) / Carbon Monoxide (CO) / Nitrogen Oxide (NO) Smog Failure

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What causes high HC emissions?

Excessive HC results from ignition misfire or misfire due to excessively lean or rich air/fuel mixtures. 

  1. Engine Misfires
  2. Ignition System Failures
  3. Excessively lean air/fuel mixture
  4. Excessive EGR dilution
  5. Timing Issues
  6. Catalytic Converter
  7. Worn piston rings and cylinder walls
  8. Carbon deposits on intake valves

What causes high CO emissions?

High carbon monoxide levels are caused by anything that can cause a rich conditon.

  1. Excessive fuel pressure at the injector(s)
  2. Leaking fuel injector(s)
  3. Faulty O2 sensor(s)
  4. Defective fuel pressure regulator
  5. Defective EVAP system
  6. Plugged PCV valve or hose
  7. Catalytic converter

What causes high NO emissions?

NOx are produced from the reaction of nitrogen and oxygen gases in the air during combustion, especially at high temperatures & high pressures.

  1. Cooling system problems
  2. Fuel Mixture: excessively lean air/fuel
  3. EGR System Problems
  4. Overheating Issues
  5. Faulty O2 Sensor(s)
  6. Excess Carbon on Valves,
  7. Catalytic Converter
  8. Timing Issues
  9. Carbon deposits on intake valves

 

Star Smog Check: Porsche Turbo

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porsche star smog checkThis beautiful 2001 Porsche turbo passes it’s star smog check in Huntington Beach.

Many vehicles are require smog certification from a licensed CA Star Station. Just Smogs is one of the first smog check stations in California to be certified “Star.” Currently the inspection procedures are identical to the previous smog program.

What is a STAR Smog Station?

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star smog check stationWhat is a STAR Smog Station?

STAR stations are Smog Check stations that meet higher performance standards established by the Bureau of Automotive Repair. Some STAR stations are licensed to perform only tests, while others are licensed to perform both test and repairs. The station is  required to post a sign on the services if performs.

State Law requires that a percentage of vehicles have their Smog Check Inspection performed at a STAR station. JUST SMOGS® of Huntington Beach is a certified STAR station. We are licensed to certify virtually any vehicle required in the state of California.

Star Smog Certified Station!

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STAR Certified StationIt’s Official, JUST SMOGS® is a Certified STAR Smog Check Station. We received this honorable certification in late October 2012. The California STAR Smog Check program will be effective January 1, 2013. For more information about the STAR program please visit www.smogcheck.ca.gov