hi everyone,

my knowledge is limited. it's time for my first smog test. currently running hks hi-power catback exhaust, test pipes (brand unknown), and intake (brand unknown).

i have been running with a check engine light for some time now.

what recommendations do you have in terms of passing the new california smog test? my guess is putting back on the catalytic converters and stock intake correct, then proceeding to a smog check station? will this permanently eliminate my check engine light?

please advise. thanks everyone.

 

- Check what the code is, most likely P0420 or something along the lines of that if it's from your test pipes. If it is from your test pipes, throw your cats back on, pass, throw test pipes back on.
- If your intake is carb legal, believe that shouldn't be an issue.

You need to determine what your CEL light is a result of before you know how to eliminate it.

 

just putting the parts back on isn't going to guarantee that the CEL will go off. resetting the CEL won't get you past an inspection either, the ECU has to be in the "ready" state. See here...

https://my350z.com/forum/maintenance...ive-cycle.html

 

i think it's p0420 bank 1 and/or p0430 bank 2, catalyst system efficiency code is tripped. could be from the test pipes and lack of o2 sensors. goal this week is to drop off the car and place the factory intake, catalytic converter, and o2 sensors back on and hope the cel is off (only aftermarket item will be the exhaust). will keep in mind what ya'll said. thanks everyone.

 

if the cel is on, it is essentially an auto fail. they will not test it. FYI

 

yes. all stock parts being placed on shortly + new o2 sensors, (minus exhaust), hopefully prompting gone cel. i'll update later.

 

The California CARB test is one of the worst in the world. They also check to see how may drive cycles the engine has gone through since you reset the CEL. If it's a low number, they're likely going to check for any aftermarket parts without a CARB sticker on it. Good luck.

 

Pull the code so you at least know what the code is before you go through everything, any Autozone / Advanced Auto parts will do it for free or pickup a cheap reader.

 

It doesn't matter what you do with the illegal parts. The engine light is an automatic fail. They will not pass a vehicle with the check engine light on, period.

I've been through it.

 

hi guys, i'm well aware a check engine light is unacceptable during a smog test. i created this thread seeking help because i'm a rookie and would like to hear the best suggestions of piecing my vehicle to california smog ready form.

 

Put stock intake back on
Put stock catalytic converters back on
Reset check engine light.


Pass smog

Reverse steps and make your car illegal for CA again.

 

thanks for all the input. stock intake on. unfortunately seller who sent me cats, sent me two left-sided cats from this forum... very bummed and everything is due so soon. total setback. now in search of a right-sided cat. but most likely will have to buy in pairs. so wtb: 2005 oem cats. thanks all.

 

oem cats & intake are on. was recommended to drive 150 miles after the reset/clear all codes to ensure no other problem persisted. cel came back on after 25 miles or so. this most likely is the o2 sensor(s). a while back i had a diagnostic ran and they said o2 sensor(s) might be broken a little in one bank. typically how much can a good one run up to and with this final fix will the cel be permanently off so i can finally do my smog? thanks.