Calif Smog Testing to change
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From: Burbank, Ca
Bye bye sniffer!
SACRAMENTO
October 19, 2012 8:12am
• Will end tailpipe testing for many cars
• Instead, testers will probe cars’ computer memories
Few drivers may realize it, but their car’s onboard computer is busily collecting all sorts of data as they drive. And soon, the state of California will be picking those little under-the-hood brains.
The California Air Resources Board is readying plans for a new smog check program that eliminates sticking a probe up the tailpipe to measure emissions while simulating driving conditions in a shop.
Instead, for 2000 model-year and newer vehicles, the new test siphons off the data stored in the on-board diagnostic systems that are standard equipment on all newer vehicles.
“By utilizing the on-board diagnostic system already built into all newer cars, owners can be assured that they are getting the most accurate measure of their vehicles condition at the lowest possible cost,” says CARB Chairman Mary Nichols. “The move away from tailpipe testing and the expensive equipment required by shops will benefit consumers, service providers and the environment.”
Older vehicles will continue to be inspected using tailpipe emissions but stations will be subject to new performance and evaluation standards. Only stations meeting what CARB terms “the tough new standards” will be rated as “STAR Certified” and permitted to inspect 1999 and older vehicles. The changeover to the new testing requirements will take place over the next year.
• Starting Jan. 1, 2013, all 1999 model-year and older vehicles (the model years most likely to have high emissions) will be directed to new STAR inspection stations.
• Sept. 1, 2013, all 2000 model-year and newer vehicles will be inspected using the OBD-based test.
October 19, 2012 8:12am
• Will end tailpipe testing for many cars
• Instead, testers will probe cars’ computer memories
Few drivers may realize it, but their car’s onboard computer is busily collecting all sorts of data as they drive. And soon, the state of California will be picking those little under-the-hood brains.
The California Air Resources Board is readying plans for a new smog check program that eliminates sticking a probe up the tailpipe to measure emissions while simulating driving conditions in a shop.
Instead, for 2000 model-year and newer vehicles, the new test siphons off the data stored in the on-board diagnostic systems that are standard equipment on all newer vehicles.
“By utilizing the on-board diagnostic system already built into all newer cars, owners can be assured that they are getting the most accurate measure of their vehicles condition at the lowest possible cost,” says CARB Chairman Mary Nichols. “The move away from tailpipe testing and the expensive equipment required by shops will benefit consumers, service providers and the environment.”
Older vehicles will continue to be inspected using tailpipe emissions but stations will be subject to new performance and evaluation standards. Only stations meeting what CARB terms “the tough new standards” will be rated as “STAR Certified” and permitted to inspect 1999 and older vehicles. The changeover to the new testing requirements will take place over the next year.
• Starting Jan. 1, 2013, all 1999 model-year and older vehicles (the model years most likely to have high emissions) will be directed to new STAR inspection stations.
• Sept. 1, 2013, all 2000 model-year and newer vehicles will be inspected using the OBD-based test.
Hmm I know EVOs have covers over there test pipes, I wonder if they'd question it if they didn't visually see a car but didn't see a test pipe either.
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Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 573
Likes: 5
From: Oakland
I failed 2006 WRX the other day for emissions. No check engine light. Would have passed next year. State is retarded. Current machine can't pull VIN from vehicles, so easy to cheat. New machine supposedly will see everything, current codes, VIN, pending codes. If they can find a way to see if the ECM has been altered it will be in there.
Way more emphasis on the visual inspection. This is why we test Diesels when they are only 2 years old now, they want to catch the tuner crowd. They also have a new system they think can single out cheaters by statistical magic so most of the dirty techs will run away. Or report your car so they don't get in trouble. Happens alot. Ask for illegal smog, guy writes VIN or license down before he says no, sends to BAR after customer leaves and they hit the shop that passes it.
Way more emphasis on the visual inspection. This is why we test Diesels when they are only 2 years old now, they want to catch the tuner crowd. They also have a new system they think can single out cheaters by statistical magic so most of the dirty techs will run away. Or report your car so they don't get in trouble. Happens alot. Ask for illegal smog, guy writes VIN or license down before he says no, sends to BAR after customer leaves and they hit the shop that passes it.
what if i have haltech ?? n dont have ecu.. how will they test me n how will it benifit me.. i will still need an illegal smog. I guess it might favore some n some not. either hope it pass so they can become more leeway on our mods
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