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California Emissions Test - Three-Part Inspection Procedure
Let's delve into the components that constitute the California Smog Inspection, which comprises three distinct stages:
1. **Emissions Inspection for 1999 & Older Vehicles: ** For vehicles manufactured in 1999 or earlier, the emissions inspection is the first step in the process. During this phase, an exhaust gas analyzer, known as the "smog machine," scrutinizes the exhaust emissions for the presence of Hydrocarbons, Carbon Monoxides, and Nitrogen Oxides—three undesirable chemicals responsible for smog formation.
2. **The Visual Inspection: ** Following the emissions inspection, the visual examination takes place. This inspection assesses various components of the vehicle to ensure they meet smog compliance standards.
3. **The Functional Inspection: ** The final phase, the functional inspection, examines the vehicle's On-Board Diagnostics II (OBD II) system for trouble codes and readiness monitors. This ensures that the vehicle's emission control systems are functioning correctly.
For vehicles manufactured in the year 2000 or later (excluding those with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of 14,000 pounds or more), the Emission Inspection is not applicable. Instead, these vehicles undergo the DAD OIS Smog Test, which encompasses a visual smog check inspection and a functional inspection for OBD II issues and readiness monitors.
To successfully pass California's emissions test, your vehicle must meet the criteria for all three inspection sections.
Additionally, some parts of California with higher smog pollution levels mandate an "Enhanced" version of the smog test. This test requires the vehicle to be driven on a dynamometer while emissions samples are collected from the tailpipe, offering a more accurate assessment of emissions compared to the "Basic" smog test, which only involves testing at idle and 2500 rpms. Vehicle owners in these areas will need to follow the "Enhanced" smog test requirements.
Counties with lower smog pollution follow the "Basic" smog test protocol. If your county is added to the "Enhanced" smog test list, local smog stations will have the necessary equipment, requiring no specific action from vehicle owners.
Moreover, in "Change of Ownership" areas with minimal smog pollution, smog checks are only necessary when a vehicle is bought or sold, or when a used vehicle is imported into California.
New vehicles imported into California directly by manufacturers are exempt from smog checks, as they are certified as California-compliant during production.
Furthermore, as of the latest regulations, all vehicles manufactured from 1996 onwards must communicate directly with the smog machine via the OBDII Data Link Connector during the smog test. The smog technician connects a data cable from the smog machine to the vehicle's OBDII Data Link Plug, transmitting crucial "Check Engine" codes and "Readiness Flags" from the engine's computer system to the state's smog machine. Emissions-related failure codes result in a smog inspection failure, and these codes are documented on the Vehicle Inspection Report (VIR) provided by the smog station.
Lastly, there is a distinction between California and Federal emissions-equipped vehicles. While California enforces stricter requirements for smog-reducing components, used federal vehicles equipped with federal-required emission components can pass the California smog inspection and be legally registered in the state. However, the state does not allow new federal vehicles to enter California for sale. Dealers intending to sell their vehicles in California must import vehicles equipped with California emissions components.