California Smog Check

[Bryan C.]

So I have a valid California smog inspection license. I own 3 XJs, all have to go to a "Test-Only" smog station. So I can't even smog my own damned vehicles now. From what I have been told and observed myself, any XJ or ZJ with a 4.0L is being directed to a test-only station. Some high emitter profile BS I guess. So, are you guys getting sent to test-only smog stations? Or are they just picking on me? I really hate having to pay for this crap.

 

[5-90]

I've been getting sent to test-only for a few years now, and I thought it was just me! I'd thought it was due to my embarrassing the Acting Director of the ARB a few years ago - I asked pointed questions that he couldn't answer, in front of a batch of smog guys (this was about the SCII rollout...)

The closest thing I got to an answer then was "It's Federal regs, not ours." Problem was, I had a copy of the Federal regs with me, and I didn't see answers in there, either. I'd not have had to ask the questions if they'd posted the ARB regs online then - maybe they have now.

I can't wait to unass CA...

5-90

 

[ChuckD]

Read all my posts for tips! :repair:

 

[5-90]

Best one I can come up with - tell them you've converted it to AWD. A little social engineering can go a long way...

5-90

 

[CRASH]

I'm not in a SCII area, s I don't have to do the roller thing. I just go to the local service station.

You should open your own Check Only station!

 

[Ivan]

I guess this is one of the good things about living in Humboldt Co, is that its an attainment zone. The only time I have to smog anything is when I sell it. Yearly registration renewals consist of a check and proof of insurance to the DMV...

 

[5-90]

I'm not in a SCII area, s I don't have to do the roller thing. I just go to the local service station.

You should open your own Check Only station!

Yeah - "Sniffer Test Only!" Get rid of that damn visual inspection - if I pass, who cares how I do it?

5-90

 

[Bryan C.]

I wish I could open up a shop. I have been thinking about that for some time now. One of these days........

I think that smog technicians cars should be exempt from smog checks. After all the hours of training, all the money spent, and taking and passing all the certification tests I should be cut a break somewhere and at least allowed to smog my own vehicle.

 

[ccflexj]

Bryan, can you hook it up for others like me with a smog check? not on my xj cause that doesnt need it yet but my other truck does

 

[FarmerMatt]

I had to smog both the JD & CAT this year. Niether were test only... Their picking on you. I had to roller dyno both.

 

[ChuckD]

I forgot, my 93' wasn't test only, but it is now.

 

[Bryan C.]

An informal poll of the guys in my shop with smog licenses showed just about everyone had to go to test only stations.

Mom, the state is picking on me. :rattle:


As far as hooking someone up, my dealer charges $134.99 + $8 cert for a smog. :shocked:

 

[tgoff]

No smog for me, registered in Humboldt. I'm going to school down here in San Luis Obispo and when I tell people that I don't have to smog my rig they get jealous. My buddy actually got pulled over in Rohnert Park for his exhaust being to loud on the way back to Eureka and people run into trouble here in SLO. Cops are all uptight about small stuff and I miss the laid back attitude in Eureka but there are good wheeling spots around SLO and there are no hippies which means that the dunes aren’t closed because of some native plant and snowy plover. Anyway, good luck with the smog check.

 

[Starboard M]

An informal poll of the guys in my shop with smog licenses showed just about everyone had to go to test only stations.

Mom, the state is picking on me. :rattle:


As far as hooking someone up, my dealer charges $134.99 + $8 cert for a smog. :shocked:

Which shop do you work at?

 

[GSequoia]

Test only has been random for me... Completely random.

I think I did three test only cycles in a row on the red Jeep. The last time I did it I was not test only.

The uglyl Jeep is about to get it's first smog so I'll tell youi n about two years if it's test only

 

[BrettM]

just got my renewel notice, no test only. 88 in Nevada County, if it matters. that's 0 for 3 now.

 

[cal]

I've never had to test only my 87 either.

Granted, its been 'failed' twice for no CEL, and I've had to argue it both times .. but no check only.

 

[5-90]

I've never had to test only my 87 either.

Granted, its been 'failed' twice for no CEL, and I've had to argue it both times .. but no check only.

Yeah - it's always fun going roundy-rounds with the "tech" every few months or so. Even when I point out the "OBD Exempt" on the emissions sticker, and take the FSM with me (showing that there is no CEL, I have it bookmarked,) I still end up wasting about a half-hour each time proving it.

If I've got to do it one more time, I'm going to give THEM a bill - or just have them start smogging me for free. Why is it that I am a more competent mechanic than the smog guys?

5-90

 

[ccflexj]

just got my renewel form for my 96cherokee and its not a test only...

 

[Bryan C.]

I guess they are just picking on me. My sister, who lives in Manteca, has to go to a test only station, and has for the last 2 renewals. I give up.... :gag:

I still haven't gotten the smog done yet either.

Oh, and I work at Stead Jeep Chrylser in Walnut Creek.