This is what happens....

They are just starting a program on late model cars only where the test is just a reading at the OBD port. Older cars still have a dyno tail pipe test.

Don't worry, their desire to rid California of earlier cars still goes unabated.

 

Implementation of the no-tailpipe test remains delayed. The official word is, I believe, "mid-2014." As of April it still wasn't in place, and my '06 was made to undergo the conventional test for its biennial smog check.

 

It is being done on a test basis at select locations. The shop I use is one of the test centers.

 

Illinois already converted to the OBDII connector to determine the car's emissions. Just wait, it will arrive at your testing stations soon. In fact, Illinois did away with many testing stations and you can use authorized auto repair shops to do this 2 minute diagnostic.

 

In Ottawa, Ontario Canada the models 1997 and older are done via tail pipe but don't have to be on a dyno. The 1998 and newer models are done via the ODB II Port.

The big problem they didn't think about is some people change their car battery or have it disconnected just prior to going in for a test.

More often then not when they are at the station for the test they are informed one of the monitors has not fully completed its cycle so they can not be tested.

This caught a lot of people off guard the first few months the switch over occurred.

The reality is so few cars fail the test they are finally starting to question the validity of continuing to subject consumers to such frequent testing.

 

Do you know how to identify one in socal?

 

Sorry I have no idea.

 

Just had my car inspected yesterday and the computer ignored the OBDII which my buddy did not understand but said it's the second car this year he's had it happen to. Anyone know what's doing?

 

Porsche! I'm telling you Porsche and all your pain will end.

 

What pain? I have no CEL's, but if I did, the inspection would have ignored them.

I'll never own a Porsche, they do nothing for me.

 

Oh...I misunderstand. I thought you said,

That implys to me you have a problem and you don't know what is going on. My mistake.

 

It ignored it meaning it passed without any reading. Sorry, I should have clarified. My buddy thinks the state is ignoring certain cars..

 

Do you have the OBD II connector pin fix done?

By the way, these very low or zero sniff test reading largely reflect the functionality of the catalytic converters, not what coming out of the engine. There is no way in heII any internal combustion engine on the planet is throwing out zero HCs and zero CO pre cat.

 

That's very true but they are pretty clean even before the cat.

 

Yep. Last year car was inspected at the same place and it read the OBII and had no issues.

This time, it still read it (in the past, if would fail if it can't read it) but the state is ignoring it for the car appraently for a reason we don't know.

 

That is not the point at all. Too many people focus on this or that, O2 sensors, cats, guides, timing etc. The real issue is that near zero smog tests show that the systems is doing pretty well. If one takes a systematic approach to maintenance the system has a better chance of functioning well. Sure you could have one componant doing 100% and one doing 50% and still pass but that is not good running and it won't last long. There is a mentality in the industry to part swap O2 sensors or Cats for example and never fix the source of the problem. Things work for a while until they don't.

 

Normally if the e-test machine can't read from the obd connector, it will kick it over to a 2 speed idle test with the probe in the tail pipe(s). At least it does here in canada.

 

Why so much hatred to the 355 on this forum? Just curious.

 

You have a quote? On this thread I just reread it and I sure don't see any.

 

Agreed, but that is certainly not my approach. Fortunately I only have to worry about my cars and I have no time limits. No customers breathing down my neck.