The Beast Passed the smog test!

[Cristobal]

Hi All:

My car has a weak catalytic converter, and the DMV has flagged by model for Star Certified Smog stations only, because cars of my model are usually VERY neglected by their owners. Usually a 1996 Avalon in this area is either a beater or a thrasher. Mine is in good shape but I had to go with the program.

The smog man suggested that I warm the car up via freeway driving before coming in for the smog exam. I did this. I also did five or six Italian Tune-ups in low gear and used some of that Guaranteed To Pass fluid, which may or may not be effective.

My car actually passed with slightly better hydrocarbon readings than two years ago. Every penny helps.

Cheers!

 

[crazyoildude]

i use the guarenteed to pass stuff also...lol
im wondering if gas makes a difference also..

 

[artificialist]

Originally Posted By: crazyoildude
i use the guarenteed to pass stuff also...lol
im wondering if gas makes a difference also..

I have been told that the state of California, and a few other places require extra stuff in the gasoline to reduce smog, so, yes, fuel type can make a difference. Also, winter and summer fuels are made differently so they will evaporate properly in the engine, but not cause vapor lock.

 

[earlyre]

Couple weeks back, my brother pulled his 98 Mustang out of the garage for the first time in 2-3 years. old gas and maybe 5 mi drive to the carwash, then to the inspection station, passed (TX) smog first time.

 

[HTSS_TR]

My 1994 LS400 had to go to "Test Only" smog stations, I think vehicles older than 14 or 15 years old have to go to "Test Only" stations.

 

[Towncivilian]

IIRC, CRC's "Guaranteed To Pass" contains PEA, probably explaining its effectiveness. I don't think I would prefer it over Techron or Regane, especially given its price.

 

[y_p_w]

I remember my first test on my WRX could even be exempted if I paid a fee. I looked at the fee, figured how much the smog test and certificate would cost, and opted for the test because it saved me more than $10 and I could get the test results. Since then it's been every two years.

I understand that the newer California test might not even require the tailpipe test. Something about plugging into the OBDII and checking the recorded emissions listings. I've heard that if the thing has been reset recently it will require several types of driving before it will pass a California Smog Check.

 

[artificialist]

Originally Posted By: HTSS_TR
My 1994 LS400 had to go to "Test Only" smog stations, I think vehicles older than 14 or 15 years old have to go to "Test Only" stations.

In some areas, the inspector plugs into the OBDII port, and if the system shows no codes, the car is allowed to pass. OBDII was mandatory on 1996 and later cars, and sometimes it is found on 1994 and 1995 cars.

Smog laws vary so much based on state and city laws, and where I live, there are no smog tests. That is why I can't always offer the best advice for people who have smog related problems.

 

[Cristobal]

Guaranteed to Pass is only about $8.75 ish at Walmart around here. I ran it for a whole tankful, then filled the tank with ARCO premium gasoline before the test.

 

[Cristobal]

My car's test involved a visual check, a code check, and an actual tailpipe emissions check.

 

[SuzukiGoat]

My sidekick passed inspection with...90% of the tire below the fender, the 200k service light on, tube front and rear bumpers, and a variety of other things.

Emissions testing sucks. Granted I run a new cat and what not unlike most modified vehicles...but I seriously doubt it would pass a sniff test.

I've heard a very very quick burst of throttle to fullsoeed and then coasting to zero with the ejectors dead will get your a pass...never tried it though.