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1. Has the Visible Smoke Test for gasoline vehicles been modified recently?

Yes, the test procedure was modified in regulation and it takes effect January 1, 2010.

2. What’s changed with the revised Visible Smoke Test for gasoline vehicles?

The revised Visible Smoke Test adds a snap test to the idle and underhood smoke inspection
procedures. The BAR snap test consists of quickly pushing-and-releasing the accelerator pedal from the
idle position to between 2,000 and 3,000 RPM, then immediately allowing the engine to return to idle.

3. What vehicles are subject to the Visible Smoke Test?

All vehicles requiring a Smog Check inspection must receive the Visible Smoke Test. However, diesel
vehicles have a slightly different Visible Smoke Test than gasoline-powered vehicles. For more details on
the Diesel Visible Smoke Test, you can either view BAR’s diesel training video, or review the Smog
Check Inspection Procedures Manual. Both are available at www.smogcheck.ca.gov.
Remember, gasoline and diesel vehicles have different smoke inspection procedures. To make sure that
you are using the proper inspection procedures, please carefully review the Smog Check Inspection
Procedures Manual.

4. Will the Visible Smoke Test be performed statewide?

Yes. The revised test procedures are applicable statewide in all Smog Check Program areas.

5. Why was the test for visible smoke revised for gasoline vehicles?

The test was revised as a result of feedback from the Smog Check inspection and repair industry
indicating that the existing test procedure was not comprehensive enough. As a result of that input and
feedback, BAR conducted additional research and developed the BAR snap test to properly identify
smoking vehicles.
In testing performed by BAR, more smoking vehicles failed when the BAR snap test was used in
conjunction with the existing test procedure where the technician looks for visible smoke from the tailpipe
and the Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) system while the engine is idling.

6. What is the purpose of the Visible Smoke Test?

Consistent with Health and Safety Code Section 44012.1, the Visible Smoke Test is designed to identify
vehicles with excessive smoke that might not otherwise fail a smog check inspection. Although smoke is
often associated with the exhaust of diesel vehicles, it is also produced by malfunctioning gasolinepowered
vehicles.

7. How much smoke will cause a vehicle to fail its Smog Check?

For gasoline vehicles, any visible smoke emitted from the tailpipe or Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV)
System is cause for a vehicle to fail the Visible Smoke Test. Steam from condensation does not result in
the vehicle failing the inspection. In addition, smoke that is observed emitting from any area of a vehicle
other than the vehicle’s tailpipe or PCV System, regardless of the cause, does not constitute a failure of
the Visible Smoke Test. Remember, diesel vehicles are tested differently and have a different failure
criteria than gasoline vehicles.

Source

What is the Diesel Smog Check inspection procedure?

The diesel Smog Check inspection will consist of three parts; a visual check of the emission control equipment, a check of the OBD system and a test for visible smoke.

All of these tests are currently performed on gasoline vehicles. However, there are some differences as indicated below:

• The visual check of diesel vehicles will be performed the same way as the test performed on gasoline powered vehicles except that the emission control components maybe different. The instructions for performing the visual inspection can be found in the Smog Check Inspection Procedures Manual.

• The OBD-II check on diesels will be conducted the same way it is performed on gasoline vehicles. The BAR-97 cannot perform the OBDII check for any vehicles with the newer Controller Area Network (CAN) OBD communication protocol. Some diesel vehicles started using the CAN protocol as early as the 2003 model-year.

• The visible smoke test procedures for diesels is similar to the gasoline procedure. The procedure can be found in the Smog Check Inspection Procedures Manual.

Will diesels be required to have an ASM or TSI test?

No, dynamometer testing will not be part of the diesel Smog Check inspection.

Will Smog Check technicians be required to check for alternative fuels?

No. Although some diesel vehicles owners use alternative diesel fuels, including various mixes of biodiesel, currently, there are no plans to require technicians to collect fuel samples as part of the diesel Smog Check inspection. If a vehicle has equipment that modifies the fuel injection system, then the system must have an ARB approved Executive Order (EO). Extra fuel tanks without evaporative controls are not a cause for a Smog Check failure.

How long will the diesel Smog Check inspection take?

Although many factors affect the length of time it takes to do any type of inspection, the BAR expects most technicians to be able to complete the diesel inspection in approximately 15 minutes.

When will diesel inspections begin?

The DMV will begin mailing notices to motorists who own diesel-powered vehicles subject to the program for registrations due in April 2010. However, change of ownership and out-of-state inspections will be Bureau of Automotive Repair December 24, 2009 Page 1 of 3 required starting on January 1, 2010. Unlike gasoline-powered vehicles, there is no six-year or four-year exemptions on diesels included in the Smog Check Program.

Why was 1998 established as the minimum model-year vehicle subject to the program?

The law, as written, authorizing the inclusion of diesel vehicles into the Smog Check Program, required it.

Will any diesel vehicles be exempt from the program?

Yes, all diesel vehicles over the maximum 14,000 Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) limit will be exempt from the Smog Check Program. The GVWR is indicated on a label located on the chassis or door jamb of the vehicle.

What other states smog check programs are inspecting diesel vehicles?

Diesel vehicle inspection programs are operated in Nevada, New York, and Colorado.

How does the BAR expect failed vehicles to be repaired?

Currently, most diesel vehicle owners have their vehicles repaired at either a dealership or a diesel specialty repair shop.

Will subletting be allowed?

The “Smog Inspection Requirements” regulation package allows for subletting of diesel vehicles with Smog Check related repairs. The same rules for the subletting of catalytic converter repairs will also apply to diesel vehicles.

Will BAR be directing diesel vehicles to Test-Only stations?

No, the BAR will not be directing diesel vehicles to Test-Only or Gold Shield stations for the first few years of the program.

Will Smog Check technicians be expected to identify modified or tampered emission control systems?

Yes, ARB indicates that diesel vehicles subject to this program have been certified to meet strict emission control requirements by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and the ARB. As a result, Smog Check technicians will be required to fail vehicles with modified emission control equipment or devices that have not been approved by the ARB. Often approved devices will have a label with a ARB Executive Order (EO) number on it.