ER Smogs

Posts Tagged ‘Visible Smoke Test’

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.

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