Answer: A vehicle's air bag
system is not tested during the smog check, and will not
effect smog check results unless the fault causing the air bag
light to illuminate is some how emissions related. This is
highly uncommon.
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Question: I have a quick
question. I have a 87 Volvo. On my Instrument panel there is a
red light on that says "engine". I'm not sure on whether this
is a check engine light or a maintenance light. How can I find
out what this light means? How can I find out?
Answer: It sounds like
it is in fact the Check Engine light, and will cause a smog
check failure. We recommend having a smog check certified
repair center investigate this problem before you subject this
vehicle to a smog check.
---------------------------------------
Question
(a): I have a question regarding my failed smog test.
I brought my BMW into a test only station and failed the smog
check (they said the fuel was running too lean). I called
around and asked a Test and Repair center if they could repair
my problem. They mentioned that I should go to a Gold Shield
facility since I failed the initial smog test so that the
repair charges would be subsidized. They said they weren't a
Gold Shield facility and all repair charges would be at full
cost. Please advise me of what I am to do and where is the
closest Gold Shield facility in the 95122 zip code area.
Question
(b): What is the $$ cap per law in California in
repairing you car to be smog approved if there are no
modifications to engine? everything is stock on a 1993
Cadillac , please reply asap, thought if used to be
$250.00 to $300.00 and that was the spending cap to have
your car pass smog.
Answer: Unfortunately
there is no limit on bringing a car to passing emissions.
However, since you were required to go to a Test Only smog
center, California can help you repair your vehicle. You may
receive up to $500.00 dollars in FREE smog diagnosis and
repairs through the Consumer Assistance Program (CAP). The CAP
Repair Assistance program is designed to help consumers bring
their vehicles into compliance with California emission
standards. Through the CAP program the State will pay the CAP
repair shop you choose up to $500.00 dollars for repair work
performed on your vehicle. You may contact the BAR at (800)
952-5210 for an application.
Once your CAP application is approved,
you will receive a list of CAP/Gold Shield Smog Check Stations
in your area. You may then choose a location near you and
schedule an inspection/repair appointment.
Economic
Hardship Extension: a vehicle owner may be eligible for if
they have spent at least $450.00 at a Certified Smog Repair
station and their vehicle is still failing OR if the vehicle
requires emissions related repairs over $250.00 and the
vehicle owner is low income and can not afford the repair/s.
Eligible consumers will receive a two year extension to
complete necessary emissions related repairs. The State of
California will allow Income Eligible applicants the
opportunity to register their vehicles through the DMV and
receive registration tags/stickers for two consecutive years,
WITHOUT passing the smog inspection. This program is designed
to allow Income Eligible applicants ample time to repair their
failing vehicles.
To qualify for the Economic Hardship
Extension:
-Your vehicle must have been registered
in California for at least the last two years.
-You must have failed a "biennial" Smog
Check Inspection.
-Your must not have
a tampered emissions control system.
-You must not be in the process of
selling the vehicle or registering it in the State of
California for the first time.
-Your
vehicle must require emission related repairs in the amount of
$250.00 or greater. A written estimate/diagnosis from a
certified smog repair shop will be required.
More
information can be obtained by calling the Bureau of
Automotive Repairs (BAR) Referee center at 1-800-622-7733.
Applications for this program can only be issued by the Bureau
of Automotive Repairs.
Keep in
mind you may also be eligible for the CAP program. The CAP
Consumer Assistance Program will pay up to $500.00 in
emissions related repairs to qualifying applicants. The learn
more about this program call (800) 952-5210.
------------------------------------------
Question: My 1996
Audi failed the smog check because it did not pass the
MIL/check engine light part,
but my
dealer says the check engine light is fine. what should
i do? please help/advise.
Answer: It is possible
your vehicle has an earlier model of the OBD II Engine Control
System. These computer systems were not designed to work with
the new California State mandated smog machine systems. There
are simply two solutions to this problem. First you may see
the vehicle's dealer/manufacturer and explain your problem.
They may be able to reprogram your engine computer to
function with the new smog equipment. Your second option is to
have your vehicle inspected by the State Referee's Office.
They may bypass the smog equipments OBDII connection system
and PASS your vehicle. You may reach the Referee's Office at
(800)622-7733.
------------------------------------------
Question: Does a 'fault
code' #P1401 correspond to a fuel cap needing
replacement?
My vehicle is a 2002 Ford
Explorer V6 / 2-wheel drive.
Answer: HERE'S SOME INFO
ON THE OBD II P1401 for the Ford Explorer...
TROUBLE
CODE DEFINITION: Differential Pressure Feedback Electronic
(DPFE) Sensor circuit High Voltage.
EGR means
"Exhaust Gas Recirculation", the process of sucking exhaust
gases back into the engine to re-burn them. It is a technique
that reduces the pollutants emitted by the engine.
DPFE means "Delta Pressure Feedback of
EGR", Delta means "difference" or "change", so the DPFE Sensor
reads changes in the pressure of the EGR system.
