2002 Olds Alero failed visual smog test for illegal CAT

My 2002 Oldsmobile Alero has never had a problem passing smog tests in the 4 years we've lived in CA. We have not had any work done on the exhaust system in 6+ years (and that was at the dealership we bought it from, after we got rear-ended). It failed the visual test today. They claim our CAT is an illegal, aftermarket part, marked with a CE. I'm going to jack it up and look at it myself, because I just didn't like the tech's attitude and he did not speak English very well.. so it was difficult to have my question answered at the smog test place. Anyway, my question is: why are they suddenly failing the car now on this part of the test? Is there new legislation on this particular part within the last year? Why did they pass it before? I feel like I got hosed today and I would like some clarification on this. Thank you so much for your time.

Answer:

The CE stamp on the Catalytic Converter probably indicates it is a CAT manufactured by Car Sound Exhaust System, Inc. (Magnaflow). What the smog technician is probably looking for and can't find is the CA stamp, indicating the CAT is legal for use in California. Magnaflow is an approved California CAT manufacturer, however they do manufacture non-California legal CATs as well. Our first recommendation, if you feel suspicious of this particular smog technician, would be to get a second opinion from another smog station. As far as why your Oldsmobile passed the smog check in the past, the explanation can only be two. Either the prior techs did not pay particular attention to the Catalytic Converter's model, or the current smog technician is mistaken.

posted by SmogTips Support