Mitsubishi Mirage with California CAT Installed Before 2009

Hi, I have a 1993 Mitsubishi Mirage 1.8l and the catalytic converters have been replaced with CA CATs but before 2009. The EO numbers don't match the car. It passes the emissions part of the smog check but I am unsure if it will pass the visual inspection. Do I just tell them the catalytic converters were installed before 2009? Or will it automatically fail the smog test? Do they actually check the EO numbers?

Answer:

The smog check technician will check the catalytic converters EO numbers. If they don't match the required CAT EO numbers for your car it will fail the visual portion of the smog check as an "emissions tamper".

Under the new regulation a pre-OBD II (pre-2009) converter can pass the smog check as long as it was installed before 1/1/09 and you can provide the smog station proof of the installation date. If however the installed CAT was not manufactured or approved for installation on your vehicle, it will fail the smog check regardless.

The following is a PDF by C.A.R.B. explaining the new California CAT law.

www.smogtips.com/Aftermarket_CAT_ARB.pdf

posted by SmogTips Support