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The Functional
Inspection
The functional inspection is performed by the smog
technician and includes examination of your vehicle's:
- Check Engine Light
- Gas Cap & Filler
- Ignition Timing (if applicable)
- Exhaust Recirculation Valve - EGR
(if applicable)
- Fuel EVAP Test (LPFET)
Check Engine Light
Contrary to public belief, the
Check Engine light being constantly illuminated is, in most
cases, an automatic smog failure. Vehicle manufacturers have
placed the Check Engine light inside the passenger compartment
to inform the driver there has been or is an engine or drive
train malfunction. Very often you may not notice an engine
problem, but this is only because your engine's computer is
operating under pre-programmed information rather then of
real-time. In other words the problem still exists but your
engine learns to live with it. To avoid spending hundreds down
the road, the Check Engine light should be diagnosed as soon
as possible by a reputable and certified smog check repair
station. California law requires certified smog repair
stations conduct emission related repairs. We highly recommend
you search our database of SmogTips smog repair centers.
SmogTips Certified Stations are continuously screened for
quality repairs, fast friendly service, and reasonable prices.
Gas Cap &
Filler Pipe
Your vehicles gas cap and filler neck will also be
inspected. They will have to be of proper fit and design. The gas
cap must be able to hold pressure at factory specifications and the
filler neck must not be altered to accept leaded gases. This test is
to insure the vehicle is not polluting fuel tank fumes through the
filler neck or using the wrong type of fuel. Most vehicles pass this
portion of the test with no problems. If your vehicle's gas cap
appears to be lose or broken it may not pass. You will more then
likely then have to purchase a new gas cap and smog inspection in
order to get your car smog certified. Most local auto parts stores
carry gas caps for a variety of vehicles.
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STEP 1. Please select a type of smog
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Ignition Timing
The next inspection is the ignition
timing check. During this exam the smog technician will insure your
engine is supplying electric current to the sparkplugs at the
correct time in its cycle. Please note some newer vehicles do not
require a timing check because of computer controlled timing
systems. You can find out if your vehicle requires a timing
inspection by reading the vehicles emissions label, normally located
on the bottom panel of the vehicle's hood. If your vehicle does
require this exam you can ensure passing it by performing it
yourself at home. It does require the use of a timing light and
minimal mechanical experience. Timing lights are available at auto
parts stores in your area. Look at your vehicles "Underhood
Emissions Label" for timing specifications and procedures. The
following early model vehicles have timing settings: Acura, Audi,
Buick, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Plymouth, Fiat, Ford, GM, GMC,
Saturn, Honda, Hyundai, Infiniti, Isuzu, Jaguar, Jeep, Lexus, Mazda,
Mercedes Benz, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Peugeot, Porsche, Renault, Land
Range Rover, Saab, Saturn, Subaru, Suzuki, Toyota, Volkswagen, VW,
Volvo.
EGR Valve
Some vehicles have to also undergo an EGR
valve inspection. EGR stands for exhaust gas recirculation. And that
is exactly what this component does. The EGR system recirculates
burned up exhaust gases back into the combustion chambers. Since
these recycled exhaust gases have already been in the combustion
chambers once, they have burned up most of their fuels, means there
is now much less real fuel in the chambers to ignite. This keeps the
chamber temperatures down and thus reduces NOx emissions. The EGR
valve should be inspected to insure its proper operation. A working
valve should be able to open its passage using manifold vacuum.
Manifold vacuum is created during the engine's intake cycle. The
high demand for air during this cycle creates a vacuum within the
engine's intake manifold. This vacuum is then used to control
several important functions within the vehicle, including
controlling the EGR valve. Some vehicles even rely on this vacuum to
control their heating and air-conditioning components. The EGR
system is prone to collecting carbon build-up. Some vehicle
manufacturers recommend cleaning this component an a regular basis.
Please Click on "Under Your Hood" for more information on EGR valves
and testing procedures. The following late model vehicles are
equipped with EGR systems - Acura, Audi, Buick, Chevrolet, Chrysler,
Dodge, Plymouth, Fiat, Ford, GM, GMC, Saturn, Honda, Hyundai,
Infiniti, Isuzu, Jaguar, Jeep, Lexus, Mazda, Mercedes Benz,
Mitsubishi, Nissan, Peugeot, Porsche, Renault, Land Range Rover,
Saab, Saturn, Subaru, Suzuki, Toyota, Volkswagen, VW, Volvo, and
Winnebago.
Fuel EVAP Test (LPFET)
November 1, 2007 is
the date BAR has targeted as the start date for the EVAP Functional
Test (LPFET). This will be in addition to the Smog Check test. 1976
to 1995 model year vehicles will be tested, which includes all
pre OBDII vehicles subject to Smog Check. The most important impact
on consumers is that the emission reductions will improve air
quality and reduce their health risks. This test is designed to
insure your vehicle's fuel evaporative system is not leaking gas
fumes in to the atmosphere. It is estimated that over 7,000,000
vehicles will need to be tested each year and of those 11% will
fail. The average cost to repair a failed EVAP system is estimated to be approximately $250.00.
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