My Mazda failed the smog test at a test only center. Can I repair my Mazda myself?

Planning on selling my vehicle. Prior to placing the advertisement I took the vehicle (1990 Mazda) to a local smog test station to have an emissions check performed, since one is required within 90 days of selling the vehicle. I took the vehicle to a Test Only station because it was close by, not because of direction by the DMV. I did the smog test prior to placing the car up for sale so if there was a problem, such as now, I would not be under an urgent constraint to get it repaired immediately.

The car failed on one parameter. Do I have to have the vehicle repaired at a Test and Repair station, or am I allowed to repair the defective item and take it back to the smog station for certification?

Answer:

California law allows a vehicle's owner perform the repair to their vehicles' without having a smog check repair license. Only you or a certified smog check auto repair mechanic can repair your Mazda. We don't recommend having a non-smog check repair mechanic or general mechanic perform smog repairs to your Mazda. If you allow a general mechanic repair your Mazda and they don't do a good job, or take your money and not fix the actual smog fault, the State of California will not back you up; in other words they will not get involved with the general mechanic to investigate what repair they did or did not do.

posted by SmogTips Support