Will a 1996 Toyota Corolla with Federal Catalytic Converter Pass Smog in California?

I have a 96 Toyota Corolla that was initially sold in Colorado. I bought it used, in Colorado then moved it to California. I have passed every smog test since until 2yrs ago, when it failed due to marginally high HC. I was able to get it to pass by changing wire, plugs, rotor, etc. This year it failed again, but the HC and NOx levels are too high to be corrected by simple measures. I had it inspected and was told the CAT needed to be replaced. When I had the CAT replaced I was told that since it is a "federal car" they had to replace it with a "federal catalytic converter." I started reading about the difference between a federal and California CAT and am now a bit concerned that I still may not pass. Assuming all other components of the car are in good working order (which they are as I maintain it very well), and the CAT was my problem, will replacement the original "federal" CAT with a new one be enough to pass smog in California? The mechanic who replaced the CAT told me to tell whoever smog checks it that it is a federal car, but I don't know why they would need that info. Wouldn't it have to meet the same requirements as a California car?

Answer:

It's true, there is a difference with California legal and Federal legal emission requirements. However your Toyota Corolla will pass the California smog inspection as long as it is equipped with the required Federal Emission Components, assuming it is in fact a 49-state emissions legal car. In other words, since presumably, it is an out-of-state vehicle, it is only required to be equipped with 49-state legal emission components, such as a federal and not California, CAT.

The only thing we ask that you make sure of is that your Toyota Corolla is in fact a 49-state emission equipped vehicle. You will need to check the "emission sticker" under the hood. It should state in fine print "49-State Emission Vehicle" or "49-State Federal Emission Equipped Vehicle".. something along these lines. It should not indicate anything regarding California. We only ask that you check this because simply having bought this car out-of-state is not a guarantee that it is an out of state vehicle. It may have very well been built for and emission equipped for California but at some point moved to Colorado and sold as a used vehicle. If this is the case, the vehicle will be a California emission equipped vehicle, and require a California approved CAT. Check the Underhood Emissions Sticker.

posted by SmogTips Support