2001 Mazda Miata Failed Smog Inspection as a Gross Polluter

My 2001 Mazda Miata the sat in the garage from October 09 to June of 10. We paid the fees even though we didn't smog it until spring when the registration came due. Drove it only a quarter mile to smog station where it failed as gross polluter. Tech says that sitting with the battery removed would not have effected the result but friends say otherwise... Should I drive it more than a block away prior to re-test or is it eligible for buy back?

Answer:

We definitely recommend driving your 2001 Mazda Miata for at least a week or two prior to getting a smog check retest. Having sat in your garage for almost a year and with the battery disconnected erased adaptation values your engine control computer (ECU) had learned in order to maintain proper air to fuel ratio for efficient and complete fuel combustion. Absolutely drive it for at least a week and then get another smog test. We are certain the results will be much different then the last test... hopefully passing. We would not consider the buy back program at this time. Your 2001 Mazda Miata should be worth more then $1000.00.

posted by SmogTips Support