Diesel Smog Testing
Some questions and answers about the upcoming 2010 diesel smog test requirement for “light duty” diesel powered vehicles. Please note the information is current as of August 2009 and subject to change by the BAR (Bureau of Automotive Repair) and the ARB (Air Resources Board).
http://www.bar.ca.gov/80_BARResources/05_Legislative/RegulatoryActions/ab1488.pdf
A) 1998 model year & later diesel powered cars & trucks 14,000 pound GVW and under.
Q) When is the diesel smog testing going to start?
A) January 1, 2010 is the projected start date. However, in the past the BAR has often pushed back start dates on new testing programs.
Q) What is the difference between the ARB’s mandated smoke test and the BAR’s smog test?
A) Smoke testing is done using a portable machine that reads smoke density and prints the results out on a test strip that the vehicle owner keeps for two years.
Smog testing of diesels in California is going to consist of a visual inspection of the vehicle for missing or modified equipment, a scan of your PCM, and a visual smoke test done by the "smog" technician without using anything more than his/her subjective judgment. No actual tailpipe testing is going to be done!
Q) Will Glyn’s Mobile Opacity Testing be performing the California diesel smog test?
A) No, the smog test requires a different testing machine than the smoke tester.
Q) What happens if my diesel powered vehicle fails the smog test?
A) Try going to this website for some help. www.mydieselfailedsmog.com
I hope this information has made things a little less confusing for the diesel vehicle owner. If you would like to add some information, have a suggestion or comment, please e-mail me at glyn@casmoketest.com