Smog Problem

[Supra725]

Hey guys,

I'm having an issue with the 4runner not being able to pick up by the computer at the smog station..

At first, I tried the shop next to my mechanic's and the computer wasn't able to pick up my car; we then tried the other smog machine and it was doing the same thing. My thoughts were,lets try another shop.

Same problem today, the computer wasn't able to pick it up just like the first time.

Are the computers link to the state? is that why that wasn't picking it up? maybe the state had a down on the servers and caused a state wide error?

thanks.

 

[Maritimer]

Hey guys,

I'm having an issue with the 4runner not being able to pick up by the computer at the smog station..

At first, I tried the shop next to my mechanic's and the computer wasn't able to pick up my car; we then tried the other smog machine and it was doing the same thing. My thoughts were,lets try another shop.

Same problem today, the computer wasn't able to pick it up just like the first time.

Are the computers link to the state? is that why that wasn't picking it up? maybe the state had a down on the servers and caused a state wide error?

thanks.

Smog station? For real?

 

[brian2sun]

Smog station? For real?

Yes, in CA we have smog test-only facilities. Randomly, some cars are selected and they must go to a test-only shop, meaning they only do smog tests there and no mechanical work. I have no idea why the law exists, just another bureaucratic CA regulation. Probably to get more money out of people somehow. I'm lucky, I can go to any mechanic shop that does smog checks. And it's funny because it just so happens that I did my smog test today (it passed with 203K+ miles, woohoo!).

My last vehicle was a '95 4runner and it had to be smogged at a test-only shop. It turned out to be a nightmare because you also have to smog it in the town it's registered in and it turned out I didn't even have a test-only facility in my town. I tried to explain it to the DMV and they said it would take a long time to go through all the red tape to get an exemption for the stupid restriction. I ended up having to change my registration to my parents address because there was a test-only place in their town. Ridiculous, huh? When you guys hear about how lame CA laws are, now you have an example.

As for Supra's question, were they trying to hook up to the port on the engine or inside by the driver's feet? My smog place used the one by my feet today.

 

[Maritimer]

Wow, thanks for the explanation Brian. Now I know a little bit more about the world. I swear you could get away with straight-piping here, no problem.

 

[TheDurk]

The inspection computers at private and state facilities in NJ are linked to a central State server. It was down once when I had a re-inspect to do. I came back later and it was fine (actually he called me on my cell when it was back). The tech knew right away it was the State and not my car.

So I think your problem is in your car. Check for an OBD fuse, I think it is under the hood.

 

[Supra725]

Brian,

There are a few test only station in my town. The first I tried was outside of my county but the one I tried yesterday, was in town.

The first test only station checked the fuse and everything; everything was good to go.

I don't know if they did the same thing(check the fuse) yesterday because my father was the one that took it to have it smogged.

The first time, they use the port next to the engine but I don't know if which port was used yesterday.

I have to admit, the rules are stupid in Cali. My father's registration was like $230 along we have to take it to get it smogged. It stupid how Cali is raising up the registration along with tuition to cover the deficit.

TheDurk,

I will definitely do that, use something like a test bulb correct?

Thanks!!

 

[Supra725]

Little update.

I have an apportionment on Monday..

I hope this other shop's computer will work..

 

[Supra725]

update.

after 3 tries, she finally passed.

at first, the computer won't read my runner but the hand-held obd2 worked flawlessly.

we tried again with the computer but no bueno;however, we tried a different route and everything worked..

turned out, it was the computer at the shop was having a problem.

Brian, TheDurk.

thanks you!! :bigok: