California Smog Inspection Programs

Questions and Answers

What are the names of the three main inspection program areas in California?

enhanced, basic and change of ownership

How many smog technician(s) are required to perform testing/repair at a licensed smog check station during the hours the station is open?

any amount who represents both license all hours of operation

Can a registered Automotive Repair Dealer (ARD) contract with a customer to perform smog check repairs on vehicles that fail a smog check inspection without being a licensed smog check test and repair station?

False

What vehicle identification label must be affixed to a specially constructed vehicle (SPCN) for a test only or test and repair station to inspect the vehicle?

referee label Signup and view all the answers

May a test and repair station sublet a smog check inspection to a test only station?

False Signup and view all the answers

May a licensed smog technician working at a test only station perform minor adjustments to ignition timing?

False Signup and view all the answers

List 3 reasons a smog check technician may reject a vehicle for inspection.

unsafe, unfit, not compatible (incompatible) Signup and view all the answers

Does a consumer's vehicle qualify for a $450 cost waiver if the repairs were not done by a licensed station and technician after failing a smog inspection?

False Signup and view all the answers

What obligation, if any, does a test and repair station have toward the customer prior to performing a smog inspection if they lack appropriate tools/equipment?

inform the customer in writing and verbally that if the vehicle fails, the station doesn't have the equipment to repair the vehicle Signup and view all the answers

Where should a customer be directed if they feel their smog inspection and/or repairs were performed incorrectly?

BAR referee Signup and view all the answers

What action should a technician take if a light duty truck has dual fuel tanks, one OEM and the other aftermarket tank?

Find EO# on aftermarket tank. If none found then fail the vehicle. Signup and view all the answers

What action should be taken if an OEM air cleaner is missing and a non-approved aftermarket cleaner is installed?

research APL and proceed accordingly Signup and view all the answers

What action should be taken if an OEM catalytic converter is noted as missing and a small aftermarket catalytic converter is present?

find EO# Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the BAR referee label for certain vehicles?

takes place of the under hood label and has vehicle information Signup and view all the answers

Where can the OBD II test ability reference guide document be found?

located on BAR's website Signup and view all the answers

An independent repair dealer may replace a defective emissions control part that may be covered under warranty?

True Signup and view all the answers

Where should a customer be directed when repairs for emissions failures were unsuccessful and the cost limit has been reached?

BAR referee, initial failure, invoice of repairs, after repairs failed test and additional invoice for repairs Signup and view all the answers

The law prohibits owners of vehicles to repair their own emissions failures?

False Signup and view all the answers

What type of certificate of compliance should be issued to military personnel not seeking California registration?

need copy of VR report passing result, not the final certification Signup and view all the answers

What documents should the customer bring to the referee if their vehicle is going for a cost waiver?

initial failure, invoice of repairs, after repairs failed test and additional invoice for repairs Signup and view all the answers

In what document can a technician find the aftermarket parts verification guidelines?

smog check reference guide Signup and view all the answers

When entering parts cost for an after repairs test, what customer paid costs are to be entered?

all costs for diag, parts, labor rounded to the nearest dollar Signup and view all the answers

What gear selection should be used if a vehicle equipped with a manual transmission is undergoing an ASM emissions test?

second gear, 1st or 3rd gear if necessary to stay within RPM range Signup and view all the answers

Should a vehicle pass or fail the functional ignition timing test if the ignition timing specification indicates 12 degrees BTDC at 750 rpm, and the technician measures 15 degrees BTDC?

fail Signup and view all the answers

What should a technician do if the VIN noted on the DMV registration document doesn't match the VIN on the vehicle being tested?

don't smog the vehicle, talk to the customer Signup and view all the answers

How should the BAR 97 EIS under visual inspection be entered if all or part of an emissions control system has been removed from the vehicle?

missing Signup and view all the answers

What entry should be made if the air pump has been removed during an inspection?

missing Signup and view all the answers

How should an add-on part which has not been approved by the ARB be entered into the BAR 97 EIS under visual inspection?

modified Signup and view all the answers

How should an OEM emission control device that has been altered to a non-factory configuration be entered into the BAR 97 EIS under visual inspection?

modified Signup and view all the answers

How should a vacuum hose that has been rerouted, bypassing a TVS valve, be entered into the BAR 97 EIS under visual inspection?

modified Signup and view all the answers

How should an air injection system that is present but has a missing belt be entered into the BAR 97 EIS under visual inspection?

defective Signup and view all the answers

How should a split vacuum hose be entered into the BAR 97 EIS under visual inspection?

defective Signup and view all the answers

Are all required emission control systems identified on the underhood label?

False Signup and view all the answers

What needs to be matched on the vehicle's registration during an inspection?

vin number and license plate Signup and view all the answers

If changes are made during a smog inspection and an error is found, what procedure should the inspector follow?

abort the test Signup and view all the answers

How can an inspector verify that the vehicle has warmed up to operating temperature?

gauge on dash, hear fans cycle, upper and lower radiator hoses are hot Signup and view all the answers

What action should be taken during an ignition functional timing test if the vehicle has a coil on plug (non-adjustable) ignition system?

n/a, not adjustable Signup and view all the answers

What does the analyzer assess during a functional test of the OBD II system?

monitor status, trouble codes, VIN, and software Signup and view all the answers

What entry should be made during the functional gas cap test if no adapter is available?

n/a Signup and view all the answers

Is it a failed functional timing test if the manufacturer's timing specifications are 8 degrees BTDC at 750 rpm, and the actual timing is 4 degrees BTDC?

True Signup and view all the answers

Is it a failed functional timing test if the manufacturer timing specifications are 4-8 degrees BTDC at 750 rpm, and the actual timing is 11 degrees BTDC?

True Signup and view all the answers

What action shall be taken if the vehicle cannot have the timing checked because of a defective condition?

fails test Signup and view all the answers

What is the most important procedure to follow when performing a functional test on an EGR system?

follow manufacturer's specifications and test procedures Signup and view all the answers

Should a repair station provide an invoice on a 'no charge' or warranty repair?

True Signup and view all the answers

What should a technician do after inspecting a torn down vehicle?

has to include disassembly and reassembly estimates Signup and view all the answers

What happens if the vehicle fails the smog inspection?

refer customer to a qualified test and repair station. If you are a test and repair station then offer an estimate of repairs Signup and view all the answers

What is the exception under the Automotive Repair Act regarding posting hourly rates or having them on estimates/invoices?

brake lamp, smog test and repair Signup and view all the answers

What must be on the final smog check repair invoice?

complaint, cause, correction Signup and view all the answers

Is the inspector required to provide a copy of the Vehicle Inspection Report to the customer?

True Signup and view all the answers

How long must a smog check station maintain records of station activity?

three years Signup and view all the answers

Do you need further authorization for repairs before performing the inspection on a vehicle left with a request for a smog inspection?

agree and discuss prices is necessary. need DMV registration form and create RO Signup and view all the answers

What action(s) may the Bureau take against a license if that license fraudulently issues a certificate?

$500 fine, suspension or revocation of license Signup and view all the answers

Is a smog check technician required to use manufacturer's testing procedures for specific vehicles?

False Signup and view all the answers

What must a smog check test and repair station do prior to performing an emissions inspection if they do not have the appropriate scan tool?

don't accept vehicle, inform customer orally and in writing Signup and view all the answers

What should a technician advise the customer orally and in writing if they cannot perform repairs on a rare vehicle that fails inspection?

advise the customer orally and in writing that your shop cannot perform repairs on the vehicle if it fails the inspection Signup and view all the answers

How long does a licensed smog check technician have to inform the BAR in writing of a change of employment?

14 days Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following areas in California do not require ASM loaded-mode inspections?

Basic Signup and view all the answers

Under which circumstances may a test and repair station sublet repairs?

test/repair stations may sublet specialized repairs, such as exhaust system repairs and catalytic converter replacement Signup and view all the answers

Under which circumstances may a test only station sublet repairs?

False Signup and view all the answers

Under which circumstances may a test only station provide a diagnosis of an emissions related smog check failure?

False Signup and view all the answers

All of the following vehicles are exempt from a smog inspection except?

Vehicle title is being transferred from employer to employee Signup and view all the answers

What does the Electronic Transmission (ET) network allow for emissions inspection systems to connect to?

VID Signup and view all the answers

What action should a technician take if there is no underhood label present during the visual inspection?

Use the ECS manual or BAR approved referee material to determine the emissions components for this vehicle Signup and view all the answers

What is the correct procedure to follow if the underhood emissions label states that the ignition timing is 'non-adjustable'?

enter the timing as 'not applicable' Signup and view all the answers

When should the tailpipe smoke test be performed on a gasoline vehicle?

after the tailpipe emissions test Signup and view all the answers

What is the correct procedure when the MIL light comes on during the tailpipe emissions portion of the inspection?

enter 'pass' during the MIL functional test, if the MIL operates correctly when prompted by the BAR 97 EIS Signup and view all the answers

How should a non-OEM aftermarket carburetor be inspected during the visual inspection?

check to see if the carburetor is approved as a street-legal replacement part Signup and view all the answers

Which area in California does not perform ASM loaded-mode inspections?

Basic Signup and view all the answers

Under which conditions will a vehicle fail the functional inspection if the underhood emissions label indicates ignitions timing should be 8 degrees BTDC with a measurement of 4 degrees BTDC?

when the ignition timing is not +/- 3 degrees BTDC Signup and view all the answers

All of the following are considered part of 'other emissions related' visual inspection data entries, except?

Intake Air Filters Signup and view all the answers

Which of these vehicles must receive a low pressure fuel evaporative test?

Model year 1995 and older Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following inspections is performed with the engine running?

liquid fuel leaks Signup and view all the answers

What needs to be entered during the functional LPFET if the technician cannot complete the test?

enter 'N/A' into the EIS Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is not considered to be 'tampering'?

Defective Signup and view all the answers

When entering repair costs into the EIS inspection or repair only menu, what information should be correctly entered?

enter all of the repair information and round off the costs to the nearest dollar Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Inspection Programs in California

Three main inspection program areas: enhanced, basic, and change of ownership.

Smog Technician Requirements

Any number of licensed technicians can perform testing and repairs during operating hours at a licensed smog check station.

Automotive Repair Dealer Regulations

Registered Automotive Repair Dealers cannot contract for smog repairs without being a licensed smog check test and repair station.

Vehicle Identification and Inspection

A referee label must be affixed to specially constructed vehicles (SPCN) for inspection.
Test and repair stations cannot sublet smog check inspections to test-only stations.

Minor Adjustments and Rejection Reasons

Licensed smog technicians at test-only stations cannot perform minor adjustments like ignition timing.
Inspectors may reject vehicles for being unsafe, unfit, or incompatible with inspection procedures.

Cost Waivers and Repair Facilities

Vehicles may not qualify for a $450 cost waiver if repairs were done at non-licensed facilities.
If a station lacks needed equipment for repairs, they must inform the customer before the smog inspection.

Handling Complaints and Issues

Customers should be directed to a BAR referee if they believe their inspection or repairs were incorrect.
Technicians must find the EO# on aftermarket tanks; failure indicates vehicle rejection.

Inspection Procedures for Aftermarket Parts

Technicians should research aftermarket component approvals (APL) during inspections and fail if they do not comply.

Emissions and Functional Tests

When an OEM catalytic converter is missing, technicians should check for EO# for aftermarket equivalents.
OBD II functional test assesses monitor status, trouble codes, VIN, and software.

Emission Control System Compliance

All required emissions control systems may not be listed on the underhood label, including PCV and EVAP systems.

Record Keeping and Inspector Obligations

Smog check stations must maintain records for three years, including repair orders and Vehicle Inspection Reports (VIRs).

Vehicle Identification

Matching the vehicle's VIN number and license plate with the DMV registration is crucial during inspections.

Emission Control Violations

If a vehicle fails inspection, refer customers to qualified repair stations for estimates.
Inspectors must abort the test if there are errors found post-inspection.

Customer Communication

Invoice details must include complaint, cause, and correction for clarity on repairs.
Technicians must provide Vehicle Inspection Reports to customers upon request, signed with the date.

Legal Regulations and Rights

No law prevents vehicle owners from repairing their own emission failures.
Military personnel seeking compliance certificates don't require final certification, only proof of passing results.

Specialized Inspections

Test/repair stations can sublet specialized repairs, while test-only stations cannot sublet any repairs.
Components like aftermarket carburetors must be approved as street-legal for inspection.

Ignition Timing and Diagnostic Procedures

Vehicles fail ignition functional timing tests if the actual timing is outside the manufacturer's allowed variance.
Technician diagnostics must follow manufacturer guidelines; deviations from this are violations.

Emissions Testing Exemptions

Rotary-powered vehicles are not exempt from smog checks.
Older models from 1995 and newer must complete low pressure fuel evaporative tests.

Final Inspection Procedures and Reporting

Use the smog check reference guide for aftermarket parts verification.
Enter repair costs should be rounded to the nearest dollar on all documentation.

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Description

Explore the essential requirements and regulations for smog inspection programs in California. This quiz covers various topics including technician responsibilities, testing protocols, and vehicle inspection criteria. Test your knowledge about the laws governing automotive repair and smog checks.