Come Monday, however, if your car's ECU program isn't verified as legal by a California Air Resources Board (C.A.R.B.) Here's a good reminder to anyone running a tuned car out in California: As of today, July 19, the state's notoriously strict smog testing will automatically fail any car when it detects modified software onboard, aka, a tuned ECU. The $750 you heard about is probably a strategy to get around the tunes detection. Car Bibles first spotted the updated policy and the California Bureau of Automotive Repair confirms the changes on its website. By using our site, you agree to our. You can still get a heartier sound from your vehicle with the help of specialty performance parts. We are Reddit's central hub for vehicle-related discussion including industry news, reviews, projects, videos, DIY guides, stories, and more. What MIGHT pass and what SHOULDN'T pass are almost always two very different things. DSMtuners is the largest DSM forum and online enthusiast community on the web. Our car experts choose every product we feature. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Your cars ECU has a CVN (or check sum) set by the manufacturer. Owners who unknowingly bought a modified car that fails the new smog test may lodge a complaint with the Bureau of Automotive Repair. What Cobbs emissions lockout means for tuner cars? Archived post. My strengths focus on anything uncommon in the car industry, the California car scene, and anything aftermarket performance. The test that banned engines with unauthorizedECU-tunes from California roads was added to in July of this year. Do not pass go, do not collect $200. Porsche Reportedly Launching New Car on June 8, Toyota CEO Suggests More Sports Cars Are Coming, Ocon Nearly Hits Spectators During Final Pit St, NCCC Steps Back From Corvette E-Ray Ban at Events, Nrburgring Bans Cars That Can't Do 80 MPH, GMC Expands Off-Road Lineup With Sierra HD AT4X, This One-Owner Nissan 240SX May Be Perfect, Build Your Own McLaren 750S With New Configurator, This All-Out Battle Shows What IndyCar Does Best. Tips for passing smog in California. I'm a smog tech. When she's not writing about finance or car insurance, you can probably find Genevieve watching a good film, looking for sushi, or putting on her chef's hat in the kitchen. Passing SMOG check with ECU tune in CA - VW Vortex The technology, performance capability, and craftsmanship that goes into builds fuels his passion. In July, California made changes to its emissions testing that impacted many car owners who had aftermarket modifications to their vehicles. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. By Scott Parker July 19, 2021. If the intake is approved and the downpipe is stock, then it wont pass if its upgraded, but if it is approved and the engine is rebuilt, then it will pass. This information is taken from the On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) system and includes software identification such as CAL-ID (equivalent to a filename) and CVN (equivalent to a checksum). If you scroll ahead to the 39-minute mark they get into BAR and California. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Increased air flow to the engine can be achieved by using a larger tube diameter. The updated test went into effect this week. In Texas you probably don't test obd2 at all. But yes, we only have the 2 speed idle. You can't swap a set of carbs onto an EFI 280z and have it pass smog in California. As of the 19th, if detected, an ECU modified in any way from the original factory settings without a C.A.R.B E.O. . The DMV will let you pay for the registration to avoid fines for late payment, but will not issue stickers for your tag until you pass smog. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. sapki; May 9, 2005; Newbie Forum; Replies 16 Views 1K. Replaced the front o2 and passed like I knew it should. every registered vehicle has to pass a biennial smog check, which includes visual inspection of emissions equipment and a tailpipe test. How to Pass a Smog Test: 13 Steps (with Pictures) - wikiHow There are several companies who offer ECU tunes that comply with the Executive Order. Whether you drive a Toyota Prius hybrid or a tire-smoking Dodge Challenger in California, every new gas, hybrid, or alternative-fuel vehicle produced as a 1976 model year or later requires a smog test. Your FAQs Answered on California's ECU Tuning Policy | The Drive Apr 27, 2015. lasershark. A California car, 2000 and newer, wouldve run through an OBD-OIS test twice since 2015.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'tiremeetsroad_com-box-4','ezslot_7',109,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-tiremeetsroad_com-box-4-0'); With enough data points, smog shops have known approved configurations for your vehicles make and model. Vehicle: 1998 Legacy 2.5GT Silver Sleeper BK, 5MT . ", "Thank you for all the helpful tips! Prior to joining the Roadshow team, he was a freelance contributor for Motor Authority, The Car Connection and Green Car Reports. APR, for my 2016 R here in CA. comply with regulations. Is a cold air intake bad for your engine? 8. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. It will always cause the rear o2 efficiency code to fail because it is disabled. Since 2015, BAR has been accumulating a database of vehicle software information captured during the Smog Check process and they already have a pretty clear picture of the effects of various modifications. FYI, this is an example of a failed smog test result for modified software. Peter said that BAR will be looking at the CAL ID (file name), CVN (check sum), and codes thrown, blocked, OBDII monitors not setting. 3. They have already developed an association between these identifiers and various categories of modifications, including those that are covered by CARB Executive Orders (EOs). If, like us, emissions policies that threaten our hobby concern you, then perhaps you read this story last week that put California residents on notice that the smog inspectors will be checking and failing vehicles for illegal tuning (basically anything that is not either OEM or a CARB approved tune) starting July 19th. Do you think car owners should be required to run OEM or state-approved tunes in their cars? California Screwing with HP Tuned Cars Figures Am I in trouble? Several companies offer music that complies with the Executive Order. Or, you can have a 1975 or earlier car and do whatever you'd like because there's no smog test at all.