Topic: CA Smog

[jimbo74]

so, it is that time of year again for me to get a smog done on my van..... trying to find the best price of course.... however all the ads I get in the mail now have something else on them, that I never noticed, or it's possibly a new policy?

where I live, we have the advanced smog requirements..... not sure that matters at this point.... so here is the deal....

need the electronic transfer fee, which is an additional $8.25

need the smog done

looks like there is an additional fee of $10 for a directed test only vehicle

what about additional fees for EVAP test (do I need this)

is there a way to find out if I need the evap test, or if I fall under test only status (sadly, I think I need both)

I also see some of the ads say star certified? what is that?

also, some of the adds I see say if its older than 2000/1999 that extra fees are involved, and also possibly extra fees being that it is a full size van.... what should I expect to pay for this?

1996 dodge, b2500, 3.9l v6, 3 speed auto, 3/4 ton

[emsvitil]

The $10 for directed test is BS

EVAP is for pre OBDII vehicles.   They slightly pressurize the gas tank and see if there's a leak; OBDII tests for this automatically and throws a code if there's a leak.

Test only status will be on registration card.    It means you have to go to a 'test only' smog center;  not one that can make repairs.

Never heard of star certified.

The extra fees usually mean the DON'T want to deal with particular vehicles for whatever reasons.  (also to probably nullify the coupon, figuring that since you're already there.............)

[jimbo74 [OP]]

this made me think... and to google I went..... the star thing is this

http://www.bar.ca.gov/pubwebquery/star/welcome.aspx

[Toyotadon]

The STAR program replaced the test-only program, so it would say you need to go to a STAR station on your registration renewal form.

There is usually an extra fee to remove the "doghouse" on a full-size van, but some shops will waive it if you remove the cover yourself.

Your 1996 would not need the EVAP test; it only is done on 1995 and older vehicles which have access to the EVAP canister & hoses.

The $8.25 goes directly to the state for the "certificate" and the shop makes no money off of it at all.

There is a change coming where newer vehicles will not require any emissions test, only a check of the onboard computer system, but that hasn't been implemented yet.  I don't know why some places are advertising different prices for those newer vehicles.

BTW, where are you located?

[jimbo74 [OP]]

I'm located in pleasant hill these days. Well, that is where my van is registered

[Cheesemaker]

   I'm glad I live where I live!!   


That is all!!  Carry on..   

[Rocksurfer]

  I'm glad I live where I live!!   


That is all!!  Carry on..   

 

[jimbo74 [OP]]

why would they need to remove the doghouse on my van?


the only thing I can think of would be for the visual.... but that is their problem, not mine.... or should be

[Rocksurfer]

No, it's your vehicle so it is your problem. the doghouse must be removed for the visual and it is at your expense not theirs that it be opened.

[jimbo74 [OP]]

ok, that makes sense than..... I will just take it in with it removed... it takes 30 seconds to remove it, there are 2 clips and 2 bolts


also..... I have seen some coupons say "full service vans extra" what does that mean?

[CrazyYota]

Good luck with the smog Jimbo. I just got my junk to pass smog thanks to some tips from my cousin smog tech and a little over $300 in repairs. 

[jimbo74 [OP]]

i'm sure it will pass fine, I just don't want to pay $100 to get it smogged


it would be nice going somewhere and be like, look, this is what I will pay......

[Cheesemaker]

That is one of the many downsides of California!!  We have smog in the big cities of Oregon, but from my understanding they are not as strict as in CA.  But in my rural area we don't.  That is why if I ever get ahead of the game, I'll start saving up to buy Toyota's from you guys that can't pass smog!! 

[Toyotadon]

If you were closer to Hanford, I could help more, but here you go. http://www.yelp.com/search?cflt=smog_check_stations&find_loc=Pleasant+Hill%2C+CA

[Wainiha]

  I'm glad I live where I live!!   


That is all!!  Carry on..   

x2