Diesel Smog Checks Coming to Cali

Diesel Smog Checks

Posted April 10 2008 05:30 PM by FeatureEditor
Filed under: Diesel Truck Accessories, Diesel News, Tech Tips, Diesel Observations, Trend Observations, Diesel Enthusiast Culture

One of the benefits to owning a diesel vehicle in California has been that trucks, (and cars), have been exempt from smog checks in the Golden State. That it, up 'till now.

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California Assembly Bill number 1488 (AB 1488) was signed by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger on October 14, 2007.

It gets the ball rolling for smog checks on all diesel vehicles with a GVWR of less than 14,000 lbs. The plan is to start testing '97-and-up diesel vehicles with a GVWR under 8,501 lbs. on January 1, 2010.

At first, 3/4 and 1-ton trucks will still be exempt from the smog check program, but it looks like the diesel free-pass for these trucks may not last. The section of the bill that exempts them will now read:

"All diesel-powered vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 8,501 to 10,000 pounds, inclusive, until the department, in consultation with the state board, pursuant to Section 44012, implements test procedures applicable to these vehicles." --California AB 1488

That means after a test procedure is approved, it will be game-on for every '97-and-up diesel Chevy/GMC 2500HD/3500HD, Dodge 2500/3500, and Ford F-250/F-350/F-450. At first, it looks as if the smog tests will only involve reading the engine computer for signs of aftermarket shenanigans, but visual inspections of the exhaust and "sniffer" tests are also a possibility.

To read the most recent version of AB 1488 you can download it here.

And you can go here to get the latest information on AB 1488.

Let us know what you think by posting a comment below.

Should diesel trucks remain smog-test free?

Will this put an end to high-performance diesel tuning in California?

Some states already smog test diesels - what should Californians expect?

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Reader Comments:

1. I am trying to understand this better. I have an 08 LMM GMC, If I add an intake, exhaust and a programmer, I could get fined and not pass. My understanding is that they want to test 97 an newer vehicles. Most of these vehicles have meen modified. How can they do that? Sounds like they are hunting just to rack up a bunch of revenue in fines. Further most of the components I see out there don't have a CARB or emissions legal certification. What are the aftermarket companies doing? Could you provide more clarification on this?

efsLMM - Posted September 25 2008 02:38 PM

2. I have a 2002 ford f-150 with a 4.2 Liter v6 in it and was wondering how hard, if its possible, to put a 5.9 liter cummins diesel in it?

texman_85 - Posted October 14 2008 02:39 AM

3. Testing of 1997 trucks, at least via the OBD-II port, probably will not happen. Every 1997 Ford 7.3L PSD has a sticker on the valve cover that says "OBD-II EXEMPT" It uses the OBD-II port, but it is not fully compliant. This is why the cheaper code readers will not work on these trucks. You have to get the enhanced package of Auto-enginuity, or other programs to read codes. Now I know that the California trucks in 97 were a little different, but it still was OBD-II exempt. It is illegal for the government to try to run computer diagbostics on these rigs for emission purposes, based on their own laws.
Jerry

Jerry_M - Posted May 15 2009 04:56 AM

4. Also, wanted to add that the revised bill starts with model year '98 for testing of the 3/4 ton and up diesels. I had a link somewhere for it, but can't find it now. Looks like the people in charge did a little home work and realized that 97 and older were untouchable with OBD-II testing. Although I'm sure they will be doing sniffer tests on them.

Jerry_M - Posted May 15 2009 05:00 AM

5. I also wonder how they expect to do OBD-II testing on a 98 Dodge 2500/3500 with the 12V. Good luck finding the engine management computer!

Jerry_M - Posted May 15 2009 05:04 AM

6. Starting in 2010 all diesel powered California vehicles (on road) under 14K GVW, 1998 & later will get "smog" tested. It is not really a smog test, just a visual inspection for illegal parts or missing equipment, and a visual smoke (guess) test my the smog machine operator, and an OBD scan for check engine codes. I say smoke "guess", because unlike the ARB mandated SAE smoke opacity test done on fleets using a machine to mesure smoke density, the so called smog/BAR test uses no machine, just a guess by the smog machine operator as to what is OK and what is to much smoke. The BAR is going out of its way to target modified pick ups. You could have a 1996 diesel powered truck or car pumping out a cloud of black smoke and it is not going to be tested, but if you have a clean running 2008 pick up with any aftermarket programer, you fail the smog test for "illegal" parts. Someone needs to sue the BAR to get a real test that is fair, not this bologna. see BAR link below
http://www.bar.ca.gov/80_BARResources/05_Legislative/RegulatoryActions/FAQs%20for%20Diesels%201-8-09_GC.pdf

Bigglyn - Posted August 22 2009 03:46 PM

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