AB 2289 - New Smog Check Law effective 01/01/2013

[Kunihiro]

Hello California folks,

To some of you, this might be of any concern, but I am just posting this for your information only.
AB 2289 - New Smog Check Law


Set to begin January 01, 2013; Model year 2000 and newer vehicles will no longer require the tailpipe emissions test portion of the smog check process. AB 2289 will require late model vehicles be administered the smog check's visual and functional tests only.

The implementation of AB 2289 is expected to reduce the time and cost of the smog check. The program will now take better advantage of a vehicle's OBD II technology by eliminating tailpipe testing and instead using the vehicle's own OBD II emissions monitoring system.

This new smog test system is already in place in 22 other states. "This new and improved program will have the same result as taking 800,000 old cars off the road, also resulting in a more cost effective program for California motorists." said ARB Chairman, Mary D. Nichols.

Currently California's smog check procedure requires all vehicles undergo a tailpipe emissions inspection to measure harmful pollutant output from the tailpipe, a visual inspection for present and properly installed emissions components, a functional test to insure the proper operation of various emission components; and as part of the functional test, an OBD II computer diagnostic check.

Under AB 2289, the tailpipe emissions portion of the smog inspection will be eliminated for 2000 model and newer cars, trucks, vans, and SUVs.
Background on the OBD II system - All vehicles imported into the United States as of 1996 have had to be equipped with an On Board Diagnostics system referred to as OBD II. The OBD II diagnostic system is designed to monitor all aspects of your engine's emission conditions and report this information to a central database within it's computer. This information is processed and checked against the computers pre-determined values for various input levels and performance patterns.

If any problems are found, the computer will determine whether to alert the driver or not. If a decision has been made to alert the driver of an emissions problem, the "Check Engine" or "Engine Malfunction" light will illuminate on the vehicle's dashboard. In more serious emission conditions the computer may even begin to rapidly flash the "Check Engine/Malfunction" light indicating to the driver, that the vehicle needs immediate diagnosis/repair attention.
AB 2289 now requires the smog test inspection to rely on data from a vehicle's own on board emissions computer to determine the vehicle's harmful emissions production as opposed to using a smog machine to sample the vehicle's emissions output from the tailpipe. This design is expected to reduce the cost of equipment at the smog station, reduce the amount of time it takes to smog check a vehicle, and reduce the cost of the smog inspection to the consumer.


AB 2289 - Makes changes to the following smog inspection procedures and guidelines:
A. Authorize the use of On Board Diagnostic II testing to expedite the process.

B. Vehicles known to release large amounts of pollution must test at stations with the highest performance ratings.

C. Stricter fines structure for improper inspections.

D. Permit the state to contract with the private sector to manage franchise-like networks of independently owned Smog Check stations.
E. Encourage community colleges and other training institutions to develop technician-training programs.

[WadeWilson]

Interesting. Thanks for the post.

[Kunihiro]

Originally Posted by Shardik2SS

Interesting. Thanks for the post.

My pleasure!!

[2010SSRSM6]

hmmmm, how is a custom tune that tells the check engine light not to come on due to higher flowing exhaust going to show up on this new "test"?

Opening up the TB, Heads and Intake could cause issues now, er in 2013.

[gotpball44]

hmmmm gotta see how this will work with custom tunes.

Damn i hate Cali!!!

[SDCamaro10]

Thanks for the info, interested to see how mods and tunes will factor in to this.

[ffrcobra_65]

This is great news. Many don't understand that the visual part is already an existing part of the emissions test. It is just that the majority of testers don't know what to look for unless they are a car buff and can remember what emissions came with what and what a stock part looks like, etc. etc. The BAR referees on the other hand has the help of a centralized database and they often refer to it and look up what came with your car based on its VIN. Your car has to be really bad to be referrred to a referee. And no, there'lll be no opening the TB, etc. etc. etc
With this new testing, looks like they'll just hook up to the car's "brain" and compare the emissions output readings (i.e. O2 sensors, etc.) to established acceptable parameters. In essence, if you don't have check-engine light on, your car should be ok. On the other hand, if the ECL is on, FAIL, just like now. I doubt a tester would know or has the ability to comprehend the in-depth charts to see what has been changed from stock, etc. As long as the emissions parts are emissions (CARB) legal and in working order and emissions outputs from various sensors throughout the system are in within specs, this would be piece of cake.

[Sneeks20]

Will this affect or benefit someone with a CAI?

[Kunihiro]

Originally Posted by Sneeks20

Will this affect or benefit someone with a CAI?

I was wondering about that same thing too. I know we, here in CA, have 6 years before we are physically mandated to have a smog inspection done, based on the vehicle year. I've got an Airaid cold air system, sitting in the box in my garage. Guess I should get out and put it together......

[Sneeks20]

Originally Posted by Kunihiro

I was wondering about that same thing too. I know we, here in CA, have 6 years before we are physically mandated to have a smog inspection done, based on the vehicle year. I've got an Airaid cold air system, sitting in the box in my garage. Guess I should get out and put it together......

Oh most definitely, throw it under the hood already. Lol, yea worst come to worst we can always put the stock back on.

[IBM/2SS/RS/LS3]

Your CAI if not CARB approved will not pass the visual

[SA CHEVY]

Originally Posted by Sneeks20

Oh most definitely, throw it under the hood already. Lol, yea worst come to worst we can always put the stock back on.

Nailed it on the head right there. I always keep my stock intake just for one smog guy who has an issue with a CAI being under the hood. In my past experiences though most guys won't mind the CAI because past ones had CARB numbers but, if I remember right, there aren't any manufacturers who are making a CARB approved CAI yet but please correct me if I'm wrong. Happy modding guys!!

[Inferno LSX]

Just put the stock one back on for the test. Gonna have to do the same for long tube headers in Cali too. This is one of the easiest cars I've ever had to work on. Well engineered, plenty of room under the hood.

[Sneeks20]

[QUOTE=Inferno LS3;2709690]Just put the stock one back on for the test. Gonna have to do the same for long tube headers in Cali too. This is one of the easiest cars I've ever had to work on. Well engineered, plenty of room under the hood.[/QUOT

shorty headers wouldn't pass either huh?