Failed Smog Test !!!!

[MR. BMW]

I recently took my 1996 328i to have the SMOG test. It failed, someone told me that if my check engine light is on, they fail you no matter what. Is that true?

 

[frolf]

i believe so

 

[Big Daddy]

Here in Washington state if the check engine light is on they will not pass the vehicle.

 

[selavia]

Same in MD. But it does vary by state; it's not Federally mandated. Each state sets its own standard for inspection.

 

[Big Daddy]

Correct and/or County. For example the only emissions testing in Idaho is in Ada County, at leat there is none in Latah, Nez Perce, or the other northern counties.

 

[dinan5i]

when u say "check engine" do u mean the message telling you an inspection is due?

 

[frolf]

this is one reason why i hate california is the emissions standards, they set them in there goofy state, have enough people where car manufacturers actually adhere to them, and then we don't get cool cars. thanks california, thanks

 

[chief]

Here in Texas (at least in the Fort Worth and surrounding counties) the codes retained in the ECU that energize the Check Engine light will cause the failing test grade. I have had to replace the O2 sensors, Throttle valve control, MAP sensor et all, to get mine to pass. Even had to change out the ECU since Texas ordained that dino testing would not be performed on vehicles with OBII systems.

 

[m5runner]

It was always cat converters for my car. I think I had to change the 02 sensor once in the 8 years of owning the car but i ate through cats