DIESEL

Light-duty Diesel Vehicles Added To The Smog Check Program

Effective January 1st, 2010, Diesel powered vehicles 1998 & newer under 14,000 GVWR are subject to a smog check.

The Diesel Smog Check inspection will consist of three parts; Visual check of the emission control equipment (The visual check of diesel vehicles will be performed the same way as the test performed on gasoline powered vehicles except that the emission control components maybe different.) Check of the OBD system (The OBD-II check on diesels will be conducted the same way it is performed on gasoline vehicles.) Test for visible smoke (The visible smoke test procedures for diesels is similar to the gasoline procedure.)

No, dynamometer testing will not be part of the diesel Smog Check inspection.

No. Although some diesel vehicles owners use alternative diesel fuels, including various mixes of biodiesel, currently, there are no plans to require technicians to collect fuel samples as part of the diesel Smog Check inspection. If a vehicle has equipment that modifies the fuel injection system, then the system must have an ARB approved Executive Order (EO). Extra fuel tanks without evaporative controls are not a cause for a Smog Check failure.

Although many factors affect the length of time it takes to do any type of inspection, the BAR expects most technicians to be able to complete the diesel inspection in approximately 15-30 minutes.

The DMV will begin mailing notices to motorists who own diesel-powered vehicles subject to the program for registrations due in April 2010. However, change of ownership and out-of-state inspections will be required starting on January 1, 2010. Unlike gasoline powered vehicles, there is no six-year or four-year exemptions on diesels included in the Smog Check Program

Yes, all diesel vehicles over the maximum 14,000 Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) limit will be exempt from the Smog Check Program. The GVWR is indicated on a label located on the chassis or door jamb of the vehicle.

Currently, most diesel vehicle owners have their vehicles repaired at either a dealership or a diesel specialty repair shop.

The Smog Check Program engine change policy applies to engine changes on diesel vehicles subject to the program. To review the BAR Engine Change Policy BAR website:

http://www.bar.ca.gov/80_BARResources/07_AutoRepair/Engine_Change_Guidelines.html