Sharing F430 smog check experience

[av2]

Took the F430 for its first smog check this weekend and had some issues. The shop pulled the car on the scale, weighted the rear wheels and then pulled it onto the dyno. I was with the person performing the smog check the whole time just to make sure he could operate the car. He had no prior experience with a Ferrari. With CST off, he tried to run the car at a constant speed but couldn't. The throttle was just too sensitive and he was not able to keep it at a certain speed and rpm range. After a few trials, the E-diff, suspension, CST, and ABS lights all come on. I advised him to pull it off the dyno and just perform the smog check in neutral as if it was a 4WD. Had a Porsche turbo and this was how they performed it. At this point, he just asked me operate the car for him. I put the car in neutral and maintained the rpm at 2,500 for about 60 sec. Believe me, this requires a VERY steady right foot. Managed to do this and the car passed smog. Turned the car off and paid cashier. After starting the car back up, the only light still on was the suspension. Drove the car for about 15 miles, shut the car off for 10 minutes or so, started the car back up and luckily, no more warning lights.

If you guys are doing a smog check, don't just hand over your key and walk away. If the shop does not have experience with these cars, they will perform the smog check with CST ON, on the dyno and might cause major issues.

[johncasale]

I had a 328 while living in Oregon and when I would take the car for the emissions test, I would always tell them it had traction control (even though it didn't) - the result was, they never put it on the dyno for testing, they would just have me stay in the car and hold it at 2500 rpm - as you stated. Worked every time!

[Stevely]

I had a similar experience with the throttle sensitivity in my f430 in ca. I eventually had the guy put it in rain mode on the manettino and that softened the throttle response enough to allow the guy to keep it in the prescribed speed ranges. I also got the suspension light that went away after a couple blocks.

[jlonmark]

Just from glancing at the title of this post.... I knew you lived in CA. We have absolutely the worst smog rules ever. In fact, most smog places won't smog a Ferrari Period. I have begged and pleaded and offered to sign numerous releases and I'll drive the car (keep in mind this was a 308- don't get me started on the 90's and newer cars). Long story short, there is a shop on Westgate below Olympic in West LA- recommended from BH Ferrari. I recommend them

[Skidkid]

I have taken my 360 Spider to both of the corner gas stations here. The last time I backed the car onto the dyno and they guy walked to the front to check for the air injection, etc. HUMM, seriously? With a big glass panel over the engine?

Anyway, they let me pull it onto the scale and dyno plus they let me do the driving. Passes easily. Honestly, I could change to high flow cats and they wouldn't be able to tell as long as it passed.

[F430Rod]

Originally Posted by av2

Took the F430 for its first smog check this weekend and had some issues. The shop pulled the car on the scale, weighted the rear wheels and then pulled it onto the dyno. I was with the person performing the smog check the whole time just to make sure he could operate the car. He had no prior experience with a Ferrari. With CST off, he tried to run the car at a constant speed but couldn't. The throttle was just too sensitive and he was not able to keep it at a certain speed and rpm range. After a few trials, the E-diff, suspension, CST, and ABS lights all come on. I advised him to pull it off the dyno and just perform the smog check in neutral as if it was a 4WD. Had a Porsche turbo and this was how they performed it. At this point, he just asked me operate the car for him. I put the car in neutral and maintained the rpm at 2,500 for about 60 sec. Believe me, this requires a VERY steady right foot. Managed to do this and the car passed smog. Turned the car off and paid cashier. After starting the car back up, the only light still on was the suspension. Drove the car for about 15 miles, shut the car off for 10 minutes or so, started the car back up and luckily, no more warning lights.

If you guys are doing a smog check, don't just hand over your key and walk away. If the shop does not have experience with these cars, they will perform the smog check with CST ON, on the dyno and might cause major issues.

How much did it cost you to smog? I bit the bullet and simply let the Ferrari dealership do mine. I just dropped the car off and they took care of it. I did oil change at same time so I just paid for the oil change and the smog fee which like 80 bucks I think for the smog fee.

[MVDESQ]

Can't they just plug into obd2 port for emissions test? That is how CT does it. Only takes a few minutes and no need for dino. The local Shell station does it even for the dealer as there is no money in testing and our fee is 20 bucks by statute.

[Skidkid]

Originally Posted by MVDESQ

Can't they just plug into obd2 port for emissions test? That is how CT does it. Only takes a few minutes and no need for dino. The local Shell station does it even for the dealer as there is no money in testing and our fee is 20 bucks by statute.

In CA they plug in the OBD and all sensors must be ready. You also have to pass an emission test on a "rolling road". There is also a visual check for any disconnected or altered equipment. And yes, almost every corner station can do the test.

[av2]

I paid $48 for the smog.

[F430Rod]

Originally Posted by av2

I paid $48 for the smog.

Yeah but look at the hassle you went through. $32 dollar convenience fee is fine with me