CA Smog Check Not Ready

http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/458-italia-488/523409-458-emissions-rejection.html

I followed the directions as outlined in post five, and it worked first time for me.

Be sure you have over half a tank of fuel before you start the process though

Andy

 

I had the same issue with mine a while back. Giant PITA.

I finally took it to my local independent Ferrari shop for a couple of odds and ends including a plea to get the OBDII computer to read "ready". They didn't detail to me what steps they took but they were successful. Of course, the car then passed smog with flying colors.

Here's the thing: If you're getting close to being late on your CA DMV fees and can't pass smog, just pay the fees anyway. They will record you as having paid on time but not issue your 2017/8 tag until you pass smog.

 

Check if you have any pending codes. None are set (no CEL), but you could have pending code that could provide hints to anything amiss.

 

You can pay online via the CA DMV website as you normally would. The system figures out you haven't done your smog yet (and reminds you it still needs to be done) but then happily collects your $$. No need to "advise" anyone at AAA or DMV office.

Once you do pass smog, the new tag will just magically appear in your mailbox a week or two later without requiring anything further from you.

Good luck.

 

Had this exact situation last year - No codes, but couldn't get the "ready" status.
After much troubleshooting, a borescope found about a dozen cat cells missing.

A new set of Tubi cats and headers and she passed with flying colors. No issues since.

The real happy ending was we caught the cats BEFORE they failed and FOD'ed the engine!

 

But those cats are not CARB approved (nor the headers) and in wouldn't pass the visual inspection if the technician is strict, even though the car will not have any codes and the monitors are complete AND the car is actually polluting less. How did you pass with aftermarket cats? (Headers there is a possibility but cats are too obvious)

 

The guy running the test didn't ask about them, so I didn't tell him.
My guess is he'd never seen a Ferrari before.

 

Nice!!!!! That is usually the best way to do it.


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Send me a PM Chris.

 

I could add, the image says 2000 or older. Is this a '99? If so, there is a known problem with them where codes won't set. Ferrari can reflash the ECU and get them to set properly.

Also, the referee may not pass it unless you have met the minimum spend so take records. As I recall, in CA you have to spend at least <forget the amount> or you can't get a waiver.

 

Guys, be very careful in California. The Air Resources Board is very aggressive about compliance. Its a 25K fine if you modify the exhaust system by switching to non-CARB approved cats. Someone can call the 1-800 smog line and report your car as too loud. They will come to your house and inspect your vehicle. Also, the smog guys are being equipped with pictures of OEM type cats to help visually inspect during your smog check.

 

It is going to continue to get more difficult, not less. Best just to keep the car stock in the long run.

 

Ahhh yes, the wonderful readiness codes! Do yourself a favor and register it in Az

 

Welcome to Ca! Also another big plus of registering in Az is no sales tax on used cars! Unless you buy it from a dealer


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Actually I disagree. It is the only test that makes any sense. If the car is OK the readiness codes will be set and it is a one minute test as opposed to expensive and time consuming visual and dyno tests with an exhaust analyzer. California was one of the last states to adopt the plug in test and they really should have been the first.


If you have a 2004 and it is not setting one of the monitors something is wrong with that system. Cat monitors are typically easy to set if the cats are good, the down stream O2's are good and the motor is not dumping too much HC into the cat.

 

The main cats? Never been a problem with those in 360. Besides the o2's are measuring the precats and I have yet to see or know of a failure of those where no running issues existed.
And like I said, there are possibilities beyond the cats and as near as I can tell no diagnosis has been attempted. Also, changing to after market components is just delaying your problem. California is getting more and more strict, it will never get less strict and aftermarket cats will get to be a far bigger problem than they are already. More than likely the easiest and least costly remedy is to fix the problem you have.