California Smog Testing Fraud!

[retiredat44]

I am frakking pissed! I took it to another shop to fix the car and re-test it for smog after repairs. The first shop, a California Test-Only station failed it. I took it to a new shop, that I have fix the car everytime it fails smog. They could not find one single problem! it passed smog without even touching a screw driver!

The first shop failed it, and that costs about $50.00, then we had to pay the stinking state of California because it just went passed the registration due date without passing. That was $50.00. Total $100.00 !!
Then it turned out it passed without any work needing done. So we had to pay the 2nd test. so add another $50.00 !

We were screwed (insert bad word here) good by a smog station that failed it and the state for a charge for delay, even though it passed! The smog-test-only station tested the smog before the rebgistration was due, so at that time we were not late. I am going to raise holy Frakkin hell with the State of California and these crooked smog stations!

How can the fail then pass be explained away! They can't. When it failed the numbers were way, way, way over the limits! Then we go to have it fixed, ther is nothing to fix and it passes with flying colors!


1989 Toyota Corolla SR5

[jdmccright]

I would write a letter and have copies of it sent to the state's CARB, BBB, and whatever emissions regulatory body/commission detailing the errant testing being done by the first station. Also send a copy to the failing shop and include the test results from both stations and ask to be refunded the cost of the first test as well as for the late fee as you have some proof you attempted to get it done before the expiration date. Something is out of whack and should be fixed and brought to the authorities' attention.

Finally, you know your car is always teetering on the pass/fail line, so I'd suggest giving yourself extra time and get tested well ahead of the due date. I'd also find a better shop for emission repairs, as they may just be dumping some "No-Smoke" in the crankcase and carb cleaner in the intake and calling it fixed. A good shop can look at the test results and find the problem(s) once and for all...heck, you might even gain a little performance and fuel economy out of it. Hope this helps!