California TDI drivers...smog testing?!?

I have never needed to get a smog check on my TDI until this year's registration. Did the rules change or something for us Californians or is this request a mistake.

Anyone know if the laws have changed?

Thanks,

James

yes they have changed...i believe its been a year or more that the new smog rules went into effect.

I had to smog mine this year and all they did was plug into the obdII port for check engine light issues and a visual inspection. They did not plug anything into the exhaust or do any type of particle test under acceleration similer to what i had to go through while living up in Washington State.

I would call your smog shop that you would go to and ask them what exactly do they do to comply with the new smog regs for TDI's

California basically threw out the old rules and installed new ones the first of this year. They're coming down harder on polluters and those with aftermarket parts.

Your best bet is to be sure you have an OEM catalytic converter and that your EGR is still hooked up properly and there's no crankcase vent mods. Those are your main emissions controls.

If you have a chiptune, it's also possible you won't pass if it is one of those tunes that just keeps the EGR readiness on full time and doesn't properly reset.

They do a visual smoke check too. In neutral, not on the dyno.

Thanks for the info guys!!



Quite a resource we have here!!

Thanks for the replies.

James

there are a few threads in the West Coast forum

Here is a link to the longest one...
http://forums.tdiclub.com/showthread.php?t=267469