Quote:
Originally Posted by ard
California has something similar- HOWEVER, the car needs to pass visual. in other words as long as the car has not been modified, and all componets are present, once you spend $650 you can be exempted.
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I think what you're referring to is the following (Source: CA dmv)
Repair Cost Waivers
A Repair Cost Waiver is available in situations where a vehicle failed its Smog Check and the consumer had over $650 in emission-related repairs performed at a licensed Smog Check repair station to reduce the vehicle's emissions and cannot afford the additional repairs needed for the vehicle to pass the smog test. This one-time waiver allows the vehicle to be registered with the Department of Motor Vehicles.
To be eligible, the vehicle must not have any tampered emissions control systems or components and has to have had at least $650 in emission-related repairs performed by a licensed Smog Check repair technician at a licensed Smog Check repair station.
It sounds a one time waver for poor people...
Also what
bawareca is very relevant: inspection is done visual and via OBD. Particularly there's a section of OBD that includes things called "readiness monitors" which is the pas/fail result from a series of self test carried out by the DDE. There's a limitation of the number that can be set as "incomplete". I believe for diesel past a certain date is up to 2. Regardless the check engine light has to turn on when the key is in the ignition and turn off with the engine running. You may have diagnostic codes either stored or pending so long as the CEL behaves this way.
Being computer stuff, you could, at least theoretically, tamper the code so the DDE reports a "complete" even for a test that is actually disabled or that cannot be complete because of the absence of the required hardware. But it would be the "tuner" would not only writing code, but also his death sentence.
I'd be curious as to whether the 2 incomplete readiness monitor provides enough of a loophole to be able to disable the SCR system, maintain the CEL behavior as described, and, provided that the hardware is left in place (at least in its external appearance) pass emission check. I doubt you'd be able to disable SCR and only have 2 readiness not set: you can read more about them in the attachment.