1 yr clean air inspection

[mspencer]

So what would happen if you put it in park, still in ready, and held both the gas and the brake pedals? Even though the engine is under load, charging the battery, would it still pass the test?

It doesn't seem fair -- a Prius derives all of its power from the ICE, so the ICE should be tested for emissions, not the whole car.

The owner of a 1978 Buick Regal isn't allowed to pass his test with a smokey engine simply by reaching over and turning the key off while the machine is testing. The only difference with a Prius is, it's the computer turning the ICE off by itself, instead of a human turning the ICE off manually.

If this loophole isn't closed, what's to stop a manufacturer from creating a high-performance "hybrid" sportscar with an engine that won't pass a smog test, which has an idle stop feature but no other hybrid advantages?

Lots of what-if questions...sorry guys... and there are no emissions tests in Iowa that I'm aware of, so all of this is new to me.

--Michael Spencer

[DanMan32]

If a manufacturer were to do that, it would not get the low emissions rating. I am sure different tests are done to get the rating, and not just a 'sensor in the pipe test while idling' test. Now there's nothing to stop an owner from making illegal modificatons undetected however.

[jimofdg]

Illinois won't test a car for emissions until you've had the (new) car for four years (less a few weeks to notify you). I don't know what they have planned for hybrids. They look at OBD II readings and this helps them get a good look at the car without stress testing it.

One part of the test (of my 2001 Avalon) that I think was worthwhile was a double-check that my gas cap worked. They take off your cap and attach it to a device that pressurizes it (I don't know how or which way).

If your cap leaks, you will be strongly urged to get it fixed.

[KTPhil]

California now mandates idle, cruise, and load at high RPM tests on a dyno. A clean idle no longer is a guarantee of a pass.

One of my cars (the Prius) never needs smog, the other ('71 VW fastback) is too old to need it. No more smog tests whoopee!

[KTPhil]

Hey, jimofdg, looking at your posting photo (red with a white swirl on the side) I bet you aren't a Pepsi drinker!

[jimofdg]

Actually, I am. I do prefer red vehicles. The avatar belongs to texassalsa04 (everything is Coke in Texas).

My dad had a red van that was previously a Coke truck. With his permission, I painted the white "ribbon device" back on the van. Took a while but looked great.