1. Attachments are working again! Check out this thread for more details and to report any other bugs.

California smog check?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by raybo, Dec 8, 2004.

  1. raybo

    raybo New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 22, 2004
    3
    0
    0
    We got a new 2005 Prius a few weeks ago, and it suddenly occurred to me "I wonder if this car needs a Calif. smog check every two years". The idea seems ludacrous, but remember we are talking about government, it doesn't have to make sense. How could they even do the smog check, since the car won't idle? Does DMV know it is a hybrid, and therefore never sends you the biannual notice to get a smog check?
     
    #1 raybo, Dec 8, 2004
  2. DanMan32

    DanMan32 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Aug 27, 2004
    3,799
    26
    0
    Location:
    Tampa Bay, FL
    It is possible by using the scan tool or by doing a dance to put the car into diagnostic mode, where the traction system is off, and engine constantly runs at on of 3 or 4 speeds, depending on position of accellerator. I don't know if the inspection locations would be aware how to do this.

    As for being exempt, I think I saw that it was (for now) in a thread or two, but I am not in a location that it is required, so I don't know for sure.
     
    #2 DanMan32, Dec 8, 2004
  3. Dave

    Dave New Member

    Joined:
    Dec 23, 2003
    340
    2
    0
    Location:
    Santa Cruz, CA
    Vehicle:
    2004 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    #3 Dave, Dec 8, 2004
  4. raybo

    raybo New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 22, 2004
    3
    0
    0
    Dave,

    Thanks for that info. I had briefly checked out the DMV site, but didn't dig deep enough.
     
    #4 raybo, Dec 8, 2004
(You must log in or sign up to post here.)