CA Smog = Checking ECU for Tunes

Here's a real honest question about CVN's

Let's say Toyota releases an ECU Update, you go to the dealer get the update, and then get smogged... I highly doubt that "new TSB ECU Software" is going to be in the California CARB database. Like it's a new legit non-modified software from the dealer but now it's not registered with the state to go get smogged and you fail... would they revert as a backup to the sniffer testing? That would be awesome if they did.

But even new Toyota software with smog is going to have it's challenges.

Just my thought.


EDIT*** At some point I'm going to rent a truck and go get it smogged with tuned software and see how it fares.

 

Pretty true..and I as a MA resident can confirm that we seem to follow a lot of this stuff. I don't have anything tuned nor plan to.

Ran into this recently, my brother in law's father's car has sat since last year. I suspect it might have been jumpstarted at some point prior to that. Tried to get a sticker to put it up for sale and it wasn't ready, so I took it out for a drive the other day.

 

I did flash and CVN for ECU changed.
TCU CVN remainded the same

 

All the brodozers and their tuned diesels are going to love this long time.

 

One question, do tunes influence emissions? I mean I guess it would increase emissions proportional to the power gained, for instance if the engine now making 300hp with premium fuel, it can burn and emit more due to higher compression, but would it increase emissions in excess of power (like it causes more emission than an average 300hp engine)? I assume most tunes that alter or modify the settings of the emission system, like making it more relaxed, are already illegal.

 

I rocked Georgia plates on my EVO for a while, got a nice letter from the DMV saying I needed to register my car in California. Maybe you have better luck with a neighboring state though.

 

Yeah. Info there is not well known and can catch folks out. A hard start on an old battery can even do a DTC Reset on an ECU.

It depends on the tune. If you're going for max power, then it can run rich or upset the NOx / SOx levels. A while back, vF Tuner submitted his tunes for testing and found that they comply with the EPA levels. The tunes were not submitted for certification though, which costs big bucks.

 

Agreed but I will add the more miles you drive after the reflash the better. The last time I failed a smog test in CA was because I failed the readiness test. A week before the test, I installed a new battery. That week I drove roughly 400 miles including a drive through the mountains to go snowboarding so I drove through various terrain, various speeds, multiple ignition cycles, etc. After I failed the test, the tech asked if I changed the battery and when I said yes he said I needed to drive 50-100 miles. I told him I already drove 400

In that scenario I believe this would apply: http://www.bar.ca.gov/pdf/BAG/202107/BAR-OIS_Modified_Software.pdf
"SUBSTANTIATION OF OEMSOFTWARE• If the vehicle owner insists their vehicle’s software is OEM, the Referee will require substantiation from an OEM dealership.• The OEM dealer must provide documentation with a signature stating that the software version, Cal ID, and CVN are appropriate for that exact vehicle."

As far as I know tail pipe tests are only for pre-OBDII vehicles (1995 and older)

This tire meets road article has some additional information (nothing definitive) on the changes. https://tiremeetsroad.com/2021/07/1...modified-ecu-resulting-in-a-failed-smog-test/

 

What was the cvn number before you flashed ( stock ) I wonder

 

It'll trickle down to other states eventually.

 

It is never easy. There are published drive cycles that can have all of the codes set in 40mi. You do need a certain amount of fuel in the tank when it test the fuel vapor system.

The best way to know is a cheap OBD adapter. Like the $15 Veepeak ones on Amazon. Even cars with questionable emissions equipment can pass tests if they do a reset and follow the cycle. It's goofy, I know.

 

Tony, what is the “drive cycle”? This CA thing doesn't affect me (yet) but would be good to know.

 

It is a pain to find on my phone. But, I will post it up and tag you when I get to a computer.

Nevermind. I actually saved it on the cloud. See attached. The Hyundai / Kia graph will be pretty close to the Toyota TSB that is linked.

 

I use the Carista app (free version) with an ODB adpater which let's you know if you've passed the readiness test.

 

Perfect! I used to do the same.

Did you have that before or after the failed test?

 

Thank you.

 

After, that failed smog test was close to 10 years ago. I don't think those cheap OBD adapters were even around then

 

You're welcome!

That was right around the time. I bought one right about 6yrs ago for about $15 delivered. Still works great other than being huge, esp with the crappy OBD port location on the Taco.

 

"All vehicles requiring BAR-OIS inspection are subject to the Modified Software check."

I wonder what constitutes a vehicle requiring a BAR-OIS inspection.