How hard is it to pass an emission test in southern Calif.?

Question

I have a 96 ford Probe and a 04 ford windstar. I will be moving to southern california in the summer and I read to get your regerstration you must pass the emissions test. They drive well. The Probe idles bad sometimes and has alot of miles. The windstar is rather new and drives well. Should I have much of a problem?

Answer 1

Welcome to smog check II, the most difficult smog emission test in the USA.
smog check II checks for NOx, or oxides of nitrogen (unburned fuel from the combustion chamber).

Your Ford vehicles should easily pass, however it would be good to know where the cars were purchased. they aren't california cars obviously, but I'm sure they have the standard emissions equipment. IF they do not, it will have to be installed prior to the smog check.
the Probe needs to be idling smooth. Miles isn't an issue. the Probe's can run easily 300,000.

You need to ask questions to whomever is doing your smog inspection, preferably, if they would check to make sure you have the necessary smog control devices prior to the test. the rules are, the test is to be done first, if you're missing something, you fail. It kinda depends on where you go too. But for the most part, if you're new to the area, people will give you a break on it.

Your vehicle might qualify under federal emissions vs. california because they were purchased out of state. the catch is, the law changes yearly. Just ask questions.

And to help yourself thru the NOx test, use high octane gas during the testing process. the idea before was to get the engine HOT! Now, it's, get the engine just right. if the combustion chamber is to hot, regular gas will burn to fast and get ejected out the tailpipe, (bad). if the chamber is cooled a little, (make sure your engine doesn't run real hot, like if you're coming from Arizona, make sure you use 50/50 antifreeze mixture. high octane gas burns slower, slower burn, more complete burn, no real performance value, except maybe in the Probe. but it'll lower your NOx numbers. Make sure you have a new/clean air filter as well. if the engine can't breathe, it won't pass either.

Answer 2

maximum converters fail using poor gasoline/air blend. GM vehicles will be the exception. Many GM vehicles have defective converters actual from the production facility. anyhow, the aspect to do is this. purchase a can of AMSOIL foaming cleanser. Use it to sparkling your throttle body and the IDLE AIR administration VALVE it is positioned on that is aspect. those issues administration potential and emissions at maximum engine speeds. Use the cleanser and Gum-out to sparkling your PCV valve and hose. Run both cleaners through your intake manifold at dissimilar engine speeds. this may sparkling out the converter and the O2 sensors. once you're particular that each and everything is operating maximum ideal, eliminate the production facility junk plugs and replace them with BOSCH Fusion or DENSO Iridium spark plugs. those basically burn gasoline more beneficial effectively, more beneficial effectively, advance potential gasoline mileage, and emissions, considering they react with present day fuels CHEMICALLY. Watch how a lot more beneficial potential you'll unharness!!