Can a Car Pass Smog with Check Engine Light On?
The answer to this question is: it depends.
In most states, a car will not pass a smog test if the check engine light is on. The check engine light is designed to alert the driver to a problem with the car’s emissions system. When the check engine light is on, it means that the car is not operating properly and is emitting more pollutants than it should be.
However, there are some states that do not require a car to pass a smog test if the check engine light is on. These states include:
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- Colorado
- Idaho
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- West Virginia
- Wyoming
If you live in one of these states, you may be able to pass a smog test even if the check engine light is on. However, it is important to note that the car may still be emitting more pollutants than it should be, and it is important to have the problem diagnosed and repaired as soon as possible.
What to Do If Your Check Engine Light Is On
If your check engine light is on, the first thing you should do is have the problem diagnosed. You can do this by taking your car to a mechanic or by using a code reader. Once you know what the problem is, you can then decide how to fix it.
In some cases, you may be able to fix the problem yourself. For example, if the check engine light is on because of a loose gas cap, you can simply tighten the gas cap and the light will go off. However, in other cases, you may need to have the problem repaired by a mechanic.
It is important to have the problem diagnosed and repaired as soon as possible. Driving with the check engine light on can damage your car and it can also make your car more likely to fail a smog test.
Conclusion
So, can a car pass smog with check engine light on? In most states, the answer is no. However, there are some states that do not require a car to pass a smog test if the check engine light is on. If you live in one of these states, you may be able to pass a smog test even if the check engine light is on. However, it is important to note that the car may still be emitting more pollutants than it should be, and it is important to have the problem diagnosed and repaired as soon as possible.
