Can a Car Pass Smog with Engine Light On?
The answer is: It depends.
In most states, a car will not pass a smog test if the engine light is on. However, there are some exceptions. In California, for example, a car can pass a smog test if the engine light is on, but only if the car meets certain criteria.
What Does the Engine Light Mean?
The engine light is a warning light that indicates that something is wrong with your car’s engine. It can be caused by a variety of problems, including:
- A loose gas cap
- A faulty oxygen sensor
- A bad spark plug
- A clogged catalytic converter
- A faulty emission control system
If the engine light is on, it is important to have it diagnosed by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible. Driving with the engine light on can damage your car’s engine and lead to more expensive repairs in the future.
Can a Car Pass Smog with Engine Light On in California?
In California, a car can pass a smog test if the engine light is on, but only if the car meets the following criteria:
- The car must be a 1996 or newer model.
- The car must not have any visible signs of tampering with the emissions control system.
- The car must pass a visual inspection of the emissions control system.
- The car must pass a functional test of the emissions control system.
If your car meets all of these criteria, you can have it smog tested even if the engine light is on. However, it is important to note that the car may not pass the smog test if the engine light is on due to a problem with the emissions control system.
What to Do If Your Engine Light Is On
If your engine light is on, the best thing to do is to have it diagnosed by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible. Driving with the engine light on can damage your car’s engine and lead to more expensive repairs in the future.
Here are some tips for what to do if your engine light is on:
- Have the car diagnosed by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible.
- If the car is a 1996 or newer model and meets the other criteria listed above, you can have it smog tested even if the engine light is on.
- If the car does not pass the smog test, you will need to have the problem repaired before you can register the car or renew your registration.
Do not ignore the engine light. Driving with the engine light on can damage your car’s engine and lead to more expensive repairs in the future.
