Thread: 2008 6.4 smog check

So I am writing out my check to the DMV when I see the words "smog inspection required".
I won't even go into the words that came out of my mouth after seeing that. After a little research I learned that CA is now mandating inspections.
I am in the Corona area and need to get this completed this week. Can someone recommend a shop in the area that is familiar with this new law?
I bought my 08 F350 from Bobby and except for the 10" lift kit the truck is bone stock. I am not too concerned but I have read that some only do a visual and I have read some shops actually perform an emissions test.
Anyone know the facts?

Wow, your probably the last person in California with a diesel to know. :)

Seriously, they connect to the trucks OBDII to look for any errors, inspect the truck to visually verify all emissions equipment is installed and functioning. Then they do a snap throttle test to visually examine the ammount of soot exiting the exhaust. If you have changed out any equpiment, it has to have an EO sticker available and visible during inspection as well.

There is no "emissions" test available on the diesel trucks to date but what some people are saying is an emissions test could be what I describe above.

Take a look at the following, Diesel Vehicle Smog Check Inspections Information

Originally Posted by smotrs

Wow, your probably the last person in California with a diesel to know. :)

Seriously, they connect to the trucks OBDII to look for any errors, inspect the truck to visually verify all emissions equipment is installed and functioning. Then they do a snap throttle test to visually examine the ammount of soot exiting the exhaust. If you have changed out any equpiment, it has to have an EO sticker available and visible during inspection as well.

There is no "emissions" test available on the diesel trucks to date but what some people are saying is an emissions test could be what I describe above.

Take a look at the following, Diesel Vehicle Smog Check Inspections Information

Yeah, I'm not surprised to be the last to know. I usually am. I've only had one concern with this vehicle, the radiator. Other than that I have not had any problems, not modified the motor and stayed away from the dealer (Ford) reflashes. I had a bad experience with my 03 7.3. This one runs fine so far.

Originally Posted by new guy

So I am writing out my check to the DMV when I see the words "smog inspection required".
I won't even go into the words that came out of my mouth after seeing that. After a little research I learned that CA is now mandating inspections.
I am in the Corona area and need to get this completed this week. Can someone recommend a shop in the area that is familiar with this new law?
I bought my 08 F350 from Bobby and except for the 10" lift kit the truck is bone stock. I am not too concerned but I have read that some only do a visual and I have read some shops actually perform an emissions test.
Anyone know the facts?

All 2007 and newer diesels have always had to be smogged, this is nothing new. So it wouldve affected you anyways. It is the 07 and older guys that should be really pissed.

I don't know if this effects the diesels or not, but I know with the gas vehicles if it is something like less than 3 or 5 years old, a smog inspection/test does not have to be done. Why is it that a two year old 2008 vehicle has to be tested?

ON EDIT: Here is what I found from some searching...

6 Yrs & Newer - Effective 01/01/05: Will expand the model-year smog check exemption to include motor vehicles 6 or less model years old, unless ARB (Air Resource Board) determines that including the 5th and 6th model-year vehicles in the exemption would prohibit the state from meeting the requirements of the federal Clean Air Act.
Exempt: Still exempt from the State of California Smog Check program are:
Hybrid powered motor vehicles
2 wheel motorcycles
Diesel cars & trucks (1997 & older) Diesel trucks (over 14,500 GVW)
Motor vehicles w/ 1 or 2 cylinders
2-stroke engines(excluding rotary)
Engines under 819cc
1975 model year vehicles and older
6 model years old (except for initial registration in California or change of ownership)

Diesel Smog Check - Effective 01/01/2010: All Diesel vehicles, cars and trucks 1998 and newer, and weighing under 14,500 GVW will need a diesel smog check. The diesel smog test will not include the emissions test portion of the regular inspection. There will be no tailpipe emissions test. Dynamometer testing will not be part of the diesel smog check inspection.

I didn't think of this before, but it's interesting that the diesel vehicles didn't get the 6 year and newer exemption like the gas vehicles.

Originally Posted by K5Cruiser

I don't know if this effects the diesels or not, but I know with the gas vehicles if it is something like less than 3 or 5 years old, a smog inspection/test does not have to be done. Why is it that a two year old 2008 vehicle has to be tested?

Yeah, it was determined that no grace period needs to be applied to diesels. The sooner they can get the money, the better is what they are thinking. :)

To OP, since you haven't had any mods done to your truck, you should have absolutely no problem with the inspection. If you have made mods, you would need to probably change it back to stock to pass. Unless the mod has an EO sticker.

I feel your pain....
I took my 08 in to be smogged today - what a crock, took him less than 5 minutes to relieve me of 50 bux.
no real test other than stabbing the throttle a couple of times and look for smoke.

no wonder california is a joke these days.

Originally Posted by ljb

I feel your pain....
I took my 08 in to be smogged today - what a crock, took him less than 5 minutes to relieve me of 50 bux.
no real test other than stabbing the throttle a couple of times and look for smoke.

no wonder california is a joke these days.

$72 and I never saw him look for smoke or even look at the exhaust for that matter. Oh well, at least that is behind me for 2 years now...