A COMMON QUESTION PEOPLE ASK CONCERNING GETTING A SMOG CHECK IN LOS ANGELES....

WILL I AUTOMATICALLY FAIL SMOG CHECK IF MY "CHECK ENGINE"  or "SERVICE ENGINE SOON" LIGHT IS ON OR HAS BEEN GOING ON AND OFF?

Very possibly so. The computer that controls your vehicles emissions control system has detected a fault and has recorded a great deal of information concerning the defect. If it does fail for this reason the state will pay to fix the problem under the "Consumer Assistance Program" if you, and/or the vehicle qualify.

I HEARD THAT ONLY "LOW INCOME" PEOPLE QUALFY FOR THAT HELP?

Absolutely not true. If your registration renewal notice says "Smog Certification Required at a Test Only or Gold Shield Station" the qualification for the repair program is automatic.

SHOULD I TRY TO RESET THE LIGHT BEFORE SMOG CHECK?

Probably not. Gasoline prices are close to $4 a gallon in our area and will surely go higher in the next 2 years. Since the light is probably on because of a defect in the fuel control system, and therefore your vehicles fuel economy is being affected, I recommend letting the State pay a local repair facility to fix the problem and get the smog certificate. If you reset the light and the vehicle passes smog check only to come back on the next day, the State will not pay retroactively for the repair. The choice is yours to pay $20 now to get the problem fixed or pay hundreds in extra fuel expenses over the next 2 years.