Hello All,

BAR - Smog Check Inspection Procedure Manual States on page 22
http://www.bar.ca.gov/80_BARResource...08-09%20V3.pdf
I had posted my travails about failing smog check - (two tests, both failures based on ignition timing) - for my beloved and babied 99 Nissan Maxima.

First time, I had P0325, which the moronic tech assumed to be timing issue, therefore he checked the timing using timing light, and said that it was not within spec, and failed my car on "Functional" grounds.

I then got myself Elmscan tool to monitor timing (amongst other things), and also fixed my knock sensor. Elmscan showed that cylinder 1 timing was within spec - and my P0325 was also gone with the KS fix.

I went to the shop again (for my free re-test). He failed me for the same timing issue again - and also stated that I do not have any more free retest.

BTW - the car passed emissions check with flying colors both times - but tech failed it on functional grounds.

I spent the last day agitating about what to do - whether I should replace all the crank/cam position sensors etc.

Anyways, good thing I went to the CA BAR website for smog test guidelines.

Turns out, our cars are exempt from ignition timing tests. California residents, please note - if you fail for smog issue based purely on ignition timing - you need to educate the tech - they have no business failing the car based purely on ignition timing.

I will go tomorrow, armed with this knowledge - and force him to retest for free (not my fault if he does not know his job).

If he persists with his idiocy - I will file a formal complaint with BAR.

 

glad ya found a way out

 

The OBDII function test is the only function test he shoulda performed on your Max. The tech obviously wasn't aware of this and you should def get a retest.

Also, a P0325 will not set a check engine light nor will it cause you to fail smog even though its stored in the ECM. I know this for a fact and any person who tries to tell you otherwise is misinformed.

 

Can't believe this. I went back to smog place with documentation regarding the section on ignition timing (from BAR) indicating that cars with non adjustable ignition timing are exempt from ignition timing test.

That moron is telling me to get a letter from dealer indicating that my car, make, model and year does not have "Adjustable Ignition Timing".

I have filed a complaint with BAR about this guy. I will wait and see if complaints are ever resolved. Will post what happens.

My car is due for renewal on 12/20 - so I may have to go to another smog place (and discuss the circumstances and get it smogged if they understand that ignition timing test is exempt).

 

And I looked at all my previous smog reports, they have N/A in the section for Ignition Timing.

I also went to Harborfreight - bought myself a timing light.

Surprise, surprise, as per my timing light, my timing is perfect.

This test only smog guy - not only he is ignorant about Smog procedures - and refuses to be educated, he probably has a bad timing gun or does not know how to read timing.

 

If you paid by CC, might be easiest to just do a dispute and go elsewhere.

 

I have already gotten it smogged elsewhere, and it passed.

I don't think I can dispute with Credit Card as the services have already been performed - I am however going to the Bureau of Automotive Repair with my complaint, so that this guy can be brought in line.

I have also posted my experience on Yelp !

 

Thats pretty much all you can do bro, i would still contact your credit card company and at least advise them of what happened. Can't hurt.