Failed smog

140,000 MILES
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TENESHIA MCCLAIN WALLACE
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  • 1 POST
It failed smog on catalyst, prior to going i had starter changed, he said maybe due to unplugging the battery and should drive it. Is there any merit to this ?
Dec 14, 2016 at 6:04 AM
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CARADIODOC
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 34,411 POSTS
Absolutely. Most cars have a number of self-tests the Engine Computer runs, but only under certain conditions. If those tests pass, that is enough in some states. No other manual testing is required. Typically you need to do some combination of things like a brief burst of wide-open-throttle, a specific amount of highway speed driving without letting off the accelerator, and things like that. Many mechanics know what is required during a "drive cycle" for a few car models, but the idea is you should be able to meet the requirements during normal driving. Sometimes the tests pass in a day or two. Sometimes it can take a week or more before every test is run and passed.
Dec 14, 2016 at 6:26 AM
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