TEST RULES AND REGULATIONS
SMOG PROGRAM TEST QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS WITH COMPLETE
SOLUTIONS
1. EGR Functional Test Applicability
Q: A Smog Inspection Technician must perform an EGR functional test on
which vehicles? A: 1995 model-year and older vehicles that are equipped with
an EGR system and are subject to a Two-Speed Idle (TSI) test.
Context: The manual functional test for the Exhaust Gas Recirculation
(EGR) valve is specific to the older generation of Smog Check inspections
(pre-OBDII). For newer vehicles (1996 and newer), the vehicle's own
onboard computer (OBDII) monitors the EGR system, so the manual
technician-led functional test is not required.
Clarification: You mentioned "1976–1995 All-Wheel Drive Vehicles" in
your prompt. While it is true that many 1976–1995 vehicles require this test,
the requirement is based on the model year (1995 and older) and the type
of test being performed (TSI), rather than whether the vehicle is All-Wheel
Drive.
2. Visible Smoke Test: "First Snap"
Q: How do you proceed when you observe smoke on the first snap of a
gasoline-fueled vehicle? A: Pass the vehicle; the first snap does not count.
Explanation: The BAR-97 visible smoke test involves a specific protocol of
three "snap" throttles. The first snap is officially recognized as a pre-
conditioning or "clearing" snap to stabilize the engine. The official
evaluation for visible smoke occurs during the second and third snaps, as
well as during the idle and crankcase (PCV) observation periods. If smoke is
only seen on that first snap, the vehicle does not fail the smoke test.
,3. Example: EGR Functional Test
Q: Which of the following vehicles are subject to the EGR Functional Test
(assuming the vehicle is equipped with EGR)? A: A 1984 Dodge truck
undergoing a Two-Speed Idle Test.
Reasoning: Because the vehicle is a 1984 model (which is 1995 or older)
and is undergoing a Two-Speed Idle (TSI) test, the technician is required to
perform the manual EGR functional check.
The Smog Check program applies to all vehicles powered by: -ANSWER
✔✔Propane / Natural Gas
Technician A says "The EIS will not print out Smog Certificates." Technician B
says the vehicle inspection report can be used to show that a smog inspection was
done. Who is correct? -ANSWER ✔✔Both
Gross polluter" vehicles: -ANSWER ✔✔are those vehicles that the EIS has found
exceed at least one of the gross polluter standards
Gross polluters are -ANSWER ✔✔restricted to certification from a STAR certified
Test-Only station, a STAR certified Test and Repair station, or BAR Referee
station.
Concerning "gross polluter" vehicles: -ANSWER ✔✔they can qualify for a Repair
Cost Waiver
The EIS communicates information to _______ using ______ -ANSWER ✔✔the
VID, the internet
,Electronic Transmission (ET) of smog certificates usually requires how many
connections to the VID during a Smog Check inspection: -ANSWER ✔✔two
connections to the VID
A bar code reader is used to: -ANSWER ✔✔B scan the technician badge license
B: scan the DMV registration renewal notice
C: Is a component of the EIS
A "repair cost waiver": -ANSWER ✔✔allows the vehicle to be reregistered if a
minimum of $650.00 has been spent on smog repairs at a smog shop
Technician A says a repair cost waiver can only be issued by a Referee Center.
Technician B says repair cost waiver can be used again if the consumer does not
have the money to repair their vehicle. Who is right? -ANSWER ✔✔Technician A
The Consumer Assistance Program allows the consumer to not have to get a Smog
Certificate for up to: -ANSWER ✔✔two years
A smog technician license is valid for approximately two years and expires: -
ANSWER ✔✔during the birth month, at the end of the month
The smog machine may be modified in only the following ways: -ANSWER
✔✔Smog machine cannot be modified
The smog machine: -ANSWER ✔✔: is referred to as an Emissions Inspection
System (EIS)/OBD Inspection System (OIS) And must be kept in an "approved
shop area" away from the weather
, Technician A says that all of the following are true about the Consumers
Assistance Program -ANSWER ✔✔it extends the time a smog inspection
certificate is due by two years
And it is issued only to qualified low income vehicle owners D: it is only good for
one time
Technician B says that the $650 minimum repair cost waiver applies to vehicles in
the following categories: -ANSWER ✔✔initial registration in California
A consumer has a 1985 Mustang that failed a smog inspection and he wants to
reregister this vehicle. It needs a repair which will cost $350. The vehicle has not
been tampered with and is not a gross polluter. What can this consumer do? -
ANSWER ✔✔Spend the money on repairs since the cost minimum is $650.
And If he is poor enough, apply for CAP Repair Assistance.
If your shop doesn't do repairs on BMW's, what must you do before a smog
inspection on a BMW? -ANSWER ✔✔Notify the customer orally
Notify the customer in writing and Prepare an estimate
During a smog inspection, you find the under-hood label missing. What must you
do? -ANSWER ✔✔Verify it is not a gray market vehicle
During a smog inspection, you must: -ANSWER ✔✔Not use accessories to load
the engine Make sure the vehicle is at operating temperature and Follow any
special prompts by the EIS
Which vehicle must receive a smog inspection? -ANSWER ✔✔1976 Ford with
289 CID gas engine
SMOG PROGRAM TEST QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS WITH COMPLETE
SOLUTIONS
1. EGR Functional Test Applicability
Q: A Smog Inspection Technician must perform an EGR functional test on
which vehicles? A: 1995 model-year and older vehicles that are equipped with
an EGR system and are subject to a Two-Speed Idle (TSI) test.
Context: The manual functional test for the Exhaust Gas Recirculation
(EGR) valve is specific to the older generation of Smog Check inspections
(pre-OBDII). For newer vehicles (1996 and newer), the vehicle's own
onboard computer (OBDII) monitors the EGR system, so the manual
technician-led functional test is not required.
Clarification: You mentioned "1976–1995 All-Wheel Drive Vehicles" in
your prompt. While it is true that many 1976–1995 vehicles require this test,
the requirement is based on the model year (1995 and older) and the type
of test being performed (TSI), rather than whether the vehicle is All-Wheel
Drive.
2. Visible Smoke Test: "First Snap"
Q: How do you proceed when you observe smoke on the first snap of a
gasoline-fueled vehicle? A: Pass the vehicle; the first snap does not count.
Explanation: The BAR-97 visible smoke test involves a specific protocol of
three "snap" throttles. The first snap is officially recognized as a pre-
conditioning or "clearing" snap to stabilize the engine. The official
evaluation for visible smoke occurs during the second and third snaps, as
well as during the idle and crankcase (PCV) observation periods. If smoke is
only seen on that first snap, the vehicle does not fail the smoke test.
,3. Example: EGR Functional Test
Q: Which of the following vehicles are subject to the EGR Functional Test
(assuming the vehicle is equipped with EGR)? A: A 1984 Dodge truck
undergoing a Two-Speed Idle Test.
Reasoning: Because the vehicle is a 1984 model (which is 1995 or older)
and is undergoing a Two-Speed Idle (TSI) test, the technician is required to
perform the manual EGR functional check.
The Smog Check program applies to all vehicles powered by: -ANSWER
✔✔Propane / Natural Gas
Technician A says "The EIS will not print out Smog Certificates." Technician B
says the vehicle inspection report can be used to show that a smog inspection was
done. Who is correct? -ANSWER ✔✔Both
Gross polluter" vehicles: -ANSWER ✔✔are those vehicles that the EIS has found
exceed at least one of the gross polluter standards
Gross polluters are -ANSWER ✔✔restricted to certification from a STAR certified
Test-Only station, a STAR certified Test and Repair station, or BAR Referee
station.
Concerning "gross polluter" vehicles: -ANSWER ✔✔they can qualify for a Repair
Cost Waiver
The EIS communicates information to _______ using ______ -ANSWER ✔✔the
VID, the internet
,Electronic Transmission (ET) of smog certificates usually requires how many
connections to the VID during a Smog Check inspection: -ANSWER ✔✔two
connections to the VID
A bar code reader is used to: -ANSWER ✔✔B scan the technician badge license
B: scan the DMV registration renewal notice
C: Is a component of the EIS
A "repair cost waiver": -ANSWER ✔✔allows the vehicle to be reregistered if a
minimum of $650.00 has been spent on smog repairs at a smog shop
Technician A says a repair cost waiver can only be issued by a Referee Center.
Technician B says repair cost waiver can be used again if the consumer does not
have the money to repair their vehicle. Who is right? -ANSWER ✔✔Technician A
The Consumer Assistance Program allows the consumer to not have to get a Smog
Certificate for up to: -ANSWER ✔✔two years
A smog technician license is valid for approximately two years and expires: -
ANSWER ✔✔during the birth month, at the end of the month
The smog machine may be modified in only the following ways: -ANSWER
✔✔Smog machine cannot be modified
The smog machine: -ANSWER ✔✔: is referred to as an Emissions Inspection
System (EIS)/OBD Inspection System (OIS) And must be kept in an "approved
shop area" away from the weather
, Technician A says that all of the following are true about the Consumers
Assistance Program -ANSWER ✔✔it extends the time a smog inspection
certificate is due by two years
And it is issued only to qualified low income vehicle owners D: it is only good for
one time
Technician B says that the $650 minimum repair cost waiver applies to vehicles in
the following categories: -ANSWER ✔✔initial registration in California
A consumer has a 1985 Mustang that failed a smog inspection and he wants to
reregister this vehicle. It needs a repair which will cost $350. The vehicle has not
been tampered with and is not a gross polluter. What can this consumer do? -
ANSWER ✔✔Spend the money on repairs since the cost minimum is $650.
And If he is poor enough, apply for CAP Repair Assistance.
If your shop doesn't do repairs on BMW's, what must you do before a smog
inspection on a BMW? -ANSWER ✔✔Notify the customer orally
Notify the customer in writing and Prepare an estimate
During a smog inspection, you find the under-hood label missing. What must you
do? -ANSWER ✔✔Verify it is not a gray market vehicle
During a smog inspection, you must: -ANSWER ✔✔Not use accessories to load
the engine Make sure the vehicle is at operating temperature and Follow any
special prompts by the EIS
Which vehicle must receive a smog inspection? -ANSWER ✔✔1976 Ford with
289 CID gas engine
