I want to modify my dash with alumimun and aftermarket gauges and would also add an aftermarket (a round LED with the words "Check Engine" written underneath) check engine light. My question is - is something like that smog legal so I can still pass emissions? I live in California. I have searched and could not find any info on the subject.
Aftermarket "Check Engine Light
- Thread starter Clinker
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Go to the CA dmv.ca.gov/portal/vehicle-registration/smog-inspections/MC Web site for the no BS facts. I would say it will not be required but then I live in a county in TX that doesn't do emissions testing but two counties down from me they do.
That's a very good question. I believe (but cannot swear, except to cuss 
) that any kind of Check Engine light you can rig up is fine with California smogcheck, so long as it is connected to your motor's factory ECM and everything works like factory.
This must be allowed for, so people can swap a motor from a vehicle that has a Check Engine light into a vehicle that doesn't. I do know that from the Engine Change Guidelines. However, a Referee gives every engine change the once over to make sure it works right. Whether that same logic applies when you just turn up at smogcheck with a different instrument panel, without a Referee having looked at it, might depend on which side of the bed some bureaucrat fell out of once upon a time.
I'll have to find the time to dig through the smogcheck manuals I downloaded from BAR. It's BAR you really need to go to for this ....
(BAR = Bureau of Auto Repair, they're responsible for smogcheck and Referees.)
) that any kind of Check Engine light you can rig up is fine with California smogcheck, so long as it is connected to your motor's factory ECM and everything works like factory.This must be allowed for, so people can swap a motor from a vehicle that has a Check Engine light into a vehicle that doesn't. I do know that from the Engine Change Guidelines. However, a Referee gives every engine change the once over to make sure it works right. Whether that same logic applies when you just turn up at smogcheck with a different instrument panel, without a Referee having looked at it, might depend on which side of the bed some bureaucrat fell out of once upon a time.
I'll have to find the time to dig through the smogcheck manuals I downloaded from BAR. It's BAR you really need to go to for this ....
(BAR = Bureau of Auto Repair, they're responsible for smogcheck and Referees.)
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I've scoured the smogcheck manuals, and I can't find anything says you can't do this.
At smogcheck, the tech is supposed to test the Check Engine light. First, it's supposed to be on with KOEO (key on, engine off). Then, it's supposed to stay off once the motor is running. And that's it, there's nothing anywhere says it has to be the original factory light to pass.
There are Aftermarket Parts Guidelines, but the Check Engine light is not mentioned anywhere there. They only list chips and tuners.
At smogcheck, the tech is supposed to test the Check Engine light. First, it's supposed to be on with KOEO (key on, engine off). Then, it's supposed to stay off once the motor is running. And that's it, there's nothing anywhere says it has to be the original factory light to pass.
There are Aftermarket Parts Guidelines, but the Check Engine light is not mentioned anywhere there. They only list chips and tuners.
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That is kind what I thought. So I will be modifying my dash and will take some pics. I'll let you all know how things go when I take for its emissions test. Thank You for looking thru the info you have and giving me a second opinion besides mine which I know is biased Thanks again and thanks for a wonderful web site
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