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Forum > General Smog Check > Question

2002 Winnebago with F53 Chassis, Possible Failed Smog Test

My F53 chassis w/V10 engine needs a test (Calif). The mechanic said 2 sensors are reading "incomplete" but check engine light has never come on. He plugged into the OBD port for a pre-test and said it would fail if we connect the machine because you are allowed one incomplete but not two.

I've been looking on line and I think this vehicle does not need the OBD II test at this port but only needs the actual emission sniffer test which would not show up this "incomplete" issue. It's got a 20,500 lb gvw.

Am I correct in this? I think I should go to a more experienced tester and he should not have even plugged into the OBD port. My smog sticker on the vehicle says it is an OBD I system. Thanks in advance.


Answer:

California requires smog technicians use all resources necessary to determine a vehicle' s (in this particular case your Winnebago RV with Ford V10) OBD II requirements, including but not limited to, a current emission control application guide emission, emission control recalls BAR advisement, any reliable vehicle manufacturer resource, and most importantly, the underhood emission control label and the smog machine's (OIS) prompts to connect the OBD II test lead to the vehicle's diagnostic link connector (DLC). Vehicles which are not equipped with an OBD II system shall not receive an OBD II functional test. 

There is a weight exemption which applies to extra-heavy duty trucks and utility vehicles. In most cases vehicles which have a GVWR greater than 14,000lbs are not equipped with an OBD II system and do not need to complete the OBD II portion of the functional test. RVs are typically not included in the exemption.

Our sources indicate this particular model year is equipped with an OBD II computer system. You've however noticed the underhood emission label indicating OBD-I. If this is in fact the case, and during the the smog test the smog machine allows the smog technician to by-pass the OBD-II functional test, he or she may do so. We'd recommend revisiting the smog station and perhaps advising the smog station of your findings. They may have automatically assumed your RV is an OBD-II system because of its model year during your first visit.


posted by SmogTips Support

 

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