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Mitsubishi Galant Failed Smog Check for Smoke

The VIR says that my 2001 Mitsubishi Galant passed everything except the "smoke check". What does that mean and how can I fix it? I live in Santa Clarita in Los Angeles County. The tech said it failed because he saw smoke, which no one else could see and the VIR says it passed the "Visual Inspection". Isn't that a contridiction in terms?
Answer:

Any amount of "visible" smoke from either the engine compartment or the tailpipe will cause a vehicle to fail the smog inspection; even if it passes the emissions or other portions of the smog check. Smoke should obviously not be confused with steam. It is normal for a vehicle to emit steam from the tailpipe on colder days. A vehicle should however be prepped before the smog test by engine idling in order to eliminate any steam, as well as produce optimum smog test results (applicable to vehicles undergoing a BAR-97 smog check where the vehicle's exhaust sample is analyzed; 1999 and older gasoline powered vehicles). posted by SmogTips Support

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