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Forum > Failed Smog Test > Question

My 1998 Honda Civic has a small exhaust leak.

I passed the emissions test on the smog check but the smog tech said I failed because he could hear a small exhaust leak. Can he fail my Honda if it passed the emissions test? My mechanic says he cannot.
Answer:

Truth is, a smog technician can fail a vehicle for ANY emissions related problem; an exhaust leak would be considered an emissions fault regardless of the actual emissions (pollutants) your vehicle produced. Note however this applies if and only if the exhaust leak is before the CAT (Catalytic Converter). Downstream of the CAT (after the CAT - for example a loose muffler) does not matter, and can not effect the smog test results. We know it does not seem fair since your Honda passed the emissions portion of the smog inspection, however unfortunately a visual (or audible in this case) emissions problem will cause a smog failure as well; it is the law. Consider this... if in fact the leak is small and is coming from the exhaust manifold perhaps tightening the manifold bolts or nuts will stop the leak and the sound. Same goes for the leak being along the exhaust pipe before the CAT. Tighten what you can see and get a retest. Hopefully your Honda will once again produce passing emissions results. posted by SmogTips Support

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