About TNT Smog Test Only
We provide full-service test-only smogging on your Cars / Vans / Trucks / SUVs / RVs while you wait! We have a very nice guest lounge with satellite TV, fresh and cold refreshments, magazines. and many other amenities.
- We are a test only station situated conviently located next to Highway 101 and (Morgan Hill) East Dunne Ave. (408) 778-5035.
- We are a test only station situated conviently located next to Highway 101 and Oakland Rd. (San Jose) (408) 573-8378.
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We are next to many other car related shops such as repair shops and a custom fabrication shop.
Give us a call to schedule an appointment, or feel free to stop by for your smog check!
So what can I do to make sure my car passes?
The Emission Inspection
The Visual Inspection
The Functional Inspection
So what can I do to make sure my car passes?
First, let's look at the three sections the Smog Inspection consists of:
- Emissions Inspection
- The Visual Inspection
- The Functional Inspection
NOTE: The State of California requires smog stations to test vehicles in the specific order listed above. The first inspection (emissions Inspection) is performed by the exhaust gas analyzer "smog machine". During this step of the smog check Inspection, the smog machine is looking for the presence of Hydrocarbons, Carbon Monoxides and Nitric Oxides in your vehicle's exhaust. These are the three (3) undesired chemicals which are responsible for the production of SMOG. The next two Inspections, the visual and functional, will be performed both by the smog technician and/or the smog machine.
New "Enhanced" Smog Test - In parts of California where smog pollution is higher, vehicles owners are now required to complete an "Enhanced" version of california's smog test. The "Enhanced" smog test requires your vehicle to be driven on a dynamometer while the smog machine collects emissions samples from the tailpipe. The "Enhanced" smog test has been proven to retrieve a more accurate sample of a vehicle's emissions output, then it's predecessor, the Basic smog test. The Basic smog test requires vehicles to be tested, only at idle and 2500 rpms. "Basic" smog test vehicles do not need to be driven on a dynomometer.
Note: Counties In California With low smog pollution still maintain the Basic smog test. If your county has been added to the "Enhanced" smog test requirement list, the smog stations in your local area will have the neccessary equipment to test your vehicle.
New OBDII Smog Machine Link - The State of california now requires all vehicles 1996 and up, to communicate directly with the smog machine during the smog test. This Is achieved via your vehicle's OBDII Data Link Connector. As part of the smog inspection process, the smog technician will connect a Data Cable from the smog machine to your vehicle's OBDII Data Link Connector. This cable will deliver important "Check Engine" codes and "Readiness Flags" from the engine's computer system to the state's smog machine. Emissions related failure codes will cause your vehicle to fail the smog Inspection. The failure codes will be printed on the Vehicle Inspection Report (VIR) which will be given to you by the smog station.
EGRValve
Some vehicles have to also undergo an EGR valve inspection. Please check
on "Under Your Hood" for more information on EGR valves and testing
procedures. The following late model vehicles are equlped with EGR
systems -Acura, Audi, Buick, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Plymouth, Fiat,
Ford, GM, GMC, Saturn, Honda, Hyundai, Infiniti, Isuzu, Jaguar, Jeep,
Lexus, Mazda, Mercedes Benz, Mltsublshl, Nlssan, Peugeot, Porsche,
Renault, Land Range Rover, Saab, Saturn, Subaru, Suzuki, Toyota,
Volkswagen, VW, Volvo, and Winnebago.
The first section of Smog Test is the emissions Inspection. To pass the emissions inspection your vehicle's engine must be running fairly well, insuring all fuels in Its combustion chambers are burning away effidently and clearly. Consequently, this is the entire reason for the smog inspection program.
Smog is formed due to improperly burned fuels. In cases where too much fuel is presented to the engine cambers high levels of Carbon Monoxides (CO) are emitted through the engine tail pipe. In cases where low fuel levels are presented, once again the fuel bums improperly and now the engine produces low levels of CO, but begins to emit high levels of Nitric Oxides {NOx}. The engine may also miss-fire due to· inadequate fuel, creating excessive Hydrocarbons (HC).
The optimum performance level is achieved when the engine can maintain a 14.7:1 air/fuel ratio during the combustion process with a constant variation +/-5% to assist the catalytic converter operation.
In parts of california where smog pollution is higher, vehicle owners are now required to complete an "Enhanced" version of california's smog test. The "Enhanced" smog test requires your vehicle to be driven on a dynamometer while the smog machine collects emissions samples from the tailpipe. The "Enhanced" smog test has been proven to retrieve a more accurate sample of a vehlde's emissions output, then it's predecessor, the "Basic" smog test. The "Basic" smog test requires vehicles to be tested, only at idle and 2500 rpms. Basic smog test vehicles do not need to be driven on a dynomometer.
During the visual portion of the Smog Inspection, the smog technician will be looking for the presence and proper connection of several State of California required, emission components. These components are all designed to reduce overall engine emissIons. The technician must locate the components and verify that they are properly connected. Along with the components listed below, the smog technician will be looking for any defective or disconnected electrical connections, vacuum hoses and/or any pipe or plumbing which would effect engine performance and emissions increase.
Note: The technician's inspection is visual, and does not indude the testing for proper operation of any emissions component. The technician Is required to simply locate the components visually and insure they appear properly connected. If a vehicle falls the smog Inspection, it Is up to the vehide owner to have the individual components inspected for proper operation.
This is true for all emissions components except the EGR valve and "Check Engine" light. The EGR valve will be inspected for functionality anytime a vehicle undergoes the "Basic" version of california's smog test, as opposed to the "Enhanced" smog test (which utilizes a Dynamometer). The "Check Engine" light Is inspected on all vehicles which are equipped with one.
During your personal inspection at
home, ensure all hoses and wires
properly connected. The following is a
list of emission components that will be
examined by the smog technician:
- The Underhood Emission Label
- Exhaust Gas Recirculation Valve (EGR)
- Positive
Crankcase Ventilation valve (PCV)
- Charcoal Canister (Evaporation Control System)
- Catalytic Converter (CAT)
- Oxygen Sensor (02 Sensor)
- Air Injection System (AIR)
- Pre-Heat Tube
The following is a list of addition emissions components which may be inspected for proper operation:
EGR Valve, Air Pump, Charcoal canister, EVAP System, Smog Pump, Oxygen Sensor, All Vacuum Lines, Preheat Tube Air Injection, Catalytic Converter Or ' CAT, Check Engine Light or Malfunction Indicator Lamp.
The functional inspection is perfonned by the smog technician and includes examination of your vehicle's:
- Check Engine Light (MIL)
- GasCap
- Ignition Timing(if applicable)
- Exhaust Recirculation Valve -EGR (if applicable)
Check Engine Light
Contrary to public belief, the Check Engine light being constantly illuminated is, in most cases, an automatic smog failure. Vehicle manufactures have placed the Check Engine light inside the passenger compartment to infonn the driver there has been or is an engine or drive train malfunction. Very often you may not notice an engine problem, but this is only because your engine's computer is operating under' preprogrammed information rather then of real-time. In other words the problem still exists but your engine learns to live with it. To avoid spending hundreds down the road, the Check Engine light should be diagnosed as soon as possible by a reputable and certified smog check repair station.
Gas Cap & Filler
Your vehicles gas cap and filler neck will also be inspected. They will have to be of proper fit and design. The gas cap must be able to hold pressure at factory specifications and the Filler neck must not be altered to accept leaded gases. This test is to insure the vehicle is not polluting fuel tank fumes through the filler neck or using the wrong type of fuel. Most vehicles pass this portion of the test with no problems. If your vehicle's gas cap appears to be lose or broken it may not pass. You will more then likely then have to purchase a new gas cap and smog Inspection In order to get your car smog certified. Most local auto parts -stores carry gas caps for a variety of vehicles.
Ignition Timing
The next inspection is the ignition timing check. Please note some newer: vehicles do not require a timing check because of computer controlled timing systems. You can find out if your vehicle requires a timing inspection by reading the vehicles emissions label, normally located on the bottom panel of the vehicle's flood. If your vehlde does require this exam you can ensure passing it by performing it yourself at home. It does require the use of a timing light and minimal mechanical experience. Timing lights are available at auto parts stores in your area. Look at your vehicles "Underhood Emissions Label" for timing specifications and procedures. The following ear1y model vehides have timing settings: Acura, Audl, Buick, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Plymouth, Flat, Ford, GM, GMC, Saturn, Honda, Hyundai, Infiniti, Isuzu, Jaguar, Jeep, Lexus, Mazda, Mercedes Benz, Mltsublshi, Nissan, Peugeot, Porsche, Renault, land Range Rover, Saab, Saturn, Subaru, Suzuki, Toyota, Volkswagen, VW, Volvo.