I’ve been down this road with a few vehicles. Make sure your smog check station is a Test Only station, NOT a Test and Repair Station! As you know, “Test Only” stations have no incentive to attempt to get “make-work” from older vehicles brought to them because they think they have you over a barrel (esp if it is your only vehicle). Take it to the regular mechanic you use who has a fav “Test Only” station they send their client’s vehicles to and pay them cash so they can take it there for you and pay cash for your retest. After your oil change (to thicker oil), fill the gas tank and add this to it:
Then go on a short road trip (ex: to LA and back). Drive the car until it is empty and then refill the gas tank. Then make an appt with your regular shop and take it there in the morning before you go to work and have them drive it on the freeway for 20-30 mins before they take it for a smog check. You should pass smog.
It’s possible that your shop can check your car over and find something else to do to make it pass smog. During your failed smog check, what did your OBD II readings say were the problems?
