Failed Smog test for Camry 2003 V6
Super Moderator
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 15,178
From: PTW
Problem solved via private message.
For those interested the problem was the car had ABS and was submitted to a dynamometer emission test where the driving tires (in this case front) are put on rollers to allow the engine to power them simulating driving conditions. The tail pipe emissions are then tested.
The result was the rear tires were not moving when the front tires were. This lead to a the ABS computer thinking there was a problem and turning on the check engine light (Code P0500). The car failed due to the check engine light coming on.
The check engine light would reset (turn off) once the car was driving off the dyno.
The fix was to ask for a 2-Speed Idle Test where the car is not run on a dyno but tested via the OBDII port.
The test station should know about this problem but sometimes the tester does not.
This is a common issue with the 02-03 Camry.
For those interested the problem was the car had ABS and was submitted to a dynamometer emission test where the driving tires (in this case front) are put on rollers to allow the engine to power them simulating driving conditions. The tail pipe emissions are then tested.
The result was the rear tires were not moving when the front tires were. This lead to a the ABS computer thinking there was a problem and turning on the check engine light (Code P0500). The car failed due to the check engine light coming on.
The check engine light would reset (turn off) once the car was driving off the dyno.
The fix was to ask for a 2-Speed Idle Test where the car is not run on a dyno but tested via the OBDII port.
The test station should know about this problem but sometimes the tester does not.
This is a common issue with the 02-03 Camry.
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 12
Failed Smog test for 2003 Camry V6
I had the same problem 2 years ago with my 2003 Camry. I need to get a smog check again next month and I was calling various Smog Stations to see if they can do a 2-speed idle test but I was told by one station that California DMV does not allow 2-speed idle test... sounds kind of fishy to me. I'm wondering if I just take it to the dealer and pay the extra $$$ to have the smog test done. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!!!
Super Moderator
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 15,178
From: PTW
The poster with the question above was from CA. Stated once they told the smog station that failed the car what was up the car was tested off the dyno and passed.
Ask if the car can be tested off the dyno due to the problem I stated in the previous post. Don't mention the two speed test it might confuse them.
The station should be able to use the tail pipe tester in conjunction with checking the ODBII system for any issues. Testing cars using this approach is common.
If no satisfaction call the CA state emissions control board and ask about this.
More then one make and model of car has some quirk like this and if the testing shop were not up to speed on it would result in a failing test. A good emissions shop and the emission control board should know this.
Ask if the car can be tested off the dyno due to the problem I stated in the previous post. Don't mention the two speed test it might confuse them.
The station should be able to use the tail pipe tester in conjunction with checking the ODBII system for any issues. Testing cars using this approach is common.
If no satisfaction call the CA state emissions control board and ask about this.
More then one make and model of car has some quirk like this and if the testing shop were not up to speed on it would result in a failing test. A good emissions shop and the emission control board should know this.
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