If your rig failed the CA smog only because the check ingine light was on then I would go to a different smog check station. They cannot fail you if the light is on and you passed the sniffer test.

Baldy, My Vehicle Inspection Report states that I failed the "functional check" because of a System Malfuntion Light with the fault code as previously posted. I spoke with a shop I trust up in Orange County (50+ miles from my house and about 90 miles from my work), and he said they should have stopped the test when the light went on. Couriously, the light was definitely off when I handed over the keys because I went through my little battery disconnect routine. He said that the test will pull the stored code, and that's why the light went back on. I'm telling you, this thing is smarter than I am - err, or I'm dumber that it is . . . .

Anyway, he said he'd charge me $75 to clear the code and install a sensor. He charges the same price as I've been finding for the sensor ($250) and says he would not trust an Ebay one, but if its the same one, he'd throw it in for the same $75 and make sure I have my ducks in a row to pass.

See there's honest mechanics out there - and I know this, man.

Baldy, I see you're in So-Cal, so I'll give this shop a plug - its Saddleback Automotive on Tustin in Santa Ana. They are honest and I trust them implicitly. I just wish they were closer <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />. Now I have to find a client to bill so I can take it up there and get my gas paid for <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/evil.gif" alt="" /> Juuuust kidding.

To respond to your post, according to AAA smog check and my trusted mechanic: yes, you can fail CA smog with a check engine light on.

Damnit, Arnold! Where's the love?

Take care,

Jim

And the techs are aware of people resetting codes... So thats why they look for them.

Hope to meet you on MOD day,

Kevin

I am really surprised at the lack of help you are recieving here.

First of all. If it says "Bank 1", that would logically be interpreted as the bank with cylinder number 1. (and 3 and 5). One thing you can try is to disconnect the front O2 sensor on Bank 1 and then go have your codes checked again. (Autozone does it for free) If you dont have another code, you have found the correct sensor.

Secondly, $250 for an O2 sensor is rediculous. When you pay for an OEM type sensor, you are getting a sensor that has the exact same plugs as the original sensor so that it plugs right in. The non-OEM sensors work well, you will just need to splice the wires together. One more thing, some O2 sensors have heaters and some don't. Just make sure that the new one matches. A couple good places to get O2 sensors www.sparkplugs.com or www.rockauto.com. I see on sparkplugs.com they have an OE style O2 Denso sensor for $76. Sounds good to me.

One last thing. It is often very difficult to get the sensor out due to the corrosion. Get yourself some PB blaster" (next to the WD 40 at your local Autozone) and let it soak overnight on the O2 sensors threads. It still might not come off, so try warming up the pipe a bit by running the engine for a few seconds. Unfortunately, sometimes they can be nearly impossible to remove.

Good luck and let us know how it goes. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

Everyone, thanks for the help. I finally got around to getting the o2 sensor (Sparkplugs.com - thank you Wiston!), valve cover gaskets (both were leaking badly), plugs, plug wires, oil, oil filter and new front brake pads and found a day to get everything done.

The o2 sensor was a bit of a bear to get off, but I got in there with a cut off tool and lopped 3/4 inch of the old sensor and got a long socket on it (after soaking it in PB Blaster - thanks Winston for that little tid bit as well) and with a little effort it broke lose and threaded off.

After unhooking the battery and letting it sit for a while, I hooked everything back up, fired her up and the light was off! I had my wife take it to work today, as she is close to the AAA where I had it tested the first time, and to bring it back in for a retest. She just called and said it passed!!! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

So, I have learned that there are four different o2 sensors on this motor, they are diffent for California vehicles, and after two times taking off that intake plenum, its really not that bad. Unfortunately, while I was hitting my zirks with grease, I found another torn inner CV boot. So it looks like another 1/2 day under the beast, then I don't have to worry about it again for a looooong time (except for those pesky oil changes) - though after this last little bit of cussing, sweating and bleeding, my wife said to just say the word and we'll get me a new 4Runner like hers, or a new Tacoma - I'm afraid that's sounding like a pretty damn good idea <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/scared.gif" alt="" />

To all the professional mechanics who were offended by my comments, again, I appologize. And, again, from someone in THE most hated profession out there - you guys really do need to lighten up a bit. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/shiner.gif" alt="" />

Take care,

Jim