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