well i got a new cat and still cant pass smog!

Anyway I see cars with the red paper on their back windshield which I assume is the month that they gotta pass their smog by.

Im going to the DMV tomorrow to request one. Anyone know how it works?

 

I think you just gotta show them the paper that said that you failed smog.

 

try running high octance, on a hot day. And make sure you drive the car for about 20 minutes before getting smog. Just my .02

 

PM DJDino for smog hook-up. He is a big asset to the RX-7 community. Thanks DJDino.

 

the red sticker only last about a month or so, and hopefully you get it fix before that month ends or they will fine you some it. Mine still have about a month left so i better start fixing my rx7.

 

You can ask for an extension, I think they give you a couple of months more. Best bet is to get a "hookup" and be done with it. To trace all the probs about why you can't pass probably will end up costing you more time/money in the end.

 

I just got my red paper. I got till the end of Frebruary to get the smog done.

 

OLOLOLOL

 

There's a thread above you should read through on passing smog but to shorten, how did you fail? If you got a new cat, what kind? What did you do to prepare for the test? Do you have any modifications that will prevent you from passing?

My advice:
Clean out the carbon with Sea Foam. Some in tank and some through vacuum line into manifold. Maybe three cans should work. It will make insane smoke and it's possible someone may call the fire department, so choose a place and time wisely.
New spark plug wires (NGK is fine)
New copper spark plugs
Oil & filter change
Intake filter change
You can lower the idle, I beleive 600 is the lowest legal limit because that is the lowest stated in the manual and you could show the manual. The problem is most likely you will fail at 25mph.

Oh, you can pay the fees and still drive the car but only up to 6 months and after that they can impound your car if you are pulled over.

 

where did you hear you get fined? the red sticker is a 1 month temporary operation permit to try and correct any issues with the car, they issue it for any number of reasons and smog is one of them. i had the red sticker on my car for a few months because i had to have the lighting inspection, brake inspection and smogs done to complete the transfer and get a new title. if the red sticker runs out you simply go in and ask for another extension, they may ask you why and you can just say "i'm still having trouble getting my car to pass smog" and they won't give you any grief unless you go on with that same deal for a year. they used to give out 3 month permits but this last year they only started giving out 1 month permits which sucks.

and.. there is no fine for extensions for the temporary permit however after a while they may become suspicious if you have been running on temporary tage for quite some time and just opt to not extend them anymore and start just giving you 1 day operating permits.

 

The number on the back is only good for a month depending on who gives it to you and what mood he/she is in. The max minimum is a month I have had mine good for up to two and half months. My friend gets his renewed every month jumping from dmv to dmv. The sweet thing now is we have a inside friend that knows my mom. Cha-ching we in da money.

 

I thought if you dont pass smog test when the red sticker end, you get a penalty or fine against you. Atleast that what i hear from that guy i buy my rx7 from.

 

Man if you don't pass smog you don't pass smog. When the one month pass expires you go back and get another one, usally on the second third visit and giving them a really sad sob story they extend the months to two or three sometimes, just depends onhow that person is, and how he/she feel. You only get fined if your caught driving the car with no up to date month on the back is all.

 

You can also try some of the "Pass Smog" additive that they have at auto parts stores. I have used that in the past, a but in a bit different way than they recommended. I added one bottle to a full tank of gas, drove that until empty, filled up 1/4 way, added another full bottle of additive, then drove the car for about 20 mins to warm it up, took it to smog and passed fine.

The tune up suggestions above (plugs, etc.) are also of course good items to do.

 

...if you're considered at a low income status...

Arnold will grant you money (limited, ofcourse) if you don't pass the first time, to get your car to pass smog...you can ask the DMV on how you do that...sounds cool and all but I hope it helps...

good luck

 

To the post above, you can be low income, but if you fail a smog test at Test Only you are required for Test Only, they assist you either way. They give $500 for the shop to repair smog related items. You although, have to pay $100 for it, so the repairs would be 600$ total. Think of the 100$ as a deductible. This is only a good idea if you know a shop that's certified for these jobs and they find really discounted parts, caues if all OEM new parts are used, 600$ won't get you anywhere =).