Free $$ to fix failed smog test cars - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

mr300ce · #1 05-30-2008, 01:28 AM

Many of you live in Calif. If you fail the smog test, the state has a program that you may qualify for to get free repairs to pass the test.

SEE : http://www.bar.ca.gov/80_BARResources/01_CAP&GoldShield/Factsheets/Consumer_Assist_FAQs.html

I run a Gold Shield smog test and repair station in SoCal.

So before you do anything, or spend any $$$ fixing a failed car, go here to find out if you can get the state to help ($$) you out.

This thread should be stickied.

fpharryc · #2 05-30-2008, 07:06 PM

"Income Eligible - Qualified consumers whose household incomes meet the income guidelines (derived from the federal poverty guidelines) can receive financial assistance toward emissions-related repairs. A copayment is required and will be applied toward diagnosis and emission-related repairs. The CAP application includes an income eligibility table to help consumers determine if they meet the income requirements."

I consider this is a form of welfare. I am wondering why these people drive MB?

glenmore · #3 05-30-2008, 08:47 PM

IIRC there are two ways to qualify for the free $$.

There is the income qualified which I did not qualify under.

Then there is the simpler way, that is if you went to a Test Only station and failed, this automatically qualifies you regardless of income level.

I payed a co-pay and the state of CA paid for the rest of the new EGR valve and unplugging the EGR tube.

glenmore
1991 300CE
2000 C280
1990 LS400

stevebfl · #4 05-31-2008, 02:06 PM

Ain't it great to live in the great socialist state of Ca. Everyone looking for a hand out. What a country.

fpharryc · #5 05-31-2008, 02:10 PM

Not me. I am the one handing out.

stevebfl · #6 05-31-2008, 02:19 PM

I imagine that anyone working for a living is paying out a lot to live in a state that is so stupid as to pay for the upkeep of some derelicts MB

mr300ce · #7 05-31-2008, 03:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stevebfl

I imagine that anyone working for a living is paying out a lot to live in a state that is so stupid as to pay for the upkeep of some derelicts MB

Better some of the taxes go towards fighting the massive amounts of air pollution these old cars produce, than to Hallibertan war profiteers.

Old Mercedes are just like any other old car when it comes to value. People buy them to get from point 'A' to point 'B'
because they don't have more $$ to spend on a newer, better car.

IE: I have a nearly 'cherry' 1989 Toyota Supra, worth about $5k. And I have a nearly 'cherry' 1990 Mercedes 300CE, worth $5k (what I paid 4 mo ago).

As for "some derelicts MB".....the program is for air pollution control, not for people, nor car specific.

I for one am glad we have pollution control laws, for as you know, without laws made by more intelligent & reasonable people, and the enforcement of them, the masses would be DEAD, (one way or another), from there own greed and stupidity.

fpharryc · #8 05-31-2008, 04:42 PM

I am glad that I am fighting the air polution with my own money to fix my car.

Encouraging spending public fund to fix old cars is wrong. To me, it is the same wrong idea encouraging people apply for disability simply there is a program available.

I call these people "parasite".

stevebfl · #9 06-01-2008, 11:41 AM

"parasite" is exactly the word for it, but asking the general population to not take advantage of the idiotic wealth redistribution policies of the left is really impractical. The true demons are those creating the rules under the guise of a benefit to society.

Saint · #10 10-20-2008, 04:40 PM

All mute at this point. The State of Calif has temporarily suspended this program due to budget cuts. Most likely wont see it come back to life anytime soon.

whunter · #11 10-20-2008, 04:56 PM

Moved to General because this is totally generic data.

No comment on the program or policy that allows it.

riorust · #12 10-20-2008, 05:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Saint

All mute at this point. The State of Calif has temporarily suspended this program due to budget cuts. Most likely wont see it come back to life anytime soon.

The CAP program was back in full swing on 10/17 when I brought my car back in. I had failed smog a few months ago and was approved by the BAR for the CAP program, only to find it suspended due to the budget issue this fine state has been dealing with. I called the BAR and they told me my certificate was still valid and got an extension until November.

While the program was suspended I did not use the 190, but spent quite a bit of time researching failure reasons (Thanks Duke 2.6!), and correcting anything I thought to be a factor. To make a long story short, I made my appt. at the nearest "Gold Shield" station (same place I had failed at). The tech asked for my paperwork and last test results, after a quick review, he said I would probably need a new CAT (high HC's) and took my $100.00 co-pay.

I had heated up the CAT while running up and down Interstate 5 in 3rd gear and kept it running at 2k rpm while waiting. I asked him to keep the engine running while doing the visual portion of the test and he did. Then an attractive news reporter came in and asked to interview him........ He shut my car off while he spoke with her for 10-15 minutes.....

After the interview he started her back up rev'd it to about 2300 rpm for a couple of minutes, stuck the sniffer in and started the treadmill portion. You should have seen the look on this guys face when he got out off the car shaking his head saying "It passed" !

The couple little tweaks that I had done and some new vacuum lines resulted in a 25% reduction in HC's on the 15 mph test and a whopping 50% reduction on the 25 mph test (with a fairly cold CAT) He gave me my test results and refunded $40.00 of my co-pay and I was on my way to the DMV.

The amount of info on this board is amazing, and would really like to thank "Duke2.6" for his in-depth explanations. Knowledge is Power!. Though I was approved for the CAP program (test only per the DMV), I am thankful to have not needed it, and found my own solution. PS. short term testing is showing a 2-2.5 improvement in MPG.

Thanks again all !