I just received my registration renewal notice and it is directing me to a Test Only, or Gold Shield Station for a smog certification. I don't recall ever being sent to a Test Only or Gold Shield Station. I did not have to smog my 190 when I acquired it. Am I being directed this route because the car had previously tested as a gross polluter?

Also what should I do to prepare for the test? Additives, Plugs , ideas?

Thanks

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1993 190E 2.6 135k
1989 Ford Thunderbird SC 5 Spd 79K

There are generally three situations which get you a Test Only directive. One is if your car almost didn't pass on the last test. Second is if your car (model/year) is selected at random by computer to be sent to a Test Only station. And third if your car (model/year) has been identified as a heavy polluter.

You can take your car to a regular Smog Inspection Station and ask for a pre-test. You will pay but the results won't be transmitted to the DMV. If there are any issues, you can have them addressed. If everything is okay you can then go to the Test Only Station. I wouldn't spend any money on parts, additives, etc. until you confirm that it will/will not pass.

Good luck.

It's possible that the car had previously failed badly, but it's also possible that the car was selected due to vehicles in it's category or family having a record of failure, and it's also possible that they just pulled your number at random. It will usually say on the sheet the reason for the test only test. The most common is "High Emitter Profile" meaning that your vehicle is part of a group that has been noticed to be higher than average.

What should you do? My first suggestion is to take it in and have them run it. The worst it will do is fail, and then you can take those results to your regular shop for diagnosis. If it passes, then you have no further problems. If you'd like, you can take it to your regular shop first and have them pretest it, but that's up to you. In any case, without running it on the correct equipment first, you'll have no idea where you're starting from, so all you can do is guess as to what, if anything you need to do.

MV

I just went thru this so be careful where you choose to go.

Just about all my tests for my 1991 300CE has been required at Test Only stations because it is designated a "High Emitter Profile".

I prefer to go to my local AAA club to be tested. Either reasonably or unreasonably I conclude that I'll get an unbiased test and not get a come on for repairs. I guess it is possible if you found an agreeable regular smog testing station that they may be able to goose your car to pass if it is very close.

One key advantage comes with using a Test Only Station. IF you fail, you then qualify for the CAP program which pays up to $500 towards getting your car to pass. You only qualify for this help, if 1) you test at a Test Only Station or 2) you are income qualified.

My car failed NOx miserably. The repair bill for new EGR valve, solenoid, EGR tube cleanout, retest was $820, my share $320.

glenmore
1991 300CE
2000 C280
1990 LS400

I just went to the BAR web site and ran my plates and got the history. It failed the last 3 tests on each first test, then passed the re test a few minutes later.

My father gave me this car, I noticed the test stations are all within a few blocks from his house. Maybe the Cat was not hot enough? I'll check with him for what it may be worth... Dad is NOT a car person and does not keep much in the way of service records.

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1993 190E 2.6 135k
1989 Ford Thunderbird SC 5 Spd 79K

That could be. I always take my car's that needed tests for a fairly long highway cruise before pulling into the testing station. I usually take the day off work to do it too so I can get in when I want rather than have to sit in line at inconvenient times of the day.

- Peter.

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2021 Chevrolet Spark
Formerly...
2000 GMC Sonoma
1981 240D 4spd stick. 347000 miles. Deceased Feb 14 2021
2002 Kia Rio. Worst crap on four wheels
1981 240D 4spd stick. 389000 miles.
1984 123 200
1979 116 280S
1972 Cadillac Sedan DeVille
1971 108 280S

BTW, your car will likely remain in the Test Only Program from now on even if you pass with 'flying colors' next time.