I went to get my car smog tested last week and something interesting happened. Hoping to see if I was scammed.
First off, I have a 1990 tt and at 155K, it still runs great at stage III. It has never failed a smog test since I got it in ‘98. Nothing on it is not street legal. He did the test and then told me my check engine light came on (CEL) and as such could not pass me. It was a Star Station smog place (new site for smogging older cars). An argument ensued because I’ve smogged before with no problems. I went to the manager to express my doubts as to what happened. To make a long story short, he said go home and reset the battery and come back. I paid $60 bucks as it was not a no-pass no-pay station. Went home and did the ecu test and it threw a code 33. Fine enough. I know it’s the exhaust gas sensor circuit. Will get that attended to. I reset the codes: CEL gone (the car drove fine even with the CEL, btw). Went back to the smoggers. Again I failed ‘cuz the CEL came on a second time, but he quietly said “I passed you,” but in a way where his expression was like, “now get out of here.” I had to pay another $60 bucks. This is not including the DMV registration fee of $80 bucks. Went home and reset the codes. CEL is gone and hasn’t come back. My question is: did he do this on purpose, and if so, how was this “trick” done? To the best of my knowledge, I only see him sticking a few pipes into the exhaust and clamping a few wires in the engine bay. I’ve seen my same ride smogged before and it didn’t appear like anything sketchy was done (although I didn’t watch the entire process; am wondering if a sleight of hand was used to disrupt some circuitry). During the process he did have the gas cap off though (for how long I don't know). Is something wrong with my car or did they see a lover of a Z who’d be willing to shell out the cash at all costs. Any tips would be greatly appreciated. Oh, I know very little about electrical issues. Many thanks in advance. Jack.
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