Treydte says the data BAR has collected can tell the agency how many vehicles are factory-tuned (i.e., with a post-purchase computer update) and which are running aftermarket software or computer hardware. That data has shaped the rules that are now being implemented. These estimates should be trustworthy: BAR has had the authority to run this program in California since 2013, and has been collecting data on the ECUs of cars being tested since 2015. For comparison, around 10,000 cars fail every month due to mechanical problems or other non-ECU issues. Treydte says BAR shared data with SEMA estimating that, out of the roughly one million vehicles that undergo smog testing each month, only around 150 to 300 cars are expected to fail due to an illegal ECU tune. The SEMA executive explained that only a tiny number of California vehicles are likely to be in violation of the new rule. Here's How Much Quicker a Tune Makes the Audi RS 6."I really don’t think that this is problematic." Related Story "So far in the two weeks that have transpired, we have seen zero instances of concern," Treydte told R&T. As a result, Treydte has become quite knowledgeable about this new regulation, and feels strongly that there's no reason for enthusiasts to fear the new tests. In fact, a large part of SEMA's work involves collaborating with regulators on things like emissions compliance. Treydte and his colleagues at SEMA are no strangers to BAR and CARB. What we do know for sure is this: if you’re running an ECU or a tuning device that doesn't have a CARB EO, you’re gonna want to bring it back into compliance before your next emissions test. (This suggests that certain "piggyback" devices could skirt the test if they're not detected visually, as these inline tuners don't change the Cal ID or CVN.) Any aftermarket computer device, whether it's an ECU or an inline tuner, is required to carry an Executive Order number, or EO, that indicates it's been approved by CARB.ĬARB and BAR have yet to clarify what this new test procedure means for vehicles built before 1996 (i.e., pre-OBD), though the state requires all cars built after 1975 to pass the emissions test for their model year. ![]() The CVN is calculated based on how the car runs, using parameters studied by the ECU, with the number changing when the software is adjusted.Ĭalifornia's new test looks at the CVN and Cal ID figures in the ECU’s code to determine if anything is out of place. The Cal ID indicates which version of the software the car is running, similar to the iOS number in your iPhone. Testing for compliance involves plugging into the car's ECU and checking for two pieces of data: The Calibration Identification, or Cal ID, and the Calibration Verification Number, CVN. If a car is running software that does not fall into these categories, it will fail the smog check, and can't be registered or renewed until the computer equipment is brought into compliance. Now, OBDII-equipped cars and trucks from 1996 or newer will be checked to make sure they're running factory software or a CARB-approved ECU tune. Testing is not required on vehicles that are less than eight years old.Īs of July 19, 2021, BAR will expand this testing procedure beyond the standard visual inspection and tailpipe test. The tests impact all gasoline-powered passenger vehicles from 1976 onwards, and every diesel-powered passenger vehicle from 1998 or newer. ![]() In California, every registered vehicle has to pass a biennial smog check, which includes visual inspection of emissions equipment and a tailpipe test. California Will Start Testing for ECU Tunes.To get a better understanding of the new rules, we spoke with SEMA director of emissions compliance Peter Treydte. When the news first broke, automotive enthusiasts in California and elsewhere voiced concerns about the new limitation, and wondered how it might affect tuned and modified vehicles. Basically, under the new rules, any vehicle with an ECU that's not approved by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) will fail the state's mandatory biennial smog check. Last month, the California Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) began enforcing a new policy focused on computer tuning in modern electronically-controlled engines.
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