rex

Havn't seen anything about this on the board, but I'll be coming up for
a smog test here in Calif where we now have to be on a dynamometer for
the test. I'd like to hear from someone who has been through this. I
have apprehension over the 4WD issue when only 2 wheels are on the
machine. Any potential problems? (2001 4WD AUTO HIGH LOW)

Bill Jeffrey

There are a few words at
http://hostingprod.com/@aa1car.com/library/im240.htm
Scroll down to the 6th full paragraph under "The California Model".

It appears that either the test station must have a 4-wheel dynamometer,
or your vehicle will be granted an exemption from the dyno test and will
be subject only to a simpler idle test.

Lots of cars will present this dilemma to the inspectors - and more
every year. Any vehicle with AWD (such as all Subarus, for instance) or
a traction control system. Fully automatic 4WD would seem to be part of
the same group.

The issue is well known, and the emissions test shouldn't cause you any
problems, regardless of whether they use a 4-wheel dyno or give you an
exemption. On a larger scale, the number of exemptions would seem to be
growing as TC and AWD become much more common. This may lead the
states/feds to mandate that more inspection stations be equipped with
4-wheel dynos, which adds to the cost.

Let us know what happens.

Bill
-------------------------------
rex wrote:
> Havn't seen anything about this on the board, but I'll be coming up for
> a smog test here in Calif where we now have to be on a dynamometer for
> the test. I'd like to hear from someone who has been through this. I
> have apprehension over the 4WD issue when only 2 wheels are on the
> machine. Any potential problems? (2001 4WD AUTO HIGH LOW)
>

Ulysses

"rex" <lrnalot@aol.com> wrote in message
news:1114708325.125646.236640@g14g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...
> Havn't seen anything about this on the board, but I'll be coming up for
> a smog test here in Calif where we now have to be on a dynamometer for
> the test. I'd like to hear from someone who has been through this. I
> have apprehension over the 4WD issue when only 2 wheels are on the
> machine. Any potential problems? (2001 4WD AUTO HIGH LOW)
>
I have a '91 and a '92 Explorer, both 4WD. I have had many smog tests and
they never indicated to me that it was a problem. I have, however, been
required the last two times to go to a "Test Only" station. I'm not sure
why. Anyway, they both have passed every smog test. Do you have to push
the "Auto 4WD" button to activate it, or is it always on "Auto?"

rex

The 2001 is always on AUTO, unless you put it into HIGH or LOW.
Chances are that the "Test Only" stations have 4 wheel dynos.
Who or what required you to go to the "Test Only" station?

Ulysses

"rex" <lrnalot@aol.com> wrote in message
news:1115052388.738994.83060@g14g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...
> The 2001 is always on AUTO, unless you put it into HIGH or LOW.

OIC. Mine is 4WD only when I push the button.


> Chances are that the "Test Only" stations have 4 wheel dynos.
> Who or what required you to go to the "Test Only" station?
>

The California DMV required me to go to the Test Only station on my last 2
smog tests on my '91, but not on my '92. I think I read somewhere that the
early Explorers are considered to be at risk of being "gross polluters" but
the guy at the smog test place said mine passed easily and couldn't remember
any Explorers that didn't pass. It's not like it barely passed on the
previous test or anything like that. I don't think it had anything to do
with it being 4WD.

The test concluded with the DMV congratulating me (after forcing me to pay
double for a smog check) for taking such good care of my car (as if I had a
choice). No doubt they'll make me go there again next time.

rex

Thanks for the explanation. I appreciate it. When I go through this I
will post my experience.