Emissions
Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2013
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From: In the field...
Post Fiend
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 6,096
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From: Mesa AZ
If the truck is unmodified and running well then you shouldn't have any problems passing the emissions test in California.
Post Fiend
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 6,096
Likes: 27
From: Mesa AZ
Here is a photo of what the valve cover sticker looks like.
Some trucks had a catalyst but I've only seen them on early models. I've never seen a 2002 truck that came with a cat from the factory (but some could exist...) Just check the valve cover sticker....if it says "OC" then it came with a cat. Most do not.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 6,096
Likes: 27
From: Mesa AZ
To my knowledge, the only reference to '49 state' on these trucks is the PCM calibration. There are hundreds of different calibrations for these trucks. I'd be surprised if an emissions testing station is able to identify the PCM code and then cross reference it to a calibration sheet.
Several of our F450 trucks in California do not have California calibrations yet they pass the emissions test every time. I think all we get is an opacity test, plus they check the CCV to make sure it's there and they look at the exhaust....although none of our trucks came with a cat so I don't know what they are looking for. I am not sure if every emissions testing station is the same in Cali. I've heard rumors that some stations test differently so you might want to search some of the California emissions threads in this forum to see where those stations might be located.
Good luck.
Several of our F450 trucks in California do not have California calibrations yet they pass the emissions test every time. I think all we get is an opacity test, plus they check the CCV to make sure it's there and they look at the exhaust....although none of our trucks came with a cat so I don't know what they are looking for. I am not sure if every emissions testing station is the same in Cali. I've heard rumors that some stations test differently so you might want to search some of the California emissions threads in this forum to see where those stations might be located.
Good luck.
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Butt-Head
Joined: Apr 2004
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From: Reed Point, MT
Technically, the only time the whole commie-fornia emissions thing comes into play is if the vehicle was originally sold in that ridiculously liberal state.
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From: Dustbowl, NV
24hr drinkin', gamblin', and prostitution. What a country!
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2007
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You should not have any trouble what so ever as long as the truck is stock. You can buy any PS and bring it to California, again it just has to be in factory/ stock condition. There are also ways to get around changes you decide to make, should you decide to make some in the future, you just have to be smart with how you do it. The typical smog check is,
check for DTCs.
Check for a chip.
check under the hood to make sure it's in Oem condition there.
snap the throttle 3 times.
and a visual also underneath for the Cat if your truck is a Cat installed truck, and or modified exhaust.
My 3 did not come with Cats, and one I brought in from Texas. No problem passing smog.
check for DTCs.
Check for a chip.
check under the hood to make sure it's in Oem condition there.
snap the throttle 3 times.
and a visual also underneath for the Cat if your truck is a Cat installed truck, and or modified exhaust.
My 3 did not come with Cats, and one I brought in from Texas. No problem passing smog.
Tuned
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 434
Likes: 18
From: Phoenix Area
Ah yes..the smog nazzis. I just went through this buying an early 99 out of state and bringing it home. If the vehicle is considered used (more the 2 years old and 10000 mi) than it is allowed to be registered in ca if it is 49 state truck. It mist have whatever smog/emission control devices it had when it left the factory and the must be in working order. You will be required to show the dmv proof of ownership title or loan agreement, a passed california smog test and they will want the weight of the truck ao you will need to get a scale printout from a dmv certified scale. Pay them the fees and get your plates and stickers.
Now as to what the truck had stock from ford I do not know, but you can look at the build sticker on the valve cover and under emission equipment if it says OC it was equiped with a cat, if it doesnot have those letters than no cat was ever on vehicle.
Good luck and feel free to PM me if yiu need any other questions answered.
-Nick
Now as to what the truck had stock from ford I do not know, but you can look at the build sticker on the valve cover and under emission equipment if it says OC it was equiped with a cat, if it doesnot have those letters than no cat was ever on vehicle.
Good luck and feel free to PM me if yiu need any other questions answered.
-Nick
Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 7,093
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From: San Diego, CA
My '03 is a CA truck. There is a sticker that says NON-CATALYST under the hood (no cat required). The only other differences I know of is the glow plug control module (GPCM) instead of the glow plug relay (GPR) and the programming. If I'm above 45mph and lift off the go pedal the truck de-fuels and no fuel is sent through the injectors (sounds like a Prius with big tires).
I haven't had a problem passing smog and I've been in CA since they started this.
I haven't had a problem passing smog and I've been in CA since they started this.
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