I just bought a '96 F150,351 w/HD Auto,here in Eureka,CA.
The check engine light is on.I've already started the registration,& payed
the fees.
Virginia (Roanoke) doesn't require smog testing,& the current
license plate expires on October 31st.
Since I'm planning on moving before 10/31,what are my options?
- Can I just not smog it in CA,& take the unfinished paperwork to VA,&
register there,or will I get in trouble here in CA?


- How would be the best way to set it up,without smogging it?
Leave all the smog equipment on it,& set it up right?

- Remove the smog equipment,& set it up right?

 

If the CEL is on, it most likely will be noticed on your VA safety inspection and it surely will not pass a CA emissions test.

If you don't mind my asking, how did you decide on Roanoke, VA.?

 

Not sure about VA, but in MD a CEL wont fail you on a safety inspection for registration. That would be caught on a reg smog test. I'd leave the truck as is, bring it to VA and register it.

 

Your Source?

-Checklist to pass the Maryland Vehicle State Inspection-

While FED and STATE LAW dictates emission regulations compliance, less populated areas (Roanoke, VA being one of them) are not presently subjected to active emissions testing, but are still required to comply with regulations.

I fought MD for thirty years and they do have the last word and can bring fire and smoke on your backside.

At some point, the CEL is going to have to be diagnosed and repairs made. It may be something simple or can be something to cause damage and $$$.

ADDENDUM- (Fr.)

-VA REQUIRED OFFICIAL INSPECTION PROCEDURE-

7. – INSPECT AIR POLLUTION CONTROL SYSTEM OF 1973 AND SUBSEQUENT MODELS FOR:

*Installation.

*No parts removed, disconnected or rendered inoperable.
(NOTE: This includes the catalytic converter and the fuel tank filler pipe.)

 

Hold on a second...dont use MD as a bell weather as they are goofy, they have a 1 time only safety, but annual emission test and do fail that sticker if MIL is on.

IF it is a VA county with no sniffer test, it by law has to have a visual test for tampering. It would depend on the shop if MIL is a fail.

Otherwise, VA wont give a damn what your cali paperwork says. they want a title or other proof of ownership.

And its clear why he is going to roanoke - the RR museum

 

My source is experience. Things aren't always to the letter.

 

You actually mean skirting the law?

 

MD is being discussed separately from the original question to ascertain what is and what is not law in MD,

If only a safety inspection, it dictates visually verifying OEM (or C.A.R.B. exempt) equipment. If a CEL is illuminated, it should lead one to suspect tampering at the least.

7. – INSPECT AIR POLLUTION CONTROL SYSTEM OF 1973 AND SUBSEQUENT MODELS FOR:

*Installation.

*No parts removed, disconnected or rendered inoperable.
(NOTE: This includes the catalytic converter and the fuel tank filler pipe.)

I do not believe VA reciprocates with CA. But that is not the real problem. The CEL should be diagnosed and repairs effected.



I thought it was Mill Mountain?

 

My Wife had her job eliminated (after 39 years),& our kids &-
Grand Kids are in Virginia.


I'll probably just have it all made legal,& look into it after the move.
I have an "Old School" mechanic here,who specializes in older Ford 4WD's.

My Wife is heading back from Roanoke,where she was looking at
houses.She loves the area,& we have a great realtor there.
I told her that all I care about is that it has at least a two car garage-
(to store our two MG's),& she can take care of the house part.
I'll be towing our '67 MGB GT back there,behind the F150.

 

OK, I understand now. I was born (?) and raised in Roanoke and it is a great area (has it's troubles like anywhere else).

May I suggest you get your guy to look at it and make sure it is not something major that might interrupt your trip? Worry about emission compliance once you get there. In no way is it as strict as CA.

GOOD LUCK!

 

Don't bother with anything else in CA (obviously make sure it'll make the trip). However, your CA reg will be suspended for not doing the emissions tests, so you'll have to register in your new state ASAP.

Also, you can get a prorated refund from CA on your registration fees you've paid once you register in another state.

 

Buy you a $15.00 dollar ELM reader download an app to your smart phone. Read and Reset the mil code a few minutes before your inspection. As long as they are not hooking up to the obdII port you should be fine.

 

Um, how do you think they would smog the truck w/o connecting to the computer in Kommiefornia?

The smog software expects to see a certain number of start-drive some distance-stop cycles to declare it a legitimate smog. Clearing the codes around the corner from the smog station won't fly here in The Peoples Republik Of Kalifornistan.

A code reader might be handy once back East so why not find the problem here, fix it and be ready for when the East coast follows suit with Kalifornistan-style emissions testing? It will happen some day. Especially if we drive polluters that raise the smog index in what is now only light or neglilgible pollution states/counties?

 

I'll have it at least able to pass,before leaving California.
Thanks for the ideas.

 

Why would you have to smog it in Ca. If your leaving and the tag is good until Oct. if Virgina doesn't smog and you are concerned about it being on during a safety check then do the reset. Also the ELM and associated software will give you the codes needed to fix the issue.