California Diesel Emissions Test Procedures

If a California resident owns a diesel vehicle, you must be aware of the California diesel emissions test procedures. This test is required for all diesel vehicles in California, and it helps to ensure that these vehicles comply with state emissions standards. This blog post will discuss the specifics of California diesel emissions test procedures to help you choose the right services from diesel emission test service point, including what is tested and how the test is performed.

CA Diesel Emissions Test Procedures

All diesel vehicles in California are required to undergo an emissions test every two years. This test aims to ensure that these vehicles operate within the state's emissions standards. The California diesel emissions test procedure includes a visual inspection of the vehicle and a functional test of the vehicle's emission control system.

During the visual inspection, the inspector will look for any obvious signs of tampering or modification to the emission control system. They will also check for proper installation of emission-related components, such as catalytic converters and particulate filters.

The functional portion of the California diesel emissions test includes several tests designed to measure the performance of the vehicle's emission control system. These tests include:

The idle test measures the emission levels of the vehicle at idle.
The acceleration test measures the emission levels of the vehicle during acceleration.
The deceleration test measures the emission levels of the vehicle during deceleration.
The exhaust gas temperature test measures the exhaust gas temperature of the vehicle.
The opacity test measures the opacity of the vehicle's exhaust.

California diesel emissions tests are conducted on various vehicles, including passenger cars, light-duty trucks, medium-duty trucks, and heavy-duty trucks. California also requires that all diesel-powered vehicles be equipped with an emission control device, such as a diesel particulate filter.

Visual Inspection

All California diesel-powered vehicles must pass a visual inspection before being tested for emissions. The visual inspection ensures that the vehicle's emission control devices are correctly installed and functioning.

Functional Testing

California also requires all diesel-powered vehicles to pass functional testing, which is conducted to ensure that the vehicle's emission control devices are operating correctly. Functional testing includes the following tests:

The deceleration test measures the emission levels of the vehicle during deceleration.
The exhaust gas temperature test measures the exhaust gas temperature of the vehicle.
The opacity test measures the opacity of the vehicle's exhaust.
Diesel Particulate Filter Efficiency Test

All California diesel-powered vehicles equipped with a diesel particulate filter must have the filter efficiency test performed every two years in addition to the initial California diesel emissions test and biennial smog check.

The diesel particulate filter efficiency test measures the ability of the vehicle's diesel particulate filter to reduce particulate matter emissions.

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has established that a diesel particulate filter must

Modifications that DO NOT Require a CARB Executive Order

Water injection systems.
Air horns (intake elbows).
Modifications to air cleaner assemblies
Aftermarket lift pumps & auxiliary fuel tanks.
Aftermarket modifications to the exhaust system.
Aftermarket or auxiliary fuel filters/fuel-water separators

Modifications that DO Require a CARB Executive Order

Diesel oxidation catalysts (DOCs).
Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) systems.
Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) systems.
Variable geometry turbochargers (VGTs).
Fuel-operated heater devices.
Auxiliary power units (APUs).
Diesel particulate filters (DPFs).
Liquid urea-based NOx reduction systems.

Conclusion

If you're a diesel truck owner in California, you must be aware of the new emissions testing procedures that go into effect on January 1, 2018. The new Diesel Particulate Matter (DPM) Test will measure the amount of particulate matter emitted from your vehicle. All diesel vehicles registered in California are required to pass this test starting in 2018, so now is an excellent time to familiarize yourself with the process. We've put together a guide outlining everything you need to know about the DPM Test, so be sure to check it out. Stay informed and stay compliant - that's our advice for owners of diesel trucks in California, USA