CA Smog Check Inspector Practice Questions Part 1 2026 |
Most Frequently Tested Concepts | Graded A+
1. During an inspection, if a vehicle's digital odometer is found to be
malfunctioning, what steps should the inspector take to ensure compliance
with inspection protocols?
Estimate the mileage based on the vehicle's condition and record it.
Ignore the odometer issue and proceed with the inspection.
Contact the manufacturer for a replacement odometer before
proceeding.
Document the issue in the BAR97/OIS System and follow the
appropriate reporting procedures.
2. What must a test and repair station do before accepting a vehicle for
inspection if they lack the necessary tools or equipment for repairs?
Schedule the inspection for a later date.
Proceed with the inspection regardless of equipment.
Inform the vehicle owner that they cannot perform the inspection.
Attempt to borrow tools from another station.
3. If a technician encounters a BAR97 analyzer that has failed the leak test, what
steps should they take before proceeding with vehicle emissions testing?
The technician should only calibrate the analyzer without replacing
any parts.
The technician should ignore the failure and proceed with testing.
The technician should consult the vehicle owner before making any
changes.
, The technician should replace the sample hose and re-test the
analyzer.
4. If a diesel vehicle manufactured in 1997 fails an emissions test, what is the
appropriate action according to California Smog Check regulations?
The vehicle can be exempt from further testing.
The vehicle is automatically registered for the next testing cycle.
The vehicle must undergo an OIS inspection.
The vehicle should be repaired and retested without an OIS
inspection.
5. What is the term used to describe the optimal combustion efficiency in an
engine?
Combustion threshold
Stoichiometric ratio
Fuel-to-air ratio
Excess air ratio
6. If a vehicle is found to have a liquid fuel leak during a smog check, what
should the inspector do next?
The inspector should ignore the leak if it is minor.
The inspector should pass the vehicle if it meets other criteria.
The inspector should fail the vehicle and recommend repairs.
The inspector should only document the leak without taking further
action.
,7. During a smog check, if a technician discovers that the E.O. for an aftermarket
catalyst has been rescinded, what should they document in the inspection
report?
The catalyst failed the visual inspection due to the rescinded E.O.
The technician should not mention the catalyst in the report.
The technician should recommend replacing the catalyst with a new
one.
The catalyst passed inspection as it was installed correctly.
8. If a 2001 gasoline vehicle fails the OBDII inspection, what should the
inspector do next according to California Smog Check protocols?
Follow the established procedures for failed inspections, which may
include advising the owner on necessary repairs and re-testing.
Conduct a visual inspection instead of an emissions test.
Ignore the failure and allow the vehicle to be registered.
Immediately pass the vehicle if it is a hybrid.
9. Your BAR 97 machine has failed the leak check. What should you do before
calling for factory service?
Check the calibration gases to make sure they are approved
Check the EIS filter for contamination
Inspect for restriction in the sample hose
Inspect the sample hose for cracks and openings
10. Describe the importance of ensuring a vehicle is properly warmed up
before conducting a tailpipe emissions test.
, A properly warmed-up vehicle ensures accurate emissions
readings during the tailpipe test.
A warmed-up vehicle minimizes the time spent on the inspection.
A warmed-up vehicle indicates a higher likelihood of passing the
inspection.
A warmed-up vehicle reduces the need for further inspections.
11. What is the primary consideration when inspecting a vehicle with aftermarket
parts?
Ensure the parts comply with emissions standards.
Assume the vehicle will pass inspection.
Ignore the aftermarket parts during inspection.
Only check the original manufacturer parts.
12. Describe the conditions under which vehicles from 1976 to 1995 would not
receive a LPFET.
Only vehicles manufactured after 1995 receive a LPFET.
All vehicles receive a LPFET regardless of their condition.
Vehicles that have passed previous inspections do not require a
LPFET.
Vehicles would not receive a LPFET if they are exempt due to
specific criteria such as being a hybrid or electric vehicle.
13. What is one method a technician can use to ensure a vehicle is warmed up
before tailpipe sampling?
Inspect the tire pressure.
Check the engine temperature gauge.
Most Frequently Tested Concepts | Graded A+
1. During an inspection, if a vehicle's digital odometer is found to be
malfunctioning, what steps should the inspector take to ensure compliance
with inspection protocols?
Estimate the mileage based on the vehicle's condition and record it.
Ignore the odometer issue and proceed with the inspection.
Contact the manufacturer for a replacement odometer before
proceeding.
Document the issue in the BAR97/OIS System and follow the
appropriate reporting procedures.
2. What must a test and repair station do before accepting a vehicle for
inspection if they lack the necessary tools or equipment for repairs?
Schedule the inspection for a later date.
Proceed with the inspection regardless of equipment.
Inform the vehicle owner that they cannot perform the inspection.
Attempt to borrow tools from another station.
3. If a technician encounters a BAR97 analyzer that has failed the leak test, what
steps should they take before proceeding with vehicle emissions testing?
The technician should only calibrate the analyzer without replacing
any parts.
The technician should ignore the failure and proceed with testing.
The technician should consult the vehicle owner before making any
changes.
, The technician should replace the sample hose and re-test the
analyzer.
4. If a diesel vehicle manufactured in 1997 fails an emissions test, what is the
appropriate action according to California Smog Check regulations?
The vehicle can be exempt from further testing.
The vehicle is automatically registered for the next testing cycle.
The vehicle must undergo an OIS inspection.
The vehicle should be repaired and retested without an OIS
inspection.
5. What is the term used to describe the optimal combustion efficiency in an
engine?
Combustion threshold
Stoichiometric ratio
Fuel-to-air ratio
Excess air ratio
6. If a vehicle is found to have a liquid fuel leak during a smog check, what
should the inspector do next?
The inspector should ignore the leak if it is minor.
The inspector should pass the vehicle if it meets other criteria.
The inspector should fail the vehicle and recommend repairs.
The inspector should only document the leak without taking further
action.
,7. During a smog check, if a technician discovers that the E.O. for an aftermarket
catalyst has been rescinded, what should they document in the inspection
report?
The catalyst failed the visual inspection due to the rescinded E.O.
The technician should not mention the catalyst in the report.
The technician should recommend replacing the catalyst with a new
one.
The catalyst passed inspection as it was installed correctly.
8. If a 2001 gasoline vehicle fails the OBDII inspection, what should the
inspector do next according to California Smog Check protocols?
Follow the established procedures for failed inspections, which may
include advising the owner on necessary repairs and re-testing.
Conduct a visual inspection instead of an emissions test.
Ignore the failure and allow the vehicle to be registered.
Immediately pass the vehicle if it is a hybrid.
9. Your BAR 97 machine has failed the leak check. What should you do before
calling for factory service?
Check the calibration gases to make sure they are approved
Check the EIS filter for contamination
Inspect for restriction in the sample hose
Inspect the sample hose for cracks and openings
10. Describe the importance of ensuring a vehicle is properly warmed up
before conducting a tailpipe emissions test.
, A properly warmed-up vehicle ensures accurate emissions
readings during the tailpipe test.
A warmed-up vehicle minimizes the time spent on the inspection.
A warmed-up vehicle indicates a higher likelihood of passing the
inspection.
A warmed-up vehicle reduces the need for further inspections.
11. What is the primary consideration when inspecting a vehicle with aftermarket
parts?
Ensure the parts comply with emissions standards.
Assume the vehicle will pass inspection.
Ignore the aftermarket parts during inspection.
Only check the original manufacturer parts.
12. Describe the conditions under which vehicles from 1976 to 1995 would not
receive a LPFET.
Only vehicles manufactured after 1995 receive a LPFET.
All vehicles receive a LPFET regardless of their condition.
Vehicles that have passed previous inspections do not require a
LPFET.
Vehicles would not receive a LPFET if they are exempt due to
specific criteria such as being a hybrid or electric vehicle.
13. What is one method a technician can use to ensure a vehicle is warmed up
before tailpipe sampling?
Inspect the tire pressure.
Check the engine temperature gauge.
