# Failed smog test - visible smoke **URL:** \ **Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\ **Tags:** legend, acura\ **Created:** [October 1, 2009, 11:40pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/failed-smog-test-visible-smoke/37429 "2009-10-01T23:40:50Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 17\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Bob\_C](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/9de0a6/32.png) [@Bob\_C](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Bob_C)\ **Post date:** [October 1, 2009, 11:40pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/failed-smog-test-visible-smoke/37429/1 "2009-10-01T23:40:50Z")
What causes visible smoke and how do I fix it. ---
**Author:** ![VDCdriver](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/vdcdriver/32/30_2.png) [@VDCdriver](https://community.cartalk.com/u/VDCdriver)\ **Post date:** [October 1, 2009, 11:49pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/failed-smog-test-visible-smoke/37429/2 "2009-10-01T23:49:13Z")
Model year of your Acura? Total odometer mileage? Date and odometer mileage of last major service? Typical mileage and time interval between oil changes? ---
**Author:** ![the\_same\_mountainbike](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/c89c15/32.png) [@the\_same\_mountainbike](https://community.cartalk.com/u/the_same_mountainbike)\ **Post date:** [October 1, 2009, 11:49pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/failed-smog-test-visible-smoke/37429/3 "2009-10-01T23:49:21Z")
What color is the smoke? Under what conditions does it happen? How many miles are on the car and how has it been maintained? What year is it? Are there any operating problems? White smoke is generally water vapor…coolant from a breech somewhere or steam from a cold engine. In rare cases it can be tranny fluid…but I’ll wait for your detailed responses before going there. Black smoke is generally carbon…from too rich a mix or poor combustion. Blue/gray smoke is generally oil. On acceleration it’ll generally be ring problems, on morning startup and/or under deceleration it could be valve stem seals. Tell me more. ---
**Author:** ![Caddyman](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/caddyman/32/23_2.png) [@Caddyman](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Caddyman)\ **Post date:** [October 15, 2011, 5:27pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/failed-smog-test-visible-smoke/37429/5 "2011-10-15T17:27:56Z")
wise\_consumers advice can be disregarded completely… Bob C, we need more information to answer your question. Year, make, model, mileage would be a good start… ---
**Author:** ![keith](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/keith/32/5518_2.png) [@keith](https://community.cartalk.com/u/keith)\ **Post date:** [October 16, 2011, 12:44am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/failed-smog-test-visible-smoke/37429/6 "2011-10-16T00:44:35Z")
I second Caddyman. ---
**Author:** ![asemaster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/5f9b8f/32.png) [@asemaster](https://community.cartalk.com/u/asemaster)\ **Post date:** [October 16, 2011, 5:31am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/failed-smog-test-visible-smoke/37429/7 "2011-10-16T05:31:16Z")
Did your car fail the emissions test because of visible smoke, or did it fail a specific CO, HC, NOx, or CO2 test? Depending on what test procedures your area uses, visible smoke may or may not be related to failing an emissions test. BTW wise\_consumer,thanks for the chuckle. ---
**Author:** ![VDCdriver](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/vdcdriver/32/30_2.png) [@VDCdriver](https://community.cartalk.com/u/VDCdriver)\ **Post date:** [October 16, 2011, 6:19am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/failed-smog-test-visible-smoke/37429/8 "2011-10-16T06:19:18Z")
If Wise Consumer is so wise, does he really think that the OP is still waiting for a response, two years after posting his question? Especially in a case where the OP was asked for additional information and then failed to ever provide that information, reviving a two year old thread does not make a whole lot of sense. And, as Caddyman implied, the advice given by Wise Consumer about 80-90 weight oil and the use of STP is best ignored if someone wants to keep his engine running for the long term. ---
**Author:** ![esmamojo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/258eb7/32.png) [@esmamojo](https://community.cartalk.com/u/esmamojo)\ **Post date:** [April 6, 2026, 2:13am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/failed-smog-test-visible-smoke/37429/9 "2026-04-06T02:13:03Z")
Hi everyone, kind of had the same issue as the first post. I purchased a used 2012 mini S Cooper countryman last week and went for my emission test in New Jersey today. It failed because of visible smoke. It was the first time I saw visible smoke since buying it (Smoke was grey/white). There was a huge line at the inspection place and my car idled for about an hour there before I passed the test. No engine lights or anything in the car, and the smoke stopped after I drove a couple miles out and away from the place. I am going to go to a mechanic to have it checked but if you have any recommendations or anything, let me know! ---
**Author:** ![db4690](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/db4690/32/2583_2.png) [@db4690](https://community.cartalk.com/u/db4690)\ **Post date:** [April 6, 2026, 12:30pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/failed-smog-test-visible-smoke/37429/10 "2026-04-06T12:30:01Z")
Well, which is it? First you state “failed because of visible smoke” Then you state “my car idled for about an hour there before I passed the test” ---
**Author:** ![davesmopar](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/davesmopar/32/41750_2.png) [@davesmopar](https://community.cartalk.com/u/davesmopar)\ **Post date:** [April 6, 2026, 12:36pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/failed-smog-test-visible-smoke/37429/11 "2026-04-06T12:36:50Z")
Same as above, pass or no pass?? > [@esmamojo](#): > > visible smoke I am assuming the smoke was seen coming out of the tail pipe and not from a wheel area or from under the hood correct?? ---
**Author:** ![jtsanders](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/c2a13f/32.png) [@jtsanders](https://community.cartalk.com/u/jtsanders)\ **Post date:** [April 6, 2026, 12:48pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/failed-smog-test-visible-smoke/37429/12 "2026-04-06T12:48:33Z")
If we assume that “passed the test” means you went through the test station, then you might try driving the Mini for at least a half hour before getting it tested again. Maryland suggests driving on the highway for a half hour on the way to the test station to give you the best chance of passing the test. Idling for an hour doesn’t count towards the drive time. If the NJ test is like ours, you will just get the ODB2 codes read after the smoke check. No smoke and no stored codes would mean you pass her, and maybe in NJ. ---
**Author:** ![db4690](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/db4690/32/2583_2.png) [@db4690](https://community.cartalk.com/u/db4690)\ **Post date:** [April 6, 2026, 1:01pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/failed-smog-test-visible-smoke/37429/13 "2026-04-06T13:01:43Z")
I’m not making any suggestions until my very simple question has been answered ---
**Author:** ![esmamojo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/258eb7/32.png) [@esmamojo](https://community.cartalk.com/u/esmamojo)\ **Post date:** [April 6, 2026, 1:22pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/failed-smog-test-visible-smoke/37429/14 "2026-04-06T13:22:54Z")
> [@db4690](#): > > Well, which is it? > > First you state “failed because of visible smoke” > > Then you state “my car idled for about an hour there before I passed the test” Sorry for the confusion, I failed the test. I meant ‘passed’ for going through the center to get the car tested. On my vehicule inspection report it says I passed at everything, but the “visible smoke”. Smoke was indeed coming out of the tail pipe. The car idled during an hour where I probably did less than a mile until I could enter the center and do the testing, so I agree conditions were definitely not the best. I am bringing the car to a certified mechanic, so he checks if the smoke can come from something major and needs repair + will do the inspection too. Is it the good way to proceed? ---
**Author:** ![VDCdriver](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/vdcdriver/32/30_2.png) [@VDCdriver](https://community.cartalk.com/u/VDCdriver)\ **Post date:** [April 6, 2026, 3:36pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/failed-smog-test-visible-smoke/37429/15 "2026-04-06T15:36:53Z")
> [@esmamojo](#): > > I am bringing the car to a certified mechanic, so he checks if the smoke can come from something major and needs repair + will do the inspection too. Did you buy your car from a dealership, or from a private party? I ask because of the following: - **NJ law requires used car dealers to warrant that vehicles pass inspection. If a car fails, the dealer must pay for repairs or repurchase it.** If you bought it from a dealer, did you sign a waiver? - **The Waiver:** Dealers may have you sign a waiver, separating it in the contract, which waives your right to have the vehicle pass inspection. If you bought it from a private party, then you are on the hook for the repairs that are necessary in order to pass the emissions tests. - **Private Sellers:** No inspection guarantee exists when buying from a private seller; you are responsible for any repairs. ---
**Author:** ![esmamojo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/258eb7/32.png) [@esmamojo](https://community.cartalk.com/u/esmamojo)\ **Post date:** [April 6, 2026, 4:02pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/failed-smog-test-visible-smoke/37429/16 "2026-04-06T16:02:25Z")
I bought it from a used car dealer in Pennsylvania and don’t remember signing a waiver. I do not believe the same law in PA exists. Thank you for the note though! ---
**Author:** ![db4690](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/db4690/32/2583_2.png) [@db4690](https://community.cartalk.com/u/db4690)\ **Post date:** [April 6, 2026, 4:20pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/failed-smog-test-visible-smoke/37429/17 "2026-04-06T16:20:54Z")
Drive the H E C K out of it for at least 1/2-hour or so before trying again is my quick suggestion before spending big bucks Drive it hard in some lower gears for awhile Find out when the testing station is open for business Drive the car as suggested and make sure it’s HOT Be there idling BEFORE the testing station is open Make sure you’re the first one to get smogged Do this on a Tuesday or Wednesday That way there’s less likelihood the car cools off while the tester is recalibrating equipment, performing some software update, etc ---
**Author:** ![Nevada\_545](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/nevada_545/32/41232_2.png) [@Nevada\_545](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Nevada_545)\ **Post date:** [April 6, 2026, 8:15pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/failed-smog-test-visible-smoke/37429/18 "2026-04-06T20:15:39Z")
> [@esmamojo](#): > > There was a huge line at the inspection place and my car idled for about an hour there before I passed the test. I shut the engine off while waiting, I don’t want to fail the inspection for visible smoke. Old cars will sometimes begin to smoke if left idling for an extended period. I’m not going to replace the pistons and rings just to be able to idle the engine for long periods. An OBDII inspection is a review of the vehicle’s computer history, the engine does not need to be hot or cold for this to be performed. Now that this vehicle has been identified as a smoking vehicle, you will be required to have it repaired before the next inspection can be performed. There is a possibility that the turbocharger is leaking oil into the exhaust system or the valve guide seals are leaking.