@usedtobe (usedtobe) posted a new topic, subject "CA Auto Mechanics - Ethics and Licenses...". It read:

   For the non-CA:  
    Ca has two levels of smog testing - originally the upper one was called “Test Only” (they couldn;t do any required repairs, so had less incentive for extortion.
    
    They are now called “Star Stations” and can do repairs - the extortion motive is restored.
    
    I have a 97 Nissan pickup (4 cyl, stick, XE cab).  
    In early 2009, the catalytic convertor was stolen and I had it replaced.
    
    For this year's smog, I took it to a new shop.
    
    They had it up on the lift for some time.
    
    Eventually they told me that the replacement convertor was “not right” for that vehicle and flagged the truck as “Tampered” - meaning there is no limit as to the amount of smog-related repairs.
    
    I now have a print-out of the CA Air Resources Board showing the installed convertor is correct.
    
    If they stick by their demand, to whom to I talk to get their license revoked?
    
    p.s. - the emissions are well within tolerence - they are making a $280 demand over a part number.

Then @gotpasswords (gotpasswords) said

    California Bureau of Automotive Repair  
    The “I am a consumer…” section has several options you may find useful including finding a vehicle's smog check history and filing a complaint.

So @Senegoid (Senegoid) replied

    Side note: Nevertheless, there are still “Test Only” stations that actually do only testing and not repairs.

Then @usedtobe (usedtobe) said

    OK - the twit stands by his bust.
    
    My research led me to:  
    arb.ca.gov
    
    ### exemptcat09.pdf
    
    It boils down to which Magnaflow aftermarket convertor should have been installed in a 1997 Nissan Pickup XE w/2.4L engine in 02/09:
    
    D-193-67 Exec Order 01/15/09 showing 1995-1997 Nissan PC/LDT1
    
    or
    
    D-193-113 Exec Order 08/14/13 showing 1995-2002 PC/LDT1 (no make or model listed)
    
    His argument is that, since the later EO shows the engine detail and the earlier one does not, the later is the only one acceptable.
    
    He didn't explain how soebody in 2009 would have access to a 2013 part.
    
    While this sorts itself out:  
    Can another shop over-ride the “Tampered” flag this moron put on my vehicle?
    
    Thanks.

Then @gotpasswords (gotpasswords) said

    Ask the referee.
    
    Among other things, they can intervene if a vehicle has been modified with aftermarket parts.

@usedtobe (usedtobe) replied

    Thanks
    
    Yeah, found that, scheduled appointment.
    
    Am going to have it smogged at another shop - can't imagine anyone else demanding that a 2009 reair use a part not approved until 2013.
    
    (plus, it has been smogged every other year since 2009 without this idiot “issue”.
    
    I was just wondering if this guy really was right and I was somehow mis-reading the data.


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