Smog test for the Clarity?

Ah, thanks for the update. Does the "emissions lab" need a failed test certificate to issue the waiver or can I just show up with the Clarity and get the waiver ?

 

Thanks !

 

Stopped by the emissions lab at Sahara and apparently they now need a failed certificate to issue an exemption.
It wasn't the older guy at the counter, so maybe I just got unlucky. Any way, I have to fail the test and go back again.

 

It's really crappy that Nevada doesn't require their licensed smog test places to keep their software up to date with some penalty for not doing so. Clearly this is just a database/lookup issue. For smog testing purposes the Clarity PHEV is no different than an Accord, Civic, etc hybrid in terms of operations (forcing the engine to run, the emissions equipment on the engine, etc). Beyond visual equipment checks, the actual test is primarily the car self-reporting via OBDII these days for any car.

Years ago my '95 Neon had trouble with the California smog check because it wouldn't hold a constant idle speed; that was a problem with the car itself (that manifested itself in weird power glitches when driving sometimes too), so understandable. Then while the regular mechanic was about to start pulling things apart to figure out why, it started working, so they rushed it back over to the smog place, and the issue never happened again and we never figured out what the issue was. Ironically I kind of hoped for a fail, because the state would have paid more than it was otherwise worth to scrap it, but it had to really fail, not be untestable. Of course it passed with flying colors every time...

 

Update : I stopped by the NV emissions lab after getting a rejected test (communication failure) and
they were able to do a successful smog check on my Clarity.

P.S. - Need to go into maintenance mode or HV charging mode to run the engine for the test.

Details : I spoke with the employee (older guy) after and here is the info from him
1) They now need a rejected certificate and they will attempt a re-test
2) They have a newer smog machine based on Windows 10 (old machines are on Windows 7) which is able to test 50% of the time. These new machines are supposedly available in about 4 other private smog testing places in the LV area
3) Even with the new machine, there is only a 50% chance of successful testing of clarity's and they still don't know why. They are working with Honda but no resolution so far.

Lastly, according to him, the testing works in CA because they don't check for the RPM (I am a little skeptical on this)

 

FWIW: I recently took our 2019 Clarity to an Oregon DEQ station for a smog test. I drove there in EV. Prior to pulling into the wait line, I put the car in Maintenance Mode. This was my first time doing this. It worked perfectly and took less than a minute.

In a matter of seconds the vehicle was first in line to enter the next open bay. After barely coming to a stop, a signal was given to pull forward. The appropriate paperwork was handed to the tech and I exited the car. He plugged in a cable and in what couldn’t have been more than 2-3 minutes the test was complete. I paid the test fee and registration, he handed me a diploma, current registration and new tags.

Once clear of the bay, I turned the car off to disable Maintenance Mode, then powered up to drive home in EV. In my opinion, it seems unlikely that sufficient time would have elapsed to allow for the catalytic converter to heat up as was suggested previously. Overall, a pretty simple process to start the engine.

 

@Landshark posted the procedure last April.

 

It’s in post #4 of this thread. I keep a screenshot of the procedure on my phone. Alternatively, it could be printed and kept with the owners manual in the glove box.

 

If you're wondering about getting a smog test for your Clarity, you might want to check the requirements with the DMV in your state.

 

In the DMV United States, each state has its own rules for emissions testing, so it's best to look up the specific regulations for where you live. Generally, newer vehicles like the Clarity are often exempt from smog testing for the first few years. However, it's always a good idea to stay informed and follow any guidelines to keep your vehicle in compliance.

 

Maintenance mode is cool, but for emissions testing you really don't need it. Put the car in drive, press the brake pedal down all the way, then press the accelerator pedal down all the way. The engine will start and run for a few minutes (iirc it feels it's warmed up when the coolant is 75c)

 

An alternative method is to run the battery to less than 40% then just put the clarity in hv charge mode. Engine cranks right up n technician can do what they need to do

It works quite well.

Hope this helps.