I have to turn in a smog cert with my renewal fees this year. Problem is, I might have a busted heater core which I haven't had looked at yet. Anyone know if this could make me fail my smog test? I'm trying to find out if I should get this fixed before my smog cert or if I can skate by and save a a few more duckets to get the heater core fixed after the smog test.

 

i wouldnt think that the heater core would hurt you passing or not.
But im the A/V guy

 

I can't see any reason for a leaking heater core to be a problem with a smog test, but then again, I don't know the requirements for Canada either...

 

Thanks for the advice, good news is that I'm actually in California, not Canada

 

Ah yes, sorry, my bad. So many times I see CA in someones profile and automatically think Canada.

Anyway, the heater core shouldn't be an issue in Cali.

 

Your heater core can only affect the smog test if it is leaking coolant like a broken dam, and won't allow the engine to reach closed loop mode in the programed time and sets a DTC code...

 

If that were the case, would I know? ie the check engine light, smell, etc

 

If the leak is big enough then you would definitely smell hot coolant.
The check engine light might not come on depending on how many times the drive cycle has been completed. Some DTC's never set a MIL Light...you would notice that the temp gauge would sit at the lower ranges...that is how I figured out my T-stat was stuck open...

 

Well the temp gauge seems to function normally. I guess I really should just get the thing fixed. There is really no sense in waiting.