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General Talk / Re: smog test question
« on: December 30, 2020, 12:20:53 PM »Amazon sells dongles you can plug into the OBDII port to both read and clear the codes. If the code isn't cleared, it will just keep coming back. You might dodge the bullet this way. They are as cheap as $25. Read the reviews to see what works best for your car.
Used to be auto parts stores could read your code and advice, but then the auto repair shops got the legislators to make it a law that only certified mechanics could do that. I have a local one here in Placerville that will read codes, advice and clear for free. I always tip him $20 for his time though. Best advice I ever get. Once the problem was the gas cap wasn't tight. My wife could not twist on the cap until it clicks, so it didn't seal. I'm sure the dealer service department would have charged her many times more than $20 for that piece of info. Support you independent auto mechanic and all independent businesses. They are our neighbors and love to help so long as they can make a living at it.
+1 to that.
I have an older Sequoia and have a great mechanic in Rocklin that I go to. I support local whenever possible.
I had a check engine problem and the code was an unspecified vapor leak. He had the car for most of the day trouble shooting the problem and was able to identify the problem through process of elimination. He didn't charge me anything for the trouble shooting. (At least 4 hours of labor). If I had gone to the dealer I would have been out of pocket for an outrageous sum of money.