smog nazi's

vettestr · #1 (**permalink**) 01-20-2010, 04:41 PM

I took my old 3500 dually with a 12 valve Cummings to pay for smog test. I have had this truck (a 1996) for 9 years and have taken it to the same smog station all these years with no problem until today. They failed my truck for not having a Cat. Converter !!!!

The truck was not produced by Dodge with a cat. converter unless it was intended for sale in Ca. The truck was originally sold in Penn. so it did not require a catalytic Converter and the special exhaust system. Trucks intended for sale in Ca. had additional requirements my truck does not have. The California cat converter would not fit my truck without the other changes but it is no longer supported or available anyway.

Since the truck was produced by Dodge without a Cat. converter system to be in compliance with the laws of Pennsylvania would adding a system designed for compliance in California only to a truck driven in Arizona be altering an emission system be a violation of federal laws?

Cobrabill · #2 (**permalink**) 01-20-2010, 04:46 PM

Something is wrong with the SMOG station.And your info is bad.There was no smog devices on a Cummins untill real recently.My 2000 Cumminshas none and flies thru every year.

dave from mesa · #3 (**permalink**) 01-20-2010, 04:49 PM

Jeff
I feel for you. I have to take our motor home and my diesel truck in EVERY year to get it tested. Hells bells even Calif doesn't require testing of diesels. Anyway to get a dollar out of us.

*13* · #4 (**permalink**) 01-20-2010, 05:07 PM

It's gonna get a lot worse before it gets better.

I'd also guess that they had bad information, though...

DWRAT · #5 (**permalink**) 01-20-2010, 06:35 PM

The first year Chevy had a cat on the diesel was 2004 and we all know Dodge's are way behind Chevy.
I also think they had incorrect info and would suggest you go elsewhere.

After some searching I found this : http://www.cumminsforum.com/forum/ac...converter.html

Maybe it did come with a cat and knowing you, you **** canned it.

vettestr · #6 (**permalink**) 01-20-2010, 09:18 PM

I spoke with a Service Writer @ Bill Luke Dodge and he was very helpful. He confirmed my VIN was not equipped with a Cat. converter so just need to get documentation to prove it. He also gave me a number to call Dodge direct but it will have to wait until the normal 8/5 hours for more info.

Car Nut · #7 (**permalink**) 01-21-2010, 05:53 AM

I guess it pays to not go off quietly in the night. I wonder how many other people are quietly complying with "orders" and shelling out a grand or so just cause "they" said so.

Time to start working on your official complaint, or better yet "3 on your Side".

rustyBob · #8 (**permalink**) 01-21-2010, 07:27 AM

Sooooooo.the local Dodge dealer cant smog your truck ?????
that way you dont have to deal with an idiot that dosent know
what hes doing........

mikiec · #9 (**permalink**) 01-21-2010, 07:44 AM

Jeff....

Years ago I knew everyone at this place. Not any more.

Go here: http://www.azdeq.gov/function/about/contact.html

Here is the corp office of the company running the inspection stations

http://www.gordon-darby.com/ContactUs.html

The area manager used to be a guy by the name of Oscar Jiminez. I don't know if he is still with them.

http://www.manta.com/c/mmnbclh/gordon-darby-inc

Call them and get the straight story.

Mike

vettestr · #10 (**permalink**) 01-21-2010, 07:56 AM

Update ...
I contacted the Customer Service Center @ Dodge on their 800 # and after a couple of questions was talking to a Tech in the Escalation Department. I was given a case number and promised a return call with a determination of (did truck leave Dodge) with a catalytic converter, no later than 6PM Eastern on the 22nd.

Regardless of the answer given (was it original equipment) the folks at Cust Serv have made this as painless as possible. They seem to really care and appreciate it is a problem for me so hats off to them. Great customer service.

I will post the answer I get tomorrow by 6PM good or bad for me. Jeff C

vettestr · #11 (**permalink**) 01-21-2010, 08:01 AM

Thanks Mike,
I was hacking away with my 1 finger method when you posted. I will wait for the determination and documents from Dodge so I have something to present to the folks you mention. Having a contact will be a huge help, thanks again. Jeff C

DWRAT · #12 (**permalink**) 01-25-2010, 07:42 PM

How about an update?

vettestr · #13 (**permalink**) 01-26-2010, 07:37 AM

Well the praise I heaped on Dodge Service has dimmed a little only because they missed there self imposed deadline for calling me back before COB this past Friday was missed. After a couple of attempts to reach my contact person Ray I left 2 V/M's. I did reach him about 1/2 hour before they closed but he said he needed more time. Maybe today?

The question is ..... did my truck leave the factory with a cat or not?

Car Nut · #14 (**permalink**) 01-26-2010, 08:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vettestr

Well the praise I heaped on Dodge Service has dimmed a little only because they missed there self imposed deadline for calling me back before COB this past Friday was missed. After a couple of attempts to reach my contact person Ray I left 2 V/M's. I did reach him about 1/2 hour before they closed but he said he needed more time. Maybe today?

The question is ..... did my truck leave the factory with a cat or not?

Just cat or would another animal do, say a chicken?

Yeah, I know, back to my corner.

DWRAT · #15 (**permalink**) 01-26-2010, 09:10 AM

Maybe you can put 2 cocks in it and that will pass.

vettestr · #16 (**permalink**) 01-26-2010, 09:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DWRAT

May you can put 2 cocks in it and that will pass.

You are just sick !

Cobrabill · #17 (**permalink**) 01-26-2010, 09:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vettestr

Well the praise I heaped on Dodge Service has dimmed a little only because they missed there self imposed deadline for calling me back before COB this past Friday was missed. After a couple of attempts to reach my contact person Ray I left 2 V/M's. I did reach him about 1/2 hour before they closed but he said he needed more time. Maybe today?

The question is ..... did my truck leave the factory with a cat or not?

My 2000 did NOT have a cat.

vettestr · #18 (**permalink**) 01-26-2010, 09:48 AM

I hear ya Bill but after checking with the State they will not accept your post as proof mine was not sold with a Cat.

It is not them providing documents to prove it was removed . My burden is to disprove the statement of a 3rd party inspector contracting to state of Arizona. I don't like it but they make the rules.

Cobrabill · #19 (**permalink**) 01-26-2010, 09:51 AM

Go to a dealer and get a print out of the exhaust systen parts for your year.

vettestr · #20 (**permalink**) 01-26-2010, 10:35 AM

Been there but Info not kept in their system after 10 years so must go to Dodge, that is where I am at. The parts catalog shows (parts no longer supported or stocked). Old info shows was W and WO available but no direction if original equipment.