2002 5.4 Will it pass CA smog?

[Famous Mockingbird]

I'll ask around town tomorrow, but I realized this will be the deal maker/breaker for the rig we are test driving this weekend.

Assuming it's in good running shape with OEM cat. and exhaust, it should pass right??

Thanks.

[rallypanam]

It'll pass unless there is an issue... Plenty of 5.4s running around CA.

[Famous Mockingbird]

Thanks, my wife went straight to google. It turns out there is an issue with O2 sensors and the computer at the typical smog center. Unless we follow the "magic formula" to prep the motor pre test it won't pass. An appointment with the referee center is in store.

[rallypanam]

Never heard of that. There are loads and loads of 5.4 ford vans running around CA.. Can't imagine they're all going to the referee every two years.

[BajaSportsmobile]

You are way over thinking this. Unless there is something wrong with it that should be fixed anyhow to use it, it will pass.

[gcvt]

My 97 and 03 passed easily. Nothing to worry about.

[1der]

Originally Posted by Famous Mockingbird

Thanks, my wife went straight to google. It turns out there is an issue with O2 sensors and the computer at the typical smog center. Unless we follow the "magic formula" to prep the motor pre test it won't pass. An appointment with the referee center is in store.

If the rig is a Federal Version you will likely have an issue that will require the Referee to perform the smog check because the computer will be looking for a second O2 sensor that isn't there. It will fail on the initial OBD2 scan, everytime. You can do all the "prep" you want, drive 1,000 miles to reset the codes, etc., - still will fail because there ain't no O2 sensor there and the smog program has a glitch that will not allow the tech to input that the van is Federal. been there done that many times. The benefit of the referee is that the smog costs just $8

http://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/10...3-e350-sd.html

If it is a California van per under hood sticker, it should pass, unless other issues have arisen.

[rallypanam]

Originally Posted by 1der

If the rig is a Federal Version you will likely have an issue that will require the Referee to perform the smog check because the computer will be looking for a second O2 sensor that isn't there. It will fail on the initial OBD2 scan, everytime. You can do all the "prep" you want, drive 1,000 miles to reset the codes, etc., - still will fail because there ain't no O2 sensor there and the smog program has a glitch that will not allow the tech to input that the van is Federal. been there done that many times. The benefit of the referee is that the smog costs just $8

CA Smog Check Failure 2003 E350 SD - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums

If it is a California van per under hood sticker, it should pass, unless other issues have arisen.

Did they have this on the 5.4? My understanding (and experience) was this is only V10s.

[skyrat]

Originally Posted by BajaSportsmobile

You are way over thinking this. Unless there is something wrong with it that should be fixed anyhow to use it, it will pass.

What Ramsey Said!
My '05, 5.4L passed with flying colors at 107K miles when I bought it.

[1der]

Originally Posted by rallypanam

Did they have this on the 5.4? My understanding (and experience) was this is only V10s.

Good question Robb. It may have only been V10. I guess the question is does the 5.4 CA have more O2 sensor/ heater than Federal? I don't have that answer.

On the other hand, you have lots of experience with out of state vans of various configs, so you are likely right. Also, gcvt's 5.4 van passed. It would be interesting to know if his was an original California spec van or federal. My experience (and your's sounds like it) was V10 based.