Re: some positive feedback
thanks for your post! I'm still smiling imagining the scene...!
Rick
On Friday, January 19, 2024 at 07:35:01 PM CST, lreinreb <lreinreb@...> wrote:
? ?I have been following this site since before I did a conversion to my '84 westy, Buttercup, using a $500.00, 210,000 mi. '96 2.2 Subaru donor car. I want to offer a little encouragement to the people considering?it. All the posts about check?engine lights,ecu?warnings, and idling problems can be discouraging, I would like to counter that with a story about my experience with the van on the road. I did the DIY conversion in 2020, including fabricating engine mounts, wiring harness, shift linkage and reversed trans. over a period of a few months.? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?In 2022 my wife and I decided to visit friends and family across the country as far as Quebec and Maine. We had put a few thousand miles on the conversion by then and I trusted it enough to figure it would get us back to Calif. again. So off we went, with no problems til Portland, Oregon when a fan thermostat refused to turn the fan on in traffic. a light tap with the end of a screwdriver got it working again. After that, the van performed flawlessly across the country and back, going as fast as I needed to keep up with traffic. On the return trip, we had been enduring 100 degree days across the midwest and over the Rocky Mts. on highway?70 with no AC, so decided to take highway 15 west to the coast for some relief. US 15 across Utah and Nevada passes thru a geological feature known as the basin and range complex. We were traversing that, heading down slope off one range and across 5+ miles of valley floor when I saw in my mirror a F350 Ford towing a big 5th wheel trailer blowing black smoke as it was fixing to pass us. Lacking AC, we have all the windows open as it is over 100 degrees and I realize that he is going to smoke us out with "burning coal" so I step on it just enough to keep ahead of him. He has this huge box he is dragging so it wasn't hard to stay ahead, 3400 RPM in 5th was around 70 MPH so our little Buttercup was not straining. As we started to climb, I shifted to 4th and 4000 RPM and can see the smoke cloud increase in my rearview mirror as he kicks down?a gear. Finally up at the top of the pass, I see that the wind has shifted and the smoke is blowing back on his trailer, so I let him pass. He just stays in the fast lane, no let up,trailing a black cloud, as we resume our cruising?speed. The next up slope, 10 miles later, we see the same rig, over at the side of the road with the hood up and white smoke, not steam coming from the engine compartment. I couldn't help myself from giving him a friendly beep, beep,beep as we went by. That extra 40 HP makes the difference in these vans. You won't regret it. Paul 
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Re: some positive feedback
That was fun! ? I am one of those with CEL issues and smog check challenges. I hope none of my posts were discouraging to anybody. I love this darn thing, and we press on! ? And for the record ¨C YES ¨C the conversion is totally worth it, I¡¯ll second that. Sane freeway speeds and climbs like a charm. Spectacular! ? tc ?
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From: [email protected] < [email protected]> On Behalf Of lreinreb Sent: Friday, January 19, 2024 5:35 PM To: [email protected]Subject: [SubaruVanagon] some positive feedback ? ? ?I have been following this site since before I did a conversion to my '84 westy, Buttercup, using a $500.00, 210,000 mi. '96 2.2 Subaru donor car. I want to offer a little encouragement to the people considering?it. All the posts about check?engine lights,ecu?warnings, and idling problems can be discouraging, I would like to counter that with a story about my experience with the van on the road. I did the DIY conversion in 2020, including fabricating engine mounts, wiring harness, shift linkage and reversed trans. over a period of a few months.? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?In 2022 my wife and I decided to visit friends and family across the country as far as Quebec and Maine. We had put a few thousand miles on the conversion by then and I trusted it enough to figure it would get us back to Calif. again. So off we went, with no problems til Portland, Oregon when a fan thermostat refused to turn the fan on in traffic. a light tap with the end of a screwdriver got it working again. After that, the van performed flawlessly across the country and back, going as fast as I needed to keep up with traffic. On the return trip, we had been enduring 100 degree days across the midwest and over the Rocky Mts. on highway?70 with no AC, so decided to take highway 15 west to the coast for some relief. US 15 across Utah and Nevada passes thru a geological feature known as the basin and range complex. We were traversing that, heading down slope off one range and across 5+ miles of valley floor when I saw in my mirror a F350 Ford towing a big 5th wheel trailer blowing black smoke as it was fixing to pass us. Lacking AC, we have all the windows open as it is over 100 degrees and I realize that he is going to smoke us out with "burning coal" so I step on it just enough to keep ahead of him. He has this huge box he is dragging so it wasn't hard to stay ahead, 3400 RPM in 5th was around 70 MPH so our little Buttercup was not straining. As we started to climb, I shifted to 4th and 4000 RPM and can see the smoke cloud increase in my rearview mirror as he kicks down?a gear. Finally up at the top of the pass, I see that the wind has shifted and the smoke is blowing back on his trailer, so I let him pass. He just stays in the fast lane, no let up,trailing a black cloud, as we resume our cruising?speed. The next up slope, 10 miles later, we see the same rig, over at the side of the road with the hood up and white smoke, not steam coming from the engine compartment. I couldn't help myself from giving him a friendly beep, beep,beep as we went by. That extra 40 HP makes the difference in these vans. You won't regret it. Paul
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? ?I have been following this site since before I did a conversion to my '84 westy, Buttercup, using a $500.00, 210,000 mi. '96 2.2 Subaru donor car. I want to offer a little encouragement to the people considering?it. All the posts about check?engine lights,ecu?warnings, and idling problems can be discouraging, I would like to counter that with a story about my experience with the van on the road. I did the DIY conversion in 2020, including fabricating engine mounts, wiring harness, shift linkage and reversed trans. over a period of a few months.? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?In 2022 my wife and I decided to visit friends and family across the country as far as Quebec and Maine. We had put a few thousand miles on the conversion by then and I trusted it enough to figure it would get us back to Calif. again. So off we went, with no problems til Portland, Oregon when a fan thermostat refused to turn the fan on in traffic. a light tap with the end of a screwdriver got it working again. After that, the van performed flawlessly across the country and back, going as fast as I needed to keep up with traffic. On the return trip, we had been enduring 100 degree days across the midwest and over the Rocky Mts. on highway?70 with no AC, so decided to take highway 15 west to the coast for some relief. US 15 across Utah and Nevada passes thru a geological feature known as the basin and range complex. We were traversing that, heading down slope off one range and across 5+ miles of valley floor when I saw in my mirror a F350 Ford towing a big 5th wheel trailer blowing black smoke as it was fixing to pass us. Lacking AC, we have all the windows open as it is over 100 degrees and I realize that he is going to smoke us out with "burning coal" so I step on it just enough to keep ahead of him. He has this huge box he is dragging so it wasn't hard to stay ahead, 3400 RPM in 5th was around 70 MPH so our little Buttercup was not straining. As we started to climb, I shifted to 4th and 4000 RPM and can see the smoke cloud increase in my rearview mirror as he kicks down?a gear. Finally up at the top of the pass, I see that the wind has shifted and the smoke is blowing back on his trailer, so I let him pass. He just stays in the fast lane, no let up,trailing a black cloud, as we resume our cruising?speed. The next up slope, 10 miles later, we see the same rig, over at the side of the road with the hood up and white smoke, not steam coming from the engine compartment. I couldn't help myself from giving him a friendly beep, beep,beep as we went by. That extra 40 HP makes the difference in these vans. You won't regret it. Paul 
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Re: Engine light check - Smog Check purgatory
The diagram for the ECU connectors is if you are looking at the wire side of the connectors. You can back probe at the connector by inserting a paper clip end and touch your probe to that. I'm thinking that if the CEL is blinking when you first turn the key to on there should be alternating voltage (less than 1v to 10-14v). It should be the same at the 14 pin connector (#14 if that's how it's wired). That leaves the bulb for the O2 counter. You could wire a separate LED as described.
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Re: Wiring for Check Engine Light
Hi everyone , didn¡¯t realize we had so many subi vanagons living in south SLO county.?
anyway once you get the CEL to come on, i find it worth the drive to get my 84 vanagon OBD1 2.2 smogged in ventura. the referee in oxnard did my first ever CA smog when i moved here from out of state.?
also smogies smog shop in ventura has a working dyno, and the shop owner and his son are both extremely knowledgeable (and supportive) of the subaru conversion in these vans.?
i¡¯m sure someone in SLO county can help too. just my $.02
-Nick ??
On Thu, Jan 18, 2024 at 4:23?PM vw_van_fan_Mark < madvws@...> wrote: Below is an old post from this group that may help you.
It is slightly trimmed and from the old yahoo group.
Mark
-------- Forwarded Message --------
Subject: Re: Wiring for Check Engine Light
Date:? ?Mon, 26 Jun 2017 22:36:09 -0400
From:? ?Larry A
Rich,
I don't know what KEP tells you about the check engine light;
Having said all that, I will tell you what I feel is relevant.
The most important info you need is what pin on the ECU goes to the CEL
on that year and model. You should be able to find this out from the
files on our group site or on sites that are linked to. That pin on the
ECU goes low (to ground) when the ECU wants to turn on the CEL. Thru a
resistor, that pin needs to be connected to the LED that you use for the
CEL. You did not mention whether you want to install it in the
instrument cluster or near the ECU. In any case you need to connect the
other end of the LED to a source of +12V that is on when the ignition is
on. Such a source of 12v can be found on the instrument cluster or on
the wires supplying the ECU.
The resistor in the circuit is needed to prevent the LED from being
overloaded by too much current. I would use something like 500 to 800
ohms, 1/2 watt or 1/4 watt. The LED will light only when it is
connected in the right direction. You can check this using a 9V battery
if you wish, again using the resistor to limit the current.
Good luck,
Larry A.
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Re: Wiring for Check Engine Light
Below is an old post from this group that may help you.
It is slightly trimmed and from the old yahoo group.
Mark
-------- Forwarded Message --------
Subject: Re: Wiring for Check Engine Light
Date: Mon, 26 Jun 2017 22:36:09 -0400
From: Larry A
Rich,
I don't know what KEP tells you about the check engine light;
Having said all that, I will tell you what I feel is relevant.
The most important info you need is what pin on the ECU goes to the CEL
on that year and model. You should be able to find this out from the
files on our group site or on sites that are linked to. That pin on the
ECU goes low (to ground) when the ECU wants to turn on the CEL. Thru a
resistor, that pin needs to be connected to the LED that you use for the
CEL. You did not mention whether you want to install it in the
instrument cluster or near the ECU. In any case you need to connect the
other end of the LED to a source of +12V that is on when the ignition is
on. Such a source of 12v can be found on the instrument cluster or on
the wires supplying the ECU.
The resistor in the circuit is needed to prevent the LED from being
overloaded by too much current. I would use something like 500 to 800
ohms, 1/2 watt or 1/4 watt. The LED will light only when it is
connected in the right direction. You can check this using a 9V battery
if you wish, again using the resistor to limit the current.
Good luck,
Larry A.
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Re: Engine light check - Smog Check purgatory
Thanks Christoph ¨C I am still learning/looking for a solution. Do you (or anybody) know which pin from the ECU I need to find? According to what I saw on Busaru.com, it should be part of connector F47, pin 19. Attached is the document from which I got this information. Check the bottom of the second page of this PDF ? If I have located this pin correctly (hard to know the orientation of the connector on the ecu), it has a red/yellow wire currently connected. A similar red/yellow wire can be found in the main VW cluster connection, but it is for coolant heating (per cluster images and VW information available), not anything to do with the CEL. ? I tried checking for voltage at that ECU pin, but got zero reading. This could be operator error (me!) as I am not sure the volt meter lead was getting any electrical connection in the first place. It¡¯s a small opening, and the red/yellow wire is firmly seated within it. Not much room for a volt meter lead. I¡¯ll try again later today. ? Thanks for the advice and knowledge. Am soaking it all up as fast/best as I can. ? tc ? ? ?
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From: [email protected] < [email protected]> On Behalf Of Christoph Pistor Sent: Wednesday, January 17, 2024 4:18 PM To: [email protected]Subject: Re: [SubaruVanagon] Engine light check - Smog Check purgatory ? Just like Wayne says you need to run a long wire from the ECU CEL pin to the LED in the dash. You really want that also to check error codes. Just because the light is not on does not mean you don't have any error codes. this is a good site to understand which codes are allowed at the SMOG and which are not: ? On Tue, Jan 16, 2024 at 3:58?PM Wayne Sitarz <wesitarz@...> wrote: What year 2.2? The ECU should have a CEL pin that should have certain voltages when on or off according to the pinout (Busaru.com) The CEL is likely wired through the black box upper left engine firewall. Do you have a labeled CEL in the dash cluster? Is there voltage at a repurposed wire at the 14 pin connector to the dash cluster when you turn ignition on? Did the CEL ever work? Ask the builder? If it's the bulb you could wire a LED somewhere on the dash.
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Re: Engine light check - Smog Check purgatory
Hi Wayne. Thanks for your input. ? - Year of the 2.2: The engine is a 1990 ¨C 94 Legacy. I believe the builder mentioned mine was from 1993 (but I am not aware how to verify that)
- Labeled CEL in the cluster ¨C I don¡¯t know about this, I certainly am not seeing anything labeled per se. But admittedly I don¡¯t really know just what I am looking for
- Volage at pin 14. I have the instrument cluster removed, have the dash cluster connector available, stuck a volt meter lead down pin 14, and I get a reading of 6.3 v with the key turned to the first position. Not sure what that is actually telling me, other than the value
- Did CEL ever work ¨C I never noticed it working, but then, I never looked for it until now. I have to assume the builder knows all about the CEL feature and would have had it working . I messaged the builder to verify, so far, no response, will try again. He¡¯s done hundreds conversions in California¡so¡
- Bulb working - Can¡¯t tell if it¡¯s the bulb or not, would be nice to test this with the instrument Cluster removed. My cluster version still has the dreaded blue foil, but shouldn¡¯t there be light pins for testing? There appear to be two metal points on the foil about where the light would be. Maybe I can put some voltage on them and test?
? Thx tc ?
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From: [email protected] < [email protected]> On Behalf Of Wayne Sitarz Sent: Tuesday, January 16, 2024 5:58 PM To: [email protected]Subject: Re: [SubaruVanagon] Engine light check - Smog Check purgatory ? What year 2.2? The ECU should have a CEL pin that should have certain voltages when on or off according to the pinout (Busaru.com) The CEL is likely wired through the black box upper left engine firewall. Do you have a labeled CEL in the dash cluster? Is there voltage at a repurposed wire at the 14 pin connector to the dash cluster when you turn ignition on? Did the CEL ever work? Ask the builder? If it's the bulb you could wire a LED somewhere on the dash.
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Re: Engine light check - Smog Check purgatory
There would only be a trans code if the ecu is from an automatic. You can get rid of that code too by grounding the single wire from the ecu for the auto trans.?
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On Jan 18, 2024 6:50 a.m., Richard W Stratford <daritysden@...> wrote: All you have to do is run a wire from ecu to dash, power up an led with ignition and ground with ecu wire. if you read the kennedy EO label, they expect the light to be on with transmission codes. Super easy and not worth tampering with the system, I would catch that and fail you.
On Thursday, January 18, 2024 at 12:41:46 AM PST, Terry Cline <tcline001@...> wrote:
Hey Ross ¨C thanks for connecting, and thanks for all of the info. One thing for sure ¨C I hope to build a base of potential support for these older VWs exactly for moments like this ¨C help with smog, engines, whatever. I have already met a couple others in the area, all with stories and experiences. As soon as I get the CEL working, I¡¯m expecting to get an appointment with the local ref. I think his name is Frank Rodriguez. ? Thanks again! Terry ? ? I live in Nipomo? - 87 doka, 92 ej22. I went to the ref at Cuesta College several years ago. I think that's the one you are talking about. If it's the same ref who was there when I went, he is very fair and very helpful, but he goes by the book.??
---------- Original Message ----------
From: "Terry Cline" <tcline001@...>
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [SubaruVanagon] Engine light check - Smog Check purgatory
Date: Tue, 16 Jan 2024 17:34:08 -0800
lol - Richard -a man of experience and wisdom! I¡¯ve been told that our local SLO referee has the equipment - and the authority to get me that mystical bar code sticker - to just complete the check at the appointment. One hopes, right?! But first, gotta solve the check light problem.? Thanks everybody for your help and knowledge. I¡¯m not out of the woods yet, but - knock on the vanagon - just one more task to complete.? That is¡.until the ref makes me jump through another hoop¡.? ? ? On Jan 16, 2024, at 4:26?PM, RICHARD KOERNER <rjkinpb@...> wrote:
It goes like this:? drive to your friendly Star Station, you say I need a Smog Check.? First question they ask:? What year is your vehicle?? You tell them, and they tell you:? "Well, our equipment for that is down right now, might be another week for repair."? So you schlep off to Station #2, and Station #3....and you get EXACTLY the same response!? Finally, you get smart, call around, ask if they have WORKING equipment; their response if lucky is "Yes; you got the BAR sticker?"? And then it all happens, finally.? Folks, this is extremely frustrating....but it is what it is. On Tuesday, January 16, 2024 at 03:43:11 PM PST, RICHARD KOERNER <rjkinpb@...> wrote: And here is my next line of thinking:? Referees "have" to have working equipment; yes, it takes a 2 stage appointment process to get in.? But 2 years ago when I sought the BAR sticker, the total price for Smog Certification was $8.25....so that sure beats the $100 at a neighborhood Star Station.? Heck, you've got to get your motor nice and hot anyway, so a 20 mile drive out of the way might be the way to go.? If a referee is the last resort because you cannot find a Star Station with working equipment, per the "Ask the Ref" site:? Provide a Specific reason you are seeking a Smog Check Referee inspection.? (My ref was a gruff guy....but fair, and he liked the nature of Subie/Vanagon conversions, he knew every detail.? And the appointment was right on time....no waiting.)
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Re: Engine light check - Smog Check purgatory
All you have to do is run a wire from ecu to dash, power up an led with ignition and ground with ecu wire. if you read the kennedy EO label, they expect the light to be on with transmission codes. Super easy and not worth tampering with the system, I would catch that and fail you.
On Thursday, January 18, 2024 at 12:41:46 AM PST, Terry Cline <tcline001@...> wrote:
Hey Ross ¨C thanks for connecting, and thanks for all of the info. One thing for sure ¨C I hope to build a base of potential support for these older VWs exactly for moments like this ¨C help with smog, engines, whatever. I have already met a couple others in the area, all with stories and experiences. As soon as I get the CEL working, I¡¯m expecting to get an appointment with the local ref. I think his name is Frank Rodriguez. ? Thanks again! Terry ?
From: [email protected] < [email protected]> On Behalf Of Rossmayfield@... Sent: Wednesday, January 17, 2024 6:12 PM To: [email protected]Subject: Re: [SubaruVanagon] Engine light check - Smog Check purgatory ? I live in Nipomo? - 87 doka, 92 ej22. I went to the ref at Cuesta College several years ago. I think that's the one you are talking about. If it's the same ref who was there when I went, he is very fair and very helpful, but he goes by the book.??
---------- Original Message ----------
From: "Terry Cline" <tcline001@...>
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [SubaruVanagon] Engine light check - Smog Check purgatory
Date: Tue, 16 Jan 2024 17:34:08 -0800
lol - Richard -a man of experience and wisdom! I¡¯ve been told that our local SLO referee has the equipment - and the authority to get me that mystical bar code sticker - to just complete the check at the appointment. One hopes, right?! But first, gotta solve the check light problem.? Thanks everybody for your help and knowledge. I¡¯m not out of the woods yet, but - knock on the vanagon - just one more task to complete.? That is¡.until the ref makes me jump through another hoop¡.? ? ? On Jan 16, 2024, at 4:26?PM, RICHARD KOERNER <rjkinpb@...> wrote:
It goes like this:? drive to your friendly Star Station, you say I need a Smog Check.? First question they ask:? What year is your vehicle?? You tell them, and they tell you:? "Well, our equipment for that is down right now, might be another week for repair."? So you schlep off to Station #2, and Station #3....and you get EXACTLY the same response!? Finally, you get smart, call around, ask if they have WORKING equipment; their response if lucky is "Yes; you got the BAR sticker?"? And then it all happens, finally.? Folks, this is extremely frustrating....but it is what it is. On Tuesday, January 16, 2024 at 03:43:11 PM PST, RICHARD KOERNER <rjkinpb@...> wrote: And here is my next line of thinking:? Referees "have" to have working equipment; yes, it takes a 2 stage appointment process to get in.? But 2 years ago when I sought the BAR sticker, the total price for Smog Certification was $8.25....so that sure beats the $100 at a neighborhood Star Station.? Heck, you've got to get your motor nice and hot anyway, so a 20 mile drive out of the way might be the way to go.? If a referee is the last resort because you cannot find a Star Station with working equipment, per the "Ask the Ref" site:? Provide a Specific reason you are seeking a Smog Check Referee inspection.? (My ref was a gruff guy....but fair, and he liked the nature of Subie/Vanagon conversions, he knew every detail.? And the appointment was right on time....no waiting.)
|
Re: Engine light check - Smog Check purgatory
Hey Ross ¨C thanks for connecting, and thanks for all of the info. One thing for sure ¨C I hope to build a base of potential support for these older VWs exactly for moments like this ¨C help with smog, engines, whatever. I have already met a couple others in the area, all with stories and experiences. As soon as I get the CEL working, I¡¯m expecting to get an appointment with the local ref. I think his name is Frank Rodriguez. ? Thanks again! Terry ?
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
From: [email protected] < [email protected]> On Behalf Of Rossmayfield@... Sent: Wednesday, January 17, 2024 6:12 PM To: [email protected]Subject: Re: [SubaruVanagon] Engine light check - Smog Check purgatory ? I live in Nipomo? - 87 doka, 92 ej22. I went to the ref at Cuesta College several years ago. I think that's the one you are talking about. If it's the same ref who was there when I went, he is very fair and very helpful, but he goes by the book.??
---------- Original Message ----------
From: "Terry Cline" <tcline001@...>
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [SubaruVanagon] Engine light check - Smog Check purgatory
Date: Tue, 16 Jan 2024 17:34:08 -0800
lol - Richard -a man of experience and wisdom! I¡¯ve been told that our local SLO referee has the equipment - and the authority to get me that mystical bar code sticker - to just complete the check at the appointment. One hopes, right?! But first, gotta solve the check light problem.? Thanks everybody for your help and knowledge. I¡¯m not out of the woods yet, but - knock on the vanagon - just one more task to complete.? That is¡.until the ref makes me jump through another hoop¡.? ? ? On Jan 16, 2024, at 4:26?PM, RICHARD KOERNER <rjkinpb@...> wrote:
It goes like this:? drive to your friendly Star Station, you say I need a Smog Check.? First question they ask:? What year is your vehicle?? You tell them, and they tell you:? "Well, our equipment for that is down right now, might be another week for repair."? So you schlep off to Station #2, and Station #3....and you get EXACTLY the same response!? Finally, you get smart, call around, ask if they have WORKING equipment; their response if lucky is "Yes; you got the BAR sticker?"? And then it all happens, finally.? Folks, this is extremely frustrating....but it is what it is. On Tuesday, January 16, 2024 at 03:43:11 PM PST, RICHARD KOERNER <rjkinpb@...> wrote: And here is my next line of thinking:? Referees "have" to have working equipment; yes, it takes a 2 stage appointment process to get in.? But 2 years ago when I sought the BAR sticker, the total price for Smog Certification was $8.25....so that sure beats the $100 at a neighborhood Star Station.? Heck, you've got to get your motor nice and hot anyway, so a 20 mile drive out of the way might be the way to go.? If a referee is the last resort because you cannot find a Star Station with working equipment, per the "Ask the Ref" site:? Provide a Specific reason you are seeking a Smog Check Referee inspection.? (My ref was a gruff guy....but fair, and he liked the nature of Subie/Vanagon conversions, he knew every detail.? And the appointment was right on time....no waiting.)
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Re: Engine light check - Smog Check purgatory
Terry-
I live in Nipomo? - 87 doka, 92 ej22.
I went to the ref at Cuesta College several years ago. I think that's the one you are talking about.
If it's the same ref who was there when I went, he is very fair and very helpful, but he goes by the book.??
---------- Original Message ---------- From: "Terry Cline" <tcline001@...> To: [email protected]Subject: Re: [SubaruVanagon] Engine light check - Smog Check purgatory Date: Tue, 16 Jan 2024 17:34:08 -0800
lol - Richard -a man of experience and wisdom!
?
I¡¯ve been told that our local SLO referee has the equipment - and the authority to get me that mystical bar code sticker - to just complete the check at the appointment. One hopes, right?!
?
But first, gotta solve the check light problem.?
?
Thanks everybody for your help and knowledge. I¡¯m not out of the woods yet, but - knock on the vanagon - just one more task to complete.?
?
That is¡.until the ref makes me jump through another hoop¡.?
?
Tc
?
On Jan 16, 2024, at 4:26?PM, RICHARD KOERNER <rjkinpb@...> wrote:
?
It goes like this:? drive to your friendly Star Station, you say I need a Smog Check.? First question they ask:? What year is your vehicle?? You tell them, and they tell you:? "Well, our equipment for that is down right now, might be another week for repair."? So you schlep off to Station #2, and Station #3....and you get EXACTLY the same response!? Finally, you get smart, call around, ask if they have WORKING equipment; their response if lucky is "Yes; you got the BAR sticker?"? And then it all happens, finally.? Folks, this is extremely frustrating....but it is what it is.
?
On Tuesday, January 16, 2024 at 03:43:11 PM PST, RICHARD KOERNER <rjkinpb@...> wrote:
?
?
?
And here is my next line of thinking:? Referees "have" to have working equipment; yes, it takes a 2 stage appointment process to get in.? But 2 years ago when I sought the BAR sticker, the total price for Smog Certification was $8.25....so that sure beats the $100 at a neighborhood Star Station.? Heck, you've got to get your motor nice and hot anyway, so a 20 mile drive out of the way might be the way to go.? If a referee is the last resort because you cannot find a Star Station with working equipment, per the "Ask the Ref" site:? Provide a Specific reason you are seeking a Smog Check Referee inspection.? (My ref was a gruff guy....but fair, and he liked the nature of Subie/Vanagon conversions, he knew every detail.? And the appointment was right on time....no waiting.)
?
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Re: Engine light check - Smog Check purgatory
Just like Wayne says you need to run a long wire from the ECU CEL pin to the LED in the dash. You really want that also to check error codes. Just because the light is not on does not mean you don't have any error codes. this is a good site to understand which codes are allowed at the SMOG and which are not:
Christoph
On Tue, Jan 16, 2024 at 3:58?PM Wayne Sitarz < wesitarz@...> wrote: What year 2.2? The ECU should have a CEL pin that should have certain voltages when on or off according to the pinout (Busaru.com) The CEL is likely wired through the black box upper left engine firewall. Do you have a labeled CEL in the dash cluster? Is there voltage at a repurposed wire at the 14 pin connector to the dash cluster when you turn ignition on? Did the CEL ever work? Ask the builder? If it's the bulb you could wire a LED somewhere on the dash.
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Re: Engine light check - Smog Check purgatory
What year 2.2? The ECU should have a CEL pin that should have certain voltages when on or off according to the pinout (Busaru.com) The CEL is likely wired through the black box upper left engine firewall. Do you have a labeled CEL in the dash cluster? Is there voltage at a repurposed wire at the 14 pin connector to the dash cluster when you turn ignition on? Did the CEL ever work? Ask the builder? If it's the bulb you could wire a LED somewhere on the dash.
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Re: Engine light check - Smog Check purgatory
lol - Richard -a man of experience and wisdom!
I¡¯ve been told that our local SLO referee has the equipment - and the authority to get me that mystical bar code sticker - to just complete the check at the appointment. One hopes, right?!
But first, gotta solve the check light problem.?
Thanks everybody for your help and knowledge. I¡¯m not out of the woods yet, but - knock on the vanagon - just one more task to complete.?
That is¡.until the ref makes me jump through another hoop¡.?
Tc
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On Jan 16, 2024, at 4:26?PM, RICHARD KOERNER <rjkinpb@...> wrote:
?
It goes like this:? drive to your friendly Star Station, you say I need a Smog Check.? First question they ask:? What year is your vehicle?? You tell them, and they tell you:? "Well, our equipment for that is down right now, might be another week for repair."? So you schlep off to Station #2, and Station #3....and you get EXACTLY the same response!? Finally, you get smart, call around, ask if they have WORKING equipment; their response if lucky is "Yes; you got the BAR sticker?"? And then it all happens, finally.? Folks, this is extremely frustrating....but it is what it is.
On Tuesday, January 16, 2024 at 03:43:11 PM PST, RICHARD KOERNER <rjkinpb@...> wrote:
And here is my next line of thinking:? Referees "have" to have working equipment; yes, it takes a 2 stage appointment process to get in.? But 2 years ago when I sought the BAR sticker, the total price for Smog Certification was $8.25....so that sure beats the $100 at a neighborhood Star Station.? Heck, you've got to get your motor nice and hot anyway, so a 20 mile drive out of the way might be the way to go.? If a referee is the last resort because you cannot find a Star Station with working equipment, per the "Ask the Ref" site:? Provide a Specific reason you are seeking a Smog Check Referee inspection.? (My ref was a gruff guy....but fair, and he liked the nature of Subie/Vanagon conversions, he knew every detail.? And the appointment was right on time....no waiting.)
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Re: Engine light check - Smog Check purgatory
It goes like this:? drive to your friendly Star Station, you say I need a Smog Check.? First question they ask:? What year is your vehicle?? You tell them, and they tell you:? "Well, our equipment for that is down right now, might be another week for repair."? So you schlep off to Station #2, and Station #3....and you get EXACTLY the same response!? Finally, you get smart, call around, ask if they have WORKING equipment; their response if lucky is "Yes; you got the BAR sticker?"? And then it all happens, finally.? Folks, this is extremely frustrating....but it is what it is.
On Tuesday, January 16, 2024 at 03:43:11 PM PST, RICHARD KOERNER <rjkinpb@...> wrote:
And here is my next line of thinking:? Referees "have" to have working equipment; yes, it takes a 2 stage appointment process to get in.? But 2 years ago when I sought the BAR sticker, the total price for Smog Certification was $8.25....so that sure beats the $100 at a neighborhood Star Station.? Heck, you've got to get your motor nice and hot anyway, so a 20 mile drive out of the way might be the way to go.? If a referee is the last resort because you cannot find a Star Station with working equipment, per the "Ask the Ref" site:? Provide a Specific reason you are seeking a Smog Check Referee inspection.? (My ref was a gruff guy....but fair, and he liked the nature of Subie/Vanagon conversions, he knew every detail.? And the appointment was right on time....no waiting.)
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Re: Engine light check - Smog Check purgatory
Repurposing the Vanagon OXS light for OBD 1 codes requires some rewiring:? ? And if your Vansagon OXS light still ]ights up you can fake it with this :? until you fix it.? But you are best off contacting your installer, he should have gotten this working for a CA customer, ? ? Stuart ?
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From: [email protected] < [email protected]> On Behalf Of Terry Cline Sent: Tuesday, January 16, 2024 2:10 PM To: [email protected]Subject: Re: [SubaruVanagon] Engine light check - Smog Check purgatory ? Thanks. It¡¯s definitely not coming on during start up/ignition. I can take the dash off, have done that. What should I be looking for? Wiring issue at the light itself? Bad ignition switch? Ground missing somehow? Other?? Tc ? I feel for you. My wife didn't bother to change the address for her 98 Yukon when we moved here to Nipomo from the Bay area. Try finding a Star inspection station in south SLO county. Finally found one in Oceana. I would go back to California Westys as the install doesn't sound complete. ? Terry All they need to see is the light to come on when you turn the key. If it's not coming on then, maybe it is not hooked up, or something like that. ? On Tue, Jan 16, 2024 at 11:01?AM Terry Cline <tcline001@...> wrote: Hi all ¨C I have an ¡¯87 Vanagon conversion, done a year ago November. I¡¯m in California. Just got my first Registration notice that requires a smog check. ? Going through the ringer with the Referee trying to get the Bar Code sticker that all my local smog stations seem to need. Fair enough. ? As part of the referee process, the referee says he needs to see a functional Check Engine light, and I assume he wants to see that it comes on. I don¡¯t know a way to get the light to come on. Needless to say, the engine is in great shape, so no reason for it to come on in the first place. Any ideas? It does not light up when I start the engine. ? This is the Subaru 2.2L conversion, as described by CARB executive order D-428-4, KEP (Kennedy Engineered Products), installed by California Westys in El Cajon, CA. ? In my third day of trying to get a smog check. Ugh. ? Thanks for any ideas on showing a functional Check Engine light. ? Terry Cline Paso Robles, CA 805 305 7638
--
Where ever you are, there you be. Unless you're driving my van, in which case, you ain't got there yet.
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Re: Engine light check - Smog Check purgatory
And here is my next line of thinking:? Referees "have" to have working equipment; yes, it takes a 2 stage appointment process to get in.? But 2 years ago when I sought the BAR sticker, the total price for Smog Certification was $8.25....so that sure beats the $100 at a neighborhood Star Station.? Heck, you've got to get your motor nice and hot anyway, so a 20 mile drive out of the way might be the way to go.? If a referee is the last resort because you cannot find a Star Station with working equipment, per the "Ask the Ref" site:? Provide a Specific reason you are seeking a Smog Check Referee inspection.? (My ref was a gruff guy....but fair, and he liked the nature of Subie/Vanagon conversions, he knew every detail.? And the appointment was right on time....no waiting.)
On Tuesday, January 16, 2024 at 02:50:57 PM PST, RICHARD KOERNER <rjkinpb@...> wrote:
Here is my theory:? For old OBD1 setups, the Star Stations use a dynonometer gizmo--a mechanical contraption where the technician "drives" the rear wheels on big steel cylindrical things, and things spin around really fast.? I'm pretty sure these often break down....and expensive to fix...so they don't.? The market for OBD1 vehicles is growing smaller and smaller; for my OBD2 2004 Toyota Highlander and similar which is a huge market, they just plug into the port and check for codes.? CA laws make this item difficult for us SubieVanagon guys.? Finding a shop with a working dynonometer is going to be the next challenge; also, that's why they are asking for the BAR sticker....makes their job easier and faster...less headaches.
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Re: Engine light check - Smog Check purgatory
Here is my theory:? For old OBD1 setups, the Star Stations use a dynonometer gizmo--a mechanical contraption where the technician "drives" the rear wheels on big steel cylindrical things, and things spin around really fast.? I'm pretty sure these often break down....and expensive to fix...so they don't.? The market for OBD1 vehicles is growing smaller and smaller; for my OBD2 2004 Toyota Highlander and similar which is a huge market, they just plug into the port and check for codes.? CA laws make this item difficult for us SubieVanagon guys.? Finding a shop with a working dynonometer is going to be the next challenge; also, that's why they are asking for the BAR sticker....makes their job easier and faster...less headaches.
On Tuesday, January 16, 2024 at 02:35:18 PM PST, RICHARD KOERNER <rjkinpb@...> wrote:
Another guy worth a telephone call is Steve Johnson in Alpine (S&S Performance); he provides all the motors for California Westys.? And occasionally does Vanagon conversions (his shop is kind of out in the boondocks) which makes transportation logistics difficult for a conversion, but might be just right for the 1 hour job.
On Tuesday, January 16, 2024 at 02:21:56 PM PST, Terry Cline <tcline001@...> wrote:
Good to know - I¡¯m not alone, lol. What I¡¯ve learned so far is that the check engine light SHOULD go on at startup. Don¡¯t recall if it¡¯s ever gone on, since before and after the conversion. I¡¯ll dig around, popping off the instrument cluster to see if a nothing is obviously causing this. It¡¯s back to Caesar if problems continue.?
On Jan 16, 2024, at 2:16?PM, RICHARD KOERNER <rjkinpb@...> wrote:
?
Since you are in Paso Robles, and California Westys is in San Diego, how about a quick call to Ceasar there?? He might tell you where to look.? I just got smogged at a Star Station in the San Diego area; I went to 3 shops....all of them said "equipment is down".? Went to a 4th one and passed.? They did ask if I had a BAR sticker (which I did)....that seems to be a growing trend..but all went smoothly (over $100 now for smog check at a Star Station).
On Tuesday, January 16, 2024 at 11:01:27 AM PST, Terry Cline <tcline001@...> wrote:
Hi all ¨C I have an ¡¯87 Vanagon conversion, done a year ago November. I¡¯m in California. Just got my first Registration notice that requires a smog check. ? Going through the ringer with the Referee trying to get the Bar Code sticker that all my local smog stations seem to need. Fair enough. ? As part of the referee process, the referee says he needs to see a functional Check Engine light, and I assume he wants to see that it comes on. I don¡¯t know a way to get the light to come on. Needless to say, the engine is in great shape, so no reason for it to come on in the first place. Any ideas? It does not light up when I start the engine. ? This is the Subaru 2.2L conversion, as described by CARB executive order D-428-4, KEP (Kennedy Engineered Products), installed by California Westys in El Cajon, CA. ? In my third day of trying to get a smog check. Ugh. ? Thanks for any ideas on showing a functional Check Engine light. ? Terry Cline Paso Robles, CA 805 305 7638
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Re: Engine light check - Smog Check purgatory
Another guy worth a telephone call is Steve Johnson in Alpine (S&S Performance); he provides all the motors for California Westys.? And occasionally does Vanagon conversions (his shop is kind of out in the boondocks) which makes transportation logistics difficult for a conversion, but might be just right for the 1 hour job.
On Tuesday, January 16, 2024 at 02:21:56 PM PST, Terry Cline <tcline001@...> wrote:
Good to know - I¡¯m not alone, lol. What I¡¯ve learned so far is that the check engine light SHOULD go on at startup. Don¡¯t recall if it¡¯s ever gone on, since before and after the conversion. I¡¯ll dig around, popping off the instrument cluster to see if a nothing is obviously causing this. It¡¯s back to Caesar if problems continue.?
On Jan 16, 2024, at 2:16?PM, RICHARD KOERNER <rjkinpb@...> wrote:
?
Since you are in Paso Robles, and California Westys is in San Diego, how about a quick call to Ceasar there?? He might tell you where to look.? I just got smogged at a Star Station in the San Diego area; I went to 3 shops....all of them said "equipment is down".? Went to a 4th one and passed.? They did ask if I had a BAR sticker (which I did)....that seems to be a growing trend..but all went smoothly (over $100 now for smog check at a Star Station).
On Tuesday, January 16, 2024 at 11:01:27 AM PST, Terry Cline <tcline001@...> wrote:
Hi all ¨C I have an ¡¯87 Vanagon conversion, done a year ago November. I¡¯m in California. Just got my first Registration notice that requires a smog check. ? Going through the ringer with the Referee trying to get the Bar Code sticker that all my local smog stations seem to need. Fair enough. ? As part of the referee process, the referee says he needs to see a functional Check Engine light, and I assume he wants to see that it comes on. I don¡¯t know a way to get the light to come on. Needless to say, the engine is in great shape, so no reason for it to come on in the first place. Any ideas? It does not light up when I start the engine. ? This is the Subaru 2.2L conversion, as described by CARB executive order D-428-4, KEP (Kennedy Engineered Products), installed by California Westys in El Cajon, CA. ? In my third day of trying to get a smog check. Ugh. ? Thanks for any ideas on showing a functional Check Engine light. ? Terry Cline Paso Robles, CA 805 305 7638
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Terry Cline
