Have a car that needs it's every other year smog check, and I know the Check Engine Light is on. THis person would qualify for low income. I know there is a procedure too follow, like maybe FAILING the test, then applying for the help.

DOes anyone have any experience with the program?

Used cars seem to be at a premium lately, even thinking of retiring it for the 1000, or 1500 the state can offer, seems nice, until you realize you have to replace it with something, and those folks on Craigslist seem to be turning over cars for quite a bit more than I remember paying in the past.

No ability to reset the check engine ? Usually that means they have to actually sample the car (unless they reject it out of hand).

At least pull the codes.. most auto parts stores will do that for you for nothing. Sometimes it's something as simple as a new gas cap, or at least clean the seals on the one you have. It might be nice to know what the actual problem is.

IF I remember this 95 Ford Contour is an OB 1, not OBII, harder to get codes, flashing light type of thing.

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Microman
IF I remember this 95 Ford Contour is an OB 1, not OBII, harder to get codes, flashing light type of thing.

Still not a big deal. You're trying to put the cart before the horse. Have the codes pulled and reset and figure out if its something very simple like the gas cap or a bad oxygen sensor before looking into the consumer assistance program (for which informaton is readily available under the google).

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"So be proud to be a decent American instead of just a w'anker whipping up fear!" - Michael D. Higgins, President of Ireland

Unfortunately, you can't just reset it and go immediately to the smog station. You have to have some "history" in the system for it to work.

I had some obscure transmission fault code, and what I had to do was reset it, then drive about 50 miles under 45 mph. That allowed enough information to get stored that it passed smog test.

That was like torture, I stayed under 40 miles an hour, and it seems like I could've gotten out and walked faster. I was recommended that I should say off the freeway. It may have just been because of the code for my transmission, but it's worth a shot for you.

The OBD II code readers can be had on Amazon for around $20.

Ah yes, the 'short a pin in a connector and count the lights flashing". Yeah, I've done that. It's not difficult, just fussy. I used a bent paperclip for the 'jumper.