Can Smog Test Torch Car Battery?

Asked by GuruD5WKGM Jan 22, 2024 at 10:04 AM about the 2015 Honda CR-V EX AWD

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

I took my 2015 Honda CR-V yesterday for a smog test here in California. It
was serviced at a Honda Dealership a month ago. After the smog test, my
car would not start. The technician told me that the battery was old and likely
needed to be replaced. The weird thing is that I hadn't had any issues before
the smog test. We successfully jumped the car and I drove it yesterday, but
now the same issue this AM. It won't start. I recognize that the battery is old
(probably around 5 years old), but could the smog test have done something
to the battery? I'm going to replace the battery, I'm just confused as to why
the car was fine before I took it for the test and now won't start.

4 Answers

157,615

No, I don't think the smog test had anything to do with your battery dying. I've had batteries literally drop dead on me without any warning. Two were AC Delco and one was an Interstate. If the battery is 5 years old it's time for a new one. If you plan on replacing it yourself make sure you plug in a memory saver device before you disconnect the old battery. Many newer vehicles must have their computers powered up all the time, including during a battery replacement. Otherwise you'll need to go back to the Dealer for the computers to be reprogrammed. You should also put some Vaseline on the battery terminals before you hook up the cables. This will prevent corrosion in the future. Hope that helps! Jim

310,255

I’ve had this happen to me, my vehicle started fine, drove to town parked shut it off, did my shopping and when I tried to start it, nothing the battery just went away that quick, replaced the battery and everything was fine. If you got 5 years out of a battery you got 2 years longer than most.

40,015

If you had to jump that battery then it was on it's way out and could have died at any time , Use a memory saver if you do it yourself

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