1. Obtain a Voucher
- Attend a Tune In & Tune Up in-person event, or
- Call 707-866-3004 to receive a voucher.
2. Schedule an Appointment
- Book an appointment with a participating STAR test-and-repair station.
- Appointments can be scheduled in coordination with our team at an in-person event, over the phone, or on your own time.
- If you schedule independently, please be sure to inform our team of your appointment details.
3. Smog Check Inspection
- With your authorization, the shop will perform a smog check inspection.
- If your vehicle passes: You’ll receive a certificate of compliance.
- If your vehicle fails: The shop will perform a diagnostic test to identify the cause of failure.
4. Repair Estimate & Approval
- The shop will provide a diagnostic report and a repair cost estimate.
- You must approve or decline the recommended repairs before any work can begin.
5. Repair & Payment Process
- If you approve the repairs and agree to any out-of-pocket expenses, payment will be due at vehicle pickup.
- Repairs typically take 3–5 days, so review all details carefully before authorizing the work.
6. If You Decline Repairs
- The program will still cover the cost of the inspection and diagnostic tests.
If you need more time to decide, you may return within 90 days to avoid additional testing and diagnostic fees.
The TITU Program will only reimburse participating STAR test-and-repair stations for emissions-related repairs that are:
- Approved by the program, and
- Necessary to correct Smog Check inspection failure(s) identified on the Vehicle Inspection Report (VIR).
Covered Repairs
Cooling System (only with related failing codes)
- Thermostats
- Temperature sensors
- Radiators
- Coolant hoses
- Cooling fans, belts, clutches
- Fan controls (switches & relays)
Air Injection System
- Electric/mechanical air pumps
- Manifolds
- Switching valves
- Check valves
PCV Systems
- PCV valves, grommets
- Vacuum & PCV hoses
- Diaphragms
- Valve covers with integrated PCV system
EGR Systems
- EGR valves
- Vacuum/electronic controls
- EGR passage cleaning
Evaporative Emissions Systems
- EVAP leaks
- Purge/vent valves & solenoids
- Rollover valves
- Canisters
- Gas caps
Vacuum Brake Boosters
- Brake boosters
- Check valves
- Vacuum diaphragms
Computer Control Systems
- Oxygen (O₂) sensors / A/F sensors
- Air flow meters
- Boost sensors
- Reprogramming (for verified sensor/component repair)
- Knock sensors, wires/pigtails
Ignition Systems
- Spark plugs, wires, boots
- Ignition coils
- Distributor, caps & rotors
- Crankshaft/camshaft sensors
- Engine temp sensors
- Harmonic balancers
Intake Systems
- Intake manifolds & gaskets
- Plenum gaskets, runners, controls
- Front grill shutters
- Superchargers
- Throttle body assembly
- Air injection ducts
- Idle air valves
- Fresh air intakes
- Vacuum leaks
- Valve cover gaskets (for vacuum/lean codes only)
- Air induction cleaning (when required for induction-related codes)
- MAP/BARO sensor
Fuel Systems
- Fuel injectors
- Fuel filters
- Fuel pumps
- Fuel tanks & filler necks
- Fuel leaks
Mechanical
- Basic valve adjustments (via valve cover removal)
- VVT solenoids / cylinder deactivation solenoids
- Engine oil pressure switch (with associated codes)
Exhaust Emissions
- Exhaust manifold gaskets, manifolds, flex pipes, donut gaskets, flange kits
- CARB-compliant catalytic converters
- Turbochargers & related components
OBD Monitor Reset
- Drive cycle / setting monitors (for vehicles with easily set readiness monitors)
- If Permanent Trouble Codes (PDTC) remain, do not charge — advise customer on correct mileage expectation (≈200 miles or 15 warm-up cycles).
Repairs Not Covered
Transmission
- All 700- and 800-series DTCs
- Manufacturer-specific transmission codes
Charging & Starting Systems
- Alternators, batteries, cables
- Ignition switches
- Starters
- Keys
Braking Systems
- ABS systems and components
- Wheel speed sensors
- Master brake cylinders
- Brake lines & fluid
- Vacuum pumps (mechanical/electrical)
Routine Maintenance
- Oil changes / oil filters
- Air filters
- Other scheduled maintenance (note: spark plugs, caps, and rotors are covered)
HVAC & Cooling Systems
- Water pumps
- HVAC codes
- Ambient air temperature sensors
- Heater cores
- Evaporator cores & hoses
Major Mechanical Repairs
- Valve grinds, cylinder heads, piston rings
- Mechanical engine oil pressure systems
- Mufflers, exhaust pipes, resonators
- Valve cover gaskets (for oil leaks only)
- Crankshaft/camshaft assemblies
- Valve rocker arms/assemblies
- Timing chains, belts, idler pulleys, timing covers
- Engine/transmission oil coolers
Exceptions:
- Valve cover assemblies with vacuum regulator diaphragm
- Valve cover gaskets for lean codes or vacuum leaks
- Crankshaft/camshaft sensors & solenoids (if oil maintenance was maintained)
- Valve adjustments via valve cover removal
ECM/PCM (Engine/Powertrain Control Modules)
- Replacement codes for ECM/PCM are not covered
- Failures due to covered emissions components may be eligible
MIL (Malfunction Indicator Lamp) Issues
- Bulbs, wiring, tampering
- Inoperative OBD/CEL plug
Tampered/Modified Emissions Systems
- Modified catalytic converters, straight pipes
- O₂ assimilators & spacers
- Exception: Verified stolen converters (no tampering or pipe replacement)
- CARB-rescinded catalytic converters may be covered