Redeeming a Tune In & Tune Up Voucher

Voucher Qualification
  • The participating vehicle must meet the following criteria:
    • Currently registered in California.
    • Registered with California DMV as a Planned Non-Operational (PNO).
    • Currently delinquent in the California registration renewal process.
    • Is not currently eligible for a manufacturer’s warranty, extended warranty or have any emission related open recalls. Please click here for more information.
    • Is gasoline-powered light or medium duty (GVWR less than 14,000 pounds).
      Please click here for more information.
    • Vehicle is operational, testable, and can undergo a Smog Test Inspection.
    • Must not have used a voucher with a repair date less than twelve months.
  • The registered vehicle owner, individual, nonprofit, or a small business must meet the following criteria:
    • Is a resident within the San Joaquin Valley jurisdiction.
    • Is not involved in the business of purchasing and selling vehicles.
    • Must agree to all program terms & conditions before receiving a voucher.
  • The following is a step-by-step process for how to redeem your voucher:
    • Receive a smog repair voucher.
    • Schedule an appointment with a participating STAR test-and-repair station.
    • The shop station with your authorization will perform a Smog Check inspection to determine your eligibility for repairs.
    • If your vehicle passes the smog check inspection, you will receive a certificate of compliance, this will finalize the voucher process. If your check engine light comes on after receiving a smog certification utilizing the voucher, you will not be eligible for repair assitance for the next 12 months.
    • If your vehicle fails the inspection because of program approved emissions-related repairs, with your authorization the shop will continue with tests & diagnostics.
    • The shop will follow up with the results of their diagnostics and an estimated cost of repairs.
    • You will need to approve or decline the needed/suggested repairs to move forward in the process.
    • Once you approve repairs and agree to any out-of-pocket expenses, you will be required to issue such payment once your vehicle is ready. Please understand all repairs and your responsibility before you give authorization to the shop to continue.
    • If you decline repairs, the program will cover the cost inquire from the test and diagnostic performed by the shop. To avoid having to pay for a new test & diagnostic, you must return within 90 days to the shop to continue with your repairs
Emissions-Related Approved Repairs

TITU will only reimburse a participating STAR test-and-repair station 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.

The following emissions-related repairs are covered by TITU.

  • Positive crankcase ventilation systems. This includes:
    • PCV valves
    • grommets
    • hoses
    • vacuum regulated diaphragms.
    • valve covers with PCV integrated system
  • Exhaust gas recirculation systems
    • EGR valve
    • EGR controls (vacuum, or electronic)
    • Variable valve timing solenoids (VVT)
  • Evaporative emissions control systems
    • EVAP leaks
    • purge valve & solenoids
    • vent valve & solenoids
    • fuel breather valves
    • rollover valves
    • EVAP canisters
  • Computer control systems
    • oxygen sensors
    • A/F sensors
    • air flow meter sensors
    • boost sensors
    • Drive cycle to set monitors
    • Ignition systems
    • Spark plugs
      • Spark plug wires
    • Ignition coil(s)
    • Distributor
    • Cap & rotor
    • Crankshaft sensor
    • Camshaft sensor
  • Intake systems
    • Intake manifold
    • Intake manifold gaskets
    • Plenum gaskets
    • Intake manifold runners
    • Intake manifold runner controls
    • Superchargers & Components
    • Throttle body assemblies & gaskets
    • Air Intake tube or duct
    • Idle air control valves
    • Fresh air intake system
  • Fuel systems
    • Fuel injectors
    • Fuel filters
    • Fuel pump
    • Fuel tanks
  • Mechanical repairs such as:
    • Valve adjustment on vehicles where the valves can be adjusted by simply removing the valve cover will be covered. However, valve adjustments that required head removal or camshaft removal are not approved.
  • Exhaust emissions control systems
    • Exhaust manifold gaskets
    • Exhaust manifold crack welds
    • Catalytic converters
    • Manifold converters
    • Turbochargers & components
Non-Approved Repairs

According to the Environmental Protection Agency and the California Air Resources Board, any Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) that turns on the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) increases vehicle emissions. However, the following list provides guidance for repairs that are not approved by the TITU program.

  • Any component of the car that is not directly connected to emissions will not be covered by the program.
  • Transmission repairs, which are usually identified by 700 or 800 series DTCs stored in memory (or any manufacture specific transmission codes), are not approved.
  • All charging systems and starting systems are not covered.
    • Alternators
    • Batteries
    • Hybrid Batteries
    • Electric motors
    • Ignition switches
    • Starters
    • Keys
  • All brakes and brake systems are not covered, this includes:
    • Brake booster, check valve and diaphragm
    • ABS, ABS systems, components, and controls, etc.
    • Clutches
    • Pressure plates
  • Oil changes, oil filter, air filters, or other scheduled maintenance items are not covered. Spark plugs, cap & rotors are excluded from this list.
  • HVAC & Cooling system repairs are not covered. This includes:
    • Coolant
    • Thermostats
    • Radiators (including DOR radiators)
    • Fan belts
    • Water pumps
    • Cooling fans and controls, etc.
    • HVAC Codes
  • Air injection systems are not covered, including:
    • Air switching valves.
    • Air injection manifolds
    • Air pumps/Smog pump (electric or mechanical)
  • Mechanical repairs are not covered. This includes, but is not limited to:
    • Valves grinds
    • Cylinders heads
    • Piston rings
    • Engine oil pressure systems/switches
    • Exhaust manifolds, mufflers, and resonators
    • Valve cover gaskets (only)
    • Cylinder head repairs for spark plugs
    • Crankshaft and camshaft assemblies
    • Valve rocker arm assemblies
    • Valve rocker arms
    • Valve adjustments
    • Timing chains, timing belts, idler pulleys, harmonic balancers, and timing covers
  • ECMs, PCMs, and/or reprogramming are not covered.
  • Inoperative MIL, also known as Check Engine Light (CEL), is not covered. This includes bulbs, wiring, and any tampers to the MIL/CEL system. This also includes inoperative OBD\OBDII plug-in, wiring and tampers.
  • Modified and tampered emission control systems are not covered.
    • NOTE: Except for stolen/missing catalytic converters (CAT(s)).
    • Modified Catalytic Converters are not covered.
    • Straight Pipe are not covered.
  • Modified/Tampered O2 sensor(s) are not covered.
  • All manufacturer coverage will have to be expired or not eligible to use a voucher for emissions related repairs under the following criteria:
    • Emissions recalls
    • Extended warranty coverage on emission components.
    • PZEV warranty coverage (Partial Zero Emission Vehicles PZEVs have a warranty covering certain emission-related components for up to 15 years or 150,000 miles)
Specific Program Information
  • The following vehicles are not eligible for program participation.
    • Vehicles with GVWR greater than 14,000 pounds
    • Diesel Vehicles
    • Electric Vehicles (Full EV)