Just to update. I did get my car professionally fixed. I brought it back there and said I did it myself. (They knew I didn't, but they still checked it without charging again.)
And due to my battery dying a few days before, the smog check didn't pass! I had to drive car 50 miles or more in order for the sensors to work..but they would do it again for free. (That was polite and above the 1 free recheck policy.)
I drove my car a few hundred miles, it passed smog check. I was impressed that TOS smog check went above and beyond by smog checking a total of 3 times. So I thought an update was in my review was in order. Thanks TOS smog test!
Pros: Smog Check is done!
Cons: Still a bit of a wait...
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