Interesting....
Here's what I found...
The final part of the entire smog test process is the functional inspection.
The functional inspection is conducted by the smog technician and is hands-on.
The smog technician will ensure proper operation of the following emissions components and systems.
A. Engine Ignition Timing B. Check Engine Light C. Gas Cap & Filler Neck D. Exhaust Recirculation Valve (EGR) E. Fuel EVAP Test (LPFET)
D. Exhaust Gas Recirculation Valve (EGR)During the smog test your vehicle's EGR valve will be inspected for proper operation. This test applies to vehicles which are administered the "basic" California emissions test. your vehicle will not be driven on a dynamometer, and it's EGR valve will be manually checked.
How The EGR Valve is Tested - The EGR valve test process and what to do if your car fails or failed the EGR valve check.
EGR stands for exhaust gas recirculation. The EGR system recirculates exhaust gas back into the combustion chambers. Since these recycled exhaust gases have already been in the combustion chambers once, they have burned up most of their fuels, means there is now much less real fuel in the chambers to ignite. This keeps the chamber temperatures down and thus reduces NOx emissions. The EGR valve should be inspected to ensure its proper operation. A working valve should be able to open its passage using manifold vacuum.
Manifold vacuum is created during the engine's intake cycle. The high demand for air during this cycle creates a vacuum within the engine's intake manifold. This vacuum is then used to control several important functions within the vehicle, including controlling the EGR valve. Some vehicles even rely on this vacuum to control their heating and air-conditioning components. The EGR system is prone to collecting carbon build-up. Some vehicle manufacturers recommend cleaning this component an a regular basis. Please Click on "Under Your Hood" for more information on EGR valves and testing procedures.
The following vehicles are equipped with EGR systems - Acura, Audi, Buick, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Plymouth, Fiat, Ford, GM, GMC, Saturn, Honda, Hyundai, Infiniti, Isuzu, Jaguar, Jeep, Lexus, Mazda, Mercedes Benz, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Peugeot, Porsche, Renault, Land Range Rover, Saab, Saturn, Subaru, Suzuki, Toyota, Volkswagen, VW, Volvo, and Winnebago.
Now, with all of THAT being said...
If you performed the EGR test IAW the FSM, then there shouldn't be a problem. I would take it back to them and WATCH them physically do the hands-on test to verify exactly WHAT failed.
I call Bull@!*%.