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A week ago my car failed the CA smog test. This is the second time it failed even after adding in some snake oil I mean product called “Guaranteed to Pass Emissions Test.” For those that are not aware CAians have to have their vehicle smogged every two years. A month ago it failed at the 15 mph mark and was labeled a gross polluter at 25 mph. The catalytic converter is not even 2 years old since it failed two years ago. What I would like from here is a heads up as to what component(s) can cause these poor readings so I can have an idea what this will cost. The hydrocarbons and the CO% are what need to be lowered. Many thanks!
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what type vehicle do you have ? can you give us the year , eng size , milage. besides the cat what else have you done to it ? any cel on ? I live in sandiego and am all to familiar with cali smog headaches.
@619DioFan: Wow small world. I am also in San Diego. The vehicle is: 1999 Mits. Eclipse RS non turbo 2.0, 202,XXX miles. The only thing that I have recently done is the thermostat.
I would start with a complete tune up ( cap , wires , plugs etc ) also air filter and pcv valve. also a fresh oil change ( actualy had a smog guy tell me that a fresh oil change can help – maybe bs – maybe not ) I recommend the above based on not knowing the condition of said parts. even if no cel on I would still scan for codes. a scan tool that reads live data is helpful. how is the car running as of now ? any missing , oil burning , symptoms of low compression . I would do a compression test and leak down test to check for any excessive internal wear. I will PM you where I take my cars for smog checks.
619DioFan: What stands out from you said is oil! Every time it is running it smells like it is burning oil. When it was on the dyno it was blowing a blueish smoke. When it failed in Aug. 2012 it failed the PCV valve of the visual inspection part. I have already changed that myself. The air filter is K&N and is about 9 months old and I did a tune up about 18 months ago. I am not sure of the signs of low compression but for a 4 cyl it gets horrible fuel economy and lacks a lot of power.
I live in California as well. Please provide your numbers and the allowable limit for 15 mph and 25 mph.
Six6vetteguy:
15 mph: Hydrocarbons – max 60 my car 181; CO% – max .53 my car .91 (FAILED)
25 mph: Hydrocarbons – max 43 my car 250; CO% – max .51 my car 1.43 (GROSS POLLUTER)
hope this helps
How long does it take you to burn a liter of oil? Do you see black smoke out the exhaust? I’m guessing you have failing rings, and the oil burning is what lead to the cat failure two years ago. A compression test will likely be a fail as well.
Not living in California, I presume if you fail emissions, you can’t get a registration — correct? Too bad, but it sounds like your engine is on it’s last legs anyway…. Maybe it’s time for the car to move or retire.
The thing that stood out to me was the K&N air filter. These are often over-oiled, which will contaminate the MAF sensor if the car uses one. This will in turn give the ECM false air readings, and will cause the fuel map to be off. I would replace the filter with an OEM unit, clean the MAF (again if it has one) and see what happens.
CO is the ‘rich indicator’ and high HC would also indicate a ‘rich’ condition.
An ignition miss could cause this so the suggested ‘complete tune up’ is a great place to start. If however this doesn’t do enough then I would be checking the fuel injectors, you might have one that’s leaking OR there might be a problem with the fuel pressure regulator. Here is a video I did on doing a power balance test that could help you find a problem like that.
One last thing, if you have any check engine lights address those first.
I would also like to add doing a compression test with that amount of mileage on the vehicle-
I have also heard that before a smog test, it is best to make sure that you go for a spirited drive to make sure the vehicle is at operating temperature.
Keep us posted.
**Update** I got my car back yesterday and it passed the test. It had a bad oxygen sensor. I am safe for another 2 years!
BTW I had no idea the oxygen sensor could cause such bad readings.
Glad that the car passed emissions. The o2 sensor is a
vital component.Thanks for the update.see you in two years.banana:Glad that the car passed emissions. The o2 sensor is a
vital component.Thanks for the update.see you in two years.banana:
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