Car problem. I cannot pass the smog check!!!!

[BamBam215]

I hate California emissions law and their dumb "test only" requirements. The purpose is to keep the environment clean right? So how come when I fail the smog test, they are legally NOT allowed to tell me what the problem is? Anyways...

I drive a '93 Accord SE. Two years ago I passed my smog tests but the C.O. emissions seems to be borderline. This year I had to take my car to a test only center and it failed in the N.O. emissions and again barely passed the C.O. I asked around and since both C.O. and N.O. was pretty high, it might be the EGR valve since that regulates both. I spent $200 on the parts for a stupid little rinky dink EGR valve thinking I'll pass the test now. But nope I failed again. This time I failed both C.O. (since C.O.was already borderline before) and N.O.

In total, I spent about $300+ to try to legally pass my smog check. This is already half of what I make monthly (poor college student). The only other thing I could think of that might cause me to fail is the O2 sensor or the Catalytic Convertor. Both costs $100+ to buy not including labor and retest. If I know what the problem is exactly, I'd fix it but at this point, I feel like I have spent so much money needlessly that I'm about to get this smog check done illegally.

What do you guys think the problem is FOR SURE? I am about 3-4 months past due on my smog check. THis is driving me nuts.

 

[StageLeft]

That's what you get for not driving a Nissan

 

I'd venture to guess it's the cat, but I'm no car expert. Sounds like that's the problem though, if you've exhausted the other possibilities.

 

[BamBam215]

Originally posted by: Skoorb
That's what you get for not driving a Nissan

Nissan hoe!!! If it was my choice, I'd be driving a BMW.

 

[DurocShark]

O2 sensor first. Then Cat. (The O2 affects the cat's performance, and can kill a cat, so both go bad.)

As for the test place... find one that does free retests. I had to smog the gray brick (84 Volvo) last weekend at a check only shop. Passed all the tests no prob, but the timing was at 15deg btc instead of 12deg, so they had to fail it.

Ran home, grabbed the timing light, set it to 12, ran back, and got it. No prob. No second test charges or anything.

 

[Nyical]

Remeber also that the state will help pay for your smog repair up to a certain point depending on year of car.


As for the problem have you noticed if your gas mileage has dropped also has your check engine light popped on,thats how I found out my O2 sensor went.

 

[cjchaps]

You are warming the car up before the test right? Cat's only work when they are hot.

 

[BamBam215]

My check engine light has not been going off at all. And yes when they did the test, they warmed up the car first. So what do you guys think? O2 or Cat.

 

First off before you spend anymore $, Check for trouble codes.

If there are no codes, poor in Chevron Techron in your tank and fill the tank with gas, once this is done, replace your 02 sensor.

 

[Spac3d]

That is pretty dumb that states have those tests.

 

[brtspears2]

If you were in Riverside, CA, I know of a place (aka my work) that researches on smog test failures. You would get free repairs, gas, and a loaner car.

 

[IGBT]

Your emissions control has OBD..on board diagnostic and a fault logger. Get the faults downloaded and look up the info in the shop manual and they will tell you whats going on. Kragen sells a fault code reader that has a lcd display that will indicate the fault codes.

 

[BamBam215]

Originally posted by: brtspears2
If you were in Riverside, CA, I know of a place (aka my work) that researches on smog test failures. You would get free repairs, gas, and a loaner car.

I am in LA right now. What is this you're talking about?

 

IGBT

Click on the link I provided several posts up

 

[BamBam215]

Originally posted by: IGBT
Your emissions control has OBD..on board diagnostic and a fault logger. Get the faults downloaded and look up the info in the shop manual and they will tell you whats going on. Kragen sells a fault code reader that has a lcd display that will indicate the fault codes.

Interesting. Can you be a little bit more descriptive? I'm not entirely 100% sure of your advice.

 

Interesting. Can you be a little bit more descriptive? I'm not entirely 100% sure of your advice.

Are my posts invisible ?

 

[brtspears2]

Originally posted by: BamBam215

Originally posted by: brtspears2
If you were in Riverside, CA, I know of a place (aka my work) that researches on smog test failures. You would get free repairs, gas, and a loaner car.

I am in LA right now. What is this you're talking about?

University of California, Riverside, College of Engineering, Center for Env. Research and Technology was looking for cars a few weeks ago that failed smog tests. I'll ask if they still are looking for test subjects for import cars. Shortage of domestic early 90's cars though.

 

[kermalou]

in Cali it's very hard to find a place that will do checks illegaly since there is so much of a trail since your car already failed twice.

 

[IGBT]

BamBam215...check out Rodgers links a few posts up..he has the details. Most 90's era emissions control has OBD and fault loggers that will assist such headaches..thank the envirowAckos for all this happy horsechit...

 

[Demon-Xanth]

Tip #1:
Before you do a test, drive atleast 10 miles.

Tip #2:
Make sure they do the test as soon as possible. If they wait 2 hours, they're testing a cold car with a cold cat.

Tip #3:
Make sure the gas cap's gasket is in good condition.

 

[BamBam215]

Originally posted by: Roger

Interesting. Can you be a little bit more descriptive? I'm not entirely 100% sure of your advice.

Are my posts invisible ?

I was a lil confused before. sorry So I goto kragen, get the code reader, follow the steps to download the code and goto a Honda dealership to look it up? This will for sure tell me the problem right?

 

No need for the code reader, follow the directions on the link to BAT auto that I provided for you.

Hondas have LED's on thier ECM's, turn the key to "ON" and watch the flashes, then go back to the site and see what the codes refer to.

 

[IBuyUFO]

Did you take it to quality tune up? That place will rip you off.

 

[moonshinemadness]

Put some kerosine in the tank (Not much) with the fuel then thrash the car all the way to the test station, usually works

**Disclaimer** This works on diesels for sure not sure about petrol also it may be illegal in the US dont b!tch if it messes up your car or gets you put in jail.

 

[StageLeft]

Trade it in for a maxima.