Will Insufficient EGR Flow Make Me Fail Smog Test?

[axelfox]

1998 Toyota Rav4, just over 100K miles.

I recently had my EGR valve replaced (or so my my mechanic says) because the engine light came on.

The engine light is still on, but I kept driving it because the ODB code says EGR Flow Insufficient (but it was replaced). It still idles rough every so often. Its still drives OK.

Now I have to get a smog check to get my new car registration. Is the check engine light (or the EGR insufficient flow code, more specifically) something that will hamper me in getting passed?

thanks.

5/16/08 UPDATE

I just got my car back. Everything works fine, but at 60-62 MPH, the check engine light comes on. Mechanic says it could be the map sensor, but didn't want me to buy a $300 part on the chance that it would be the map sensor (can't return it either). He recommended that I take it to the dealer for a second opinion. That way, if it's NOT the map sensor, then they can just return the part to their parts dept.

Because the check engine light comes on, that means automatic failure of smog test. This car is a pain in the butt.

 

[SJP0tato]

It depends highly on what state you're in. California no chance whatsoever, if your car even *thinks* about a check-engine light, you fail. Other states usually are more leniant.

Why not take it back to the mechanic that changed it out in the first place and have him explain why the part/labor he charged didn't fix the problem? Sounds like the EGR might've been stuck, so it was replaced, but the passages surrounding it are still clogged up with carbon. Nothing a can of carb cleaner wouldn't fix, but if it's only been a short time I'd have the mechanic check it out again.

 

[axelfox]

Originally posted by: SJP0tato
It depends highly on what state you're in. California no chance whatsoever, if your car even *thinks* about a check-engine light, you fail. Other states usually are more leniant.

Why not take it back to the mechanic that changed it out in the first place and have him explain why the part/labor he charged didn't fix the problem? Sounds like the EGR might've been stuck, so it was replaced, but the passages surrounding it are still clogged up with carbon. Nothing a can of carb cleaner wouldn't fix, but if it's only been a short time I'd have the mechanic check it out again.

Yeah, I think I'm going to take it back to my mechanic. I'm in CA, so I can't have any check engine light.

 

[njmodi]

Originally posted by: axelfox

Yeah, I think I'm going to take it back to my mechanic. I'm in CA, so I can't have any check engine light.

So you already know the answer to your original question... So what are you asking then?

 

[Bignate603]

That idling rough is when the EGR valve is trying to open. It could be that a vacuum line or something is clogged. The EGR valve only kicks in at idle, low power or coasting.

I agree, you paid to have it fixed. Take it back and get the mechanic to figure it out.

 

[axelfox]

Originally posted by: njmodi

Originally posted by: axelfox

Yeah, I think I'm going to take it back to my mechanic. I'm in CA, so I can't have any check engine light.

So you already know the answer to your original question... So what are you asking then?

I didn't know until he told me.

 

[alkemyst]

Originally posted by: SJP0tato
It depends highly on what state you're in. California no chance whatsoever, if your car even *thinks* about a check-engine light, you fail. Other states usually are more leniant.

Why not take it back to the mechanic that changed it out in the first place and have him explain why the part/labor he charged didn't fix the problem? Sounds like the EGR might've been stuck, so it was replaced, but the passages surrounding it are still clogged up with carbon. Nothing a can of carb cleaner wouldn't fix, but if it's only been a short time I'd have the mechanic check it out again.

I don't know of ANY state emissions inspections that don't automatically fail for a CEL. AFAIK even a stored code is enough to get failed.

Clogged passages seems unlikely...I am thinking it's vacuum or something else not hooked up right. I am not sure if the 98 RAV4 has an EGR temp sensor...those can fail too.

 

[alkemyst]

Originally posted by: axelfox

Originally posted by: njmodi

Originally posted by: axelfox

Yeah, I think I'm going to take it back to my mechanic. I'm in CA, so I can't have any check engine light.

So you already know the answer to your original question... So what are you asking then?

I didn't know until he told me.

Still you should KNOW if you paid a mechanic to fix something and it comes back broken what you should do.

What was this 'mechanic's' take on giving you back your car with a CEL still on?

After he gets your vehicle right, I'd find someone else for next time. While all mechanic's make mistakes or may miss something they didn't know you also wanted looked at...even an idiot can see a light on the dash.

 

[njmodi]

Originally posted by: axelfox

Originally posted by: njmodi

Originally posted by: axelfox

Yeah, I think I'm going to take it back to my mechanic. I'm in CA, so I can't have any check engine light.

So you already know the answer to your original question... So what are you asking then?

I didn't know until he told me.

ah i see - the way you phrased it - it seemed like you were stating what you already knew, not "acknowledging" what SJP0tato had said.. but it's clear now.

anyway - as already stated, take it back to the mechanic - there are several reasons you can get that code.. the mechanic clearly didn't diagnose the problem - he just assumed it was the valve.. it could be the EGR solenoid, a clogged EGR passage etc... EGR problems are not always straightforward to diagnose - a competent mechanic should be able to test/isolate each part of the EGR system rather than just throw parts at it...

 

[IGBT]

..egr port may be fouled with carbon. never tried it but I hear carb spray may clear a dirty/blocked port.

 

[CZroe]

Emissions Test. Vehicular smog is a byproduct that happens after your emissions react with other stuff after being cooked in the sunlight to form ground level ozone and particulate matter. Vehicles don't emit smog and they aren't the only source/type of smog, so it's just wrong. Though the same procedures are advertised just as often, no one in the South East calls it a "Smog Check." OTOH, I see "Smog Check" everywhere I go in SoCal.

Just thought I'd throw that out there before Teh Intarwebs spreads it to other states/regions.

 

[alpineranger]

EGR is not used at idle. Also vehicles of this vintage typically have electronically actuated egr. In my car at least, egr flow is tested by looking at the manifold pressure, so if the map sensor is screwy, that could be it. That would also account for the idle problems better than a stuck closed (but not stuck open) egr valve.

 

[axelfox]

Originally posted by: alpineranger
EGR is not used at idle. Also vehicles of this vintage typically have electronically actuated egr. In my car at least, egr flow is tested by looking at the manifold pressure, so if the map sensor is screwy, that could be it. That would also account for the idle problems better than a stuck closed (but not stuck open) egr valve.

I just got my car back. Everything works fine, but at 60-62 MPH, the check engine light comes on. Mechanic says it could be the map sensor, but didn't want me to buy a $300 part on the chance that it would be the map sensor (can't return it either). He recommended that I take it to the dealer for a second opinion. That way, if it's NOT the map sensor, then they can just return the part to their parts dept.

Because the check engine light comes on, that means automatic failure of smog test. I'm thinking I should take it to the smog test center for a free pre-test (I know I will fail) and then take the diagnostic with me to the dealer or another mechanic.