Failed Va Emissions...

mine failed last time also. i checked evrything and found out the my TPS was shot. test ur TPS. im glad i dont have to worry about emissions anymore in IL

High NO - high combustion temps - retard timing, check EGR for operation.
High CO – Rich condition - fuel pressure too high, check O2 sensors, replace air filter, Clean MAF element.
High HC – Lean misfire, vacuum leak, common misfire due to worn or weak ignition system components. On rare occasions, an overly rich mixture may be the cause. Do the ethanol/E85 fill up as suggested.
High CO & HC - Cat converters, smog pump, and smog pump controls.

How to pass emissions testing:

1.) Make sure all the emissions gear the car was made with is present and connected up properly. That includes a working smog pump and cats.

2.) Make sure that you have fresh tune up with spark plugs, plug wires, cap, rotor, fuel & air filters. An oil & filter change is a good idea while you are at it.

3.) Dump the codes and see what the computer says is wrong…Codes may be present in the computer even if the Check Engine light isn’t on.

Here's the link to dump the computer codes with only a jumper wire or paper clip and the check engine light, or test light or voltmeter. I’ve used it for years, and it works great.
See http://www.troublecodes.net/Ford/





IF your car is an 86-88 stang, you'll have to use the test lamp or voltmeter method. There is no functional check engine light on the 86-88's except possibly the Cali Mass Air cars.

Codes have different answers if the engine is running from the answers that it has when the engine isn't running. It helps a lot to know if you had the engine running when you ran the test.

Trouble codes are either 2 digit or 3 digit, there are no cars that use both 2 digit codes and 3 digit codes.

For those who are intimidated by all the wires & connections, see http://www.actron.com/product_detail.php?pid=16153 for what a typical hand scanner looks like. Normal retail price is less than $30 or so at AutoZone or Wal-Mart.

Or for a nicer scanner see http://www.midwayautosupply.com/p-7208-equus-digital-ford-code-reader-3145.aspx– It has a 3 digit LCD display so that you don’t have to count flashes or beeps.. Cost is $30.


4.) Post the codes and get help to fix them. Don’t try to pass with codes not fixed. Clearing the computer just temporarily removes them from memory, it doesn’t fix the problem that caused the code to be set.

5.) Be sure to do the testing on a hot engine. Drive for 15-20 minutes prior to taking the test to get operating temps up into the normal range. Do not shut off the engine while waiting for your turn on the test machine. An engine up to full operating temperature puts out fewer emissions.

Fuzion said:

could an exhaust leak be making my car run rich?

Click to expand...

Not unless you have Paris Hilton stuck up your exhaust pipe...








Go back and re-read my post. The primary problem causes are described in there.

Fuzion said:

Having difficulties passing emissions this time around. Two years ago when I bought the car completely stock it passed with flying colors. It was reading well below all of the limits. Yesterday I realized that the limits for hc, co, and no have decreased a whole lot. Just trying to get any information as to what I can do to get the car to pass.
The Numbers
At 15 mph:
Hc ppm – Failed
Limit = 55
Reading = 146

CO% - Passed
Limit = .22
Reading = .15

No ppm – Failed
Limit = 720
Reading = 1695

At 25 mph:
HC ppm – Failed
Limit = 100
Reading = 155

CO% - Passed
Limit = .32
Reading = .19

NO ppm – Failed
Limit = 700
Reading = 1283

It’s an 87 that has been converted to mass air running stock maf and 19lb injectors. 95k miles, cobra intake, shorty headers, mac catted h (about 5 years old) and bassani catback. All emissions equipment still on car. Yesterday after it failed, I ran the codes and found code 94, 44 which have to do with thermactor air injection system. I replaced the rubber hoses that hook up to the valves on the line that goes from the air pump to the h-pipe and that erased the code from the scanner. Everything passed with an 11 even the cylinder balance test. I have a feeling fixing this will not be sufficient to clean up my numbers.

I bought a set of sparkplugs which will be going on tonight. gapped at .54. Filled her up with 93 this morning. Oil was changed less than a month ago. Wires, cap, rotor are less than 6 months old. Fuel filter was changed about a year ago. I checked the vacuum... got a steady 17psi coming from the tree on the firewall. Egr valve was tested and works fine. Timing is set at 10~11*.

Unfortunately, I don’t have my stock h-pipe anymore. But by passing CO readings that means cats are fine, right? Thanks for any input.

Click to expand...

WTH , I am in SW VA and we dont have emissions testing here , where in Va are you ?

Fuzion said:

I read your post.
since my hc's are too high (i know there are no vacuum leaks because i tested it and it was holding a steady 17psi at the firewall tree) so it must be a weak ignition. which im going to be updating today with new plugs gapped to .54.

and since i failed NO"s im giong to be bring my timing down from 10~11 to around 8. im also running 93 octane.
the computer is not throwing out any codes. do you think there is anything else i should do before i retest?

Click to expand...

A large shot of E85 or ethanol laced gas before you go for testing.

Fuzion said:

how much is a large shot? 1/4 tank of e85? i really have no clue...

Click to expand...

You do have all the smog equipment in place and it is working? Smog pump, Cats, EGR?

You actually did dump the codes and got nothing? The computer will have codes stored without the check engine light being on.

Fresh tuneup and fresh oil change?

If you did all that and are still failing, try 2-3 gallons of E85 on a full tank of gas. Or try this stuff - Guaranteed to Pass Emissions Test Formula. Some guys say it works. Do a Goole search on the name and see if you find someone who has made it work for them.

once i replaced my tps sensor last year illinois passed a law that any car below 1995 does not have to emmission anymore. no more emmisons for me