Emissions Test Failure. Need Help!

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Jan 27, 2005 | 12:04 PM

Westlake

Thread Starter

Driver School Candidate

Joined: Jan 2005

Posts: 1

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From: OH

Emissions Test Failure. Need Help!

My ES 300 (1993) failed an Ohio emissions test last week. Way too many ppm in the NO column (nitrous oxide, I presume) was the downfall. Anyone have any suggestions as to what the problem might be, correcting the problem, and a pricetag to expect from a repair facility?

Thanks much.

--Westlake

Jan 27, 2005 | 12:21 PM

LexCiting

Lead Lap

Joined: Aug 2001

Posts: 602

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From: Maryland

Not offend if the question seem off the wall, but did you drive the car (20+ miles or more) prior to going to emissions? If not, yoy may not have heated your cats enough. If you did, I would go to an auto store, and get one of those addtives that guarentee's a pass. I wasn't sure about it myself until my beater didn't pass, and I tried it and it passed the second go around. Worth the $5. Just a suggestion.

Jan 28, 2005 | 04:30 AM

Lexusfreak

Pole Position

Joined: Jan 2004

Posts: 3,379

Likes: 20

From: St. Thomas, Ontario

Quote:

Originally Posted by Westlake

As mentioned, it is a wise idea to bring the vehicle in when it has reached 'operating temperature' after a 20 or so minute drive (including on the highway if possible). You haven't mentioned any recent maintenance or service history on the car however. Your chances increase dramatically, if the car has had a commplete 'major tune up', & fresh oil & filter change. A tank of premium fuel dosen't hurt either. One other thing that often causes a car to fail an emissions test is the Oxygen sensor(s), which are very often overlooked when a major tune up is performed. Keep us posted & Good Luck!

Shop around to dealers & independents for prices.....ask friends & family if they have a reliable & trusted mechanic as the ES is not too difficult to work on.