[baphomet]

Failed my emissions test last week and I got pretty sad. My mechanic replaced sparkplugs for $300 and said the van was still blowing dirty. Then I got really sad. Mechanic recomended replacing most of the fuel injection system $600, but wasn't sure if that would get me to pass. That was when I got kind of mad. I called some buddies who are mechanics, and they said that my high carbon Monoxide and Dioxide levels probably ment the EGR was malfunctioning. That is when I totally lost it and swore I would not go back to my mechanic. So what do you guys think should I start tearing into my fuel injection system and go back to my previously trusted garage, or is the EGR really the problem and my mechanic is a tool?

 

[Phantom]

If you failed the emissions test then you should have a code set in the PCM , go to autozone or some parts store that reads the codes for free and that will be a starting point , It could be the EGR and it could be a bad o2 sensor or maybe a bad injector , if you have the PCM scanned with a scanner diagnostic tool it will tell you what is failing , it will give live data as to what is happening while the engine runs , it gets specific , usually costs about $80 to have this done , and most shops will take that charge off if you have the repairs done by them , if you choose not to have repairs done by them they charge for the time of diagnostics , if you can do repairs your self then you would know what part needs replaced , be sure to get a print out of the live data , or be able to watch the tests and write down notes as some shops may say they cannot printout results , sounds like your mechanic is just guessing and not know what is wrong and trying to get you to spend money while he experiments , when it comes to diagnosing the OBD emissions some mechanics do not have the test equipment or have little to no experience with this type of testing so they guess at what is wrong and have you spend money replacing parts and charge you labor for their trial and error, process of elimination repair , it is better to know exactly what the cause of problem is before replacing any parts .

 

[Leeann_93]

Phantom, he's got a '95. It depends which system his '95 has whether or not he's got stored codes...

I'd go the clean the EGR, use Seafoam through the PCV hose and Techron in the tank route just as a general cleaning that's probably needed anyway. And testing the Oxygen sensor(s), too.

 

[Phantom]

The 95 is a OBD1 system , but it may have the 16 pin connector that is not wired the same as OBD1 or OBD2 , it will require a shop that has the OBD1 16 pin adapter that fits the code reader in order to read the codes and yea I don't think autozone has one , although I had found that some but not all the O'Reilly auto parts stores have them and some will read the codes for you and some will do the loan a tool program where you put up the $200 deposit and get your deposit back when you return the tester . The OBD trouble codes are the same as other OBD1 systems , in the case of the 16 pin OBD 1 , or 1.5 system getting the code could be difficult depending on what is available to a person , which may mean just laying out the 80 bucks and have some qualified shop do the diag test and go from there , 300 bucks to replace spark plugs is robbery , taking advantage of people who do not want to change their own

Do a search on EGR in this forum to find details on how to replace it , and use a new screen

 

[baphomet]

Thanks Dudes! NO codes stored, new 02 sensor. I'm off to get seafoam. What esle should I watch for?

 

[algopin]

Thanks Dudes! NO codes stored, new 02 sensor. I'm off to get seafoam. What esle should I watch for?

 

[algopin]

My check engine light came on in my 2002 Astro. Even after an hour drive it stayed illuminated. It remained on for several days. I filled the van up with a full tank of premium fuel (I always use premium grade) and the light was still aglow. So after looking at possible additives available on Amazon I decided to give Sea Foam a try. I picked up a bottle at Walmart. With the engine idling I added the stuff and let the engine idle for about another 10 to 15 minutes: the light was now off. I've never been a believer in additives and their hype, but you can't argue with success. I didn't check for a code because I couldn't find my detector. That's just as well, it would probably would have had me replacing the cat converter or something equally expensive.
ALG