I just got a smog check and failed. When the technician first started, he popped open the hood and went to the engine compartment. Then I heard the engine stutter two or three times, and I could smell something similar to rotten eggs coming out of the car. The car was running perfectly fine and smelled normal before he popped open the hood. I think he must have done something to the car, but I don't know what. My HC reading was over 2 times the max and my CO % was way past the max too. The NO (PPM) was around average though. I had passed with good numbers 2 years before. The inspection report also listed my odometer reading as having over 190,000 miles when my car hasn't reached 50,000 miles. What could the tech have done to my car and what should I do now?
2007-01-12 13:29:19 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
I was charged for the first smog check and he said I could come back again after the repairs and he would charge me a "discounted" $40 for another test. He also wanted me to let him know where I was getting my repairs done-which seemed weird to me.
2007-01-12 13:48:12 · update #1
It would be helpful to know the make of car, but the question is generic enough to respond. The fact that NOX is being measured means that the car is being tested on a Dyno.
My experience is for California where there is a specific sequence for doing a smog inspection. For OBD II cars, the tech would connect to the car somewhere inside the passenger compartment.
Your car is probably older which is why he opened the hood. He hooked up to a spark plug wire to obtain engine RPM and may have had to remove the spout connector to obtain base timing. Carburetor cars can have other hook up requirements.
The rotten egg smell did not just start when you drove into the station. But with the car stationary, and perhaps in a confined area, you just noticed it for the first time.
High HC is basically caused by worn tune up items. Cap, rotor, (again, I assume your car is older and has these), spark plugs, wires, PCV valve. Small vacuum leaks can cause change in HC.
CO% is a function of fuel control (hmmm, this is sounding more like a carburetor) which is out of control on your car. Raw fuel is being dumped into the engine which elevates this measurement. A strong secondary ignition misfire can elevate CO%.
NOX is under control and that is good. The cooling system and cat converter look like they are doing their job. The fuel filter is not clogged.
I cannot account for the mileage discrepancy. The tech would obtain that from the vehicle odometer.
Your car has multiple emissions problems and requires diagnosis. The first thing to do is compression check. Because if that is low, anything else done is worthless. If compression is within specification, a full tune up is required to get the car to run correctly. Then the fuel control problem can be diagnosed.
The tech just tested your car and did nothing to make it run worse. Hard to say the cost, but at least $500 for diagnosis and repair of both problems. If there is an electronic feedback carb involved, such as on the late 80's Jap cars, add another $1,000.
I don't know you, but I have met you a hundred times.
Good luck, you will need it.
Marc
2007-01-12 14:09:20 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you haven't modified anything on your car, there is no reason why your car shouldn't have passed. I'd go back and ask him why the hell he put that your car had over 190k miles on it! Sounds like this guy either ripped you off, or gave you the wrong paperwork in error....i'd try to take care of it at the place that did the inspection, and if that doesn't work i'd report it.
That "rotten egg" smell is actually from the catalytic converter.
2007-01-12 13:42:41 · answer #2 · answered by JohnnyB 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
File a complaint with the state Bureau of Automotive Repair. While MOST mechanics are honest businessmen, there are a few "rotten apples" among them.
I once observed a technician "fiddle" with my distributor before starting a Smog Check, and when my car failed he said that it was a minor problem. $35.00 to set the timing would solve the problem.
2007-01-12 13:41:08 · answer #3 · answered by Peedlepup 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Why would he scam you? If he doesn't do repairs, there is no motive. Go to a service station and have your car checked over. Also look at your report. Maybe you got somebody else's paperwork in error?
2007-01-12 13:38:36 · answer #4 · answered by Fred C 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
it sound like this tech is trying to make an extra bucks. go to another smog check place and see if the vehicle pass.if it pass very clean,contact your bureau of automotive repair so they can get your money back and give him a citation. 800-cut-smog
2007-01-12 14:14:27 · answer #5 · answered by LEXUSRY 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I would call you state smog board and tell them what happened, they may have you come into their shop for a test to see if that guy ripped you off. It could be that thay already have some complaints about him.
2007-01-12 13:37:37 · answer #6 · answered by Gordon S 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
rotten eggs?
might be two sources bad : battery or catlytic.
check if the oxy sensor is connected.
tampering battery? may be( but, I don't think so)
tampering catalytic? I don't see how .from the inspector standing point.
2007-01-12 13:41:08 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋