i keep on failling the emission test...help??

Question

i have a 3.5l v6 1995 dodge intrepid 3.5l v6 with 162000/mile on it,and i failled the emission test 3 time already,what can i do to fix that problem?I tried a tune up it didn't work...any help?

Answer 1

First is it lighting the "check engine" or "Service engine soon" light? If so, the computer is giving codes that will tell a lot about what's wrong. it's old enough that some smog sensors or actuators could be going out. The oxygen sensor especially, and on a '95, it might be out and the computer wouldn't know it. I'd replace the oxygen sensor anyway. The oxygen sensor can't be tested, but most of the other sensors can.

Why does the smog inspector say it fails? I once had a car fail because it failed a suction test on the GAS CAP. That was easy!

162000 is a fair number of miles, might also just be that your engine is getting worn out. But if all the other smog stuff is working, that alone shouldn't do it unless it's burning oil like a fiend!

It's extremely rare for the computer itself, or the catalytic converter, to fail. Though it's common for stupid or greedy mechanics to SAY they've failed.

Answer 2

Is the check engine light on? If it is bring it to a shop and they will tell you. If not it is probably an O2 sensor or a catalytic converter. Bring the inspectino sheet to a mechanic and have them look at it. They may be able to tell you more specifically if they know what it failed for.

Answer 3

It could be a lot of things, muffler, catalytic converter, your fuel/air mixture, your oxygen sensor or your exhaust manifold in general, you are going to have to take it to a shop, or someone who knows about these things.

Answer 4

The place where you got it inspected should offer to fix it at least thats how it works in R.I.