Smog inspection failed. These are the test results, what should I fix?

Question

I have a 92 Geo storm GSI 1.8L and i've trying to fix it. yesterday failed the smog inspections and the technitian didn't know what to recommend.
ASM Emmission Test Results------CALIFORNIA
Test @ 15 & 25 MPH
%CO2 ok
%O2 ok
%CO ok

HC (PPM) --------------------NO (PPM)
MAX- GP- MEAS ------- MAX - GP - MEAS
124 298 1478-----------15 2026 2285
@15mph (1977 rpm) Failed

HC (PPM)------------------------NO(PPM)
MAX GP MEAS----------MAX GP MEAS
98 248 82------------ 754 1826 680
@25mph (2256 rpm)
PASS
Any suggestions..
Thank you

Answer 1

All I can see is the cat is not hot enough at 15mph. Your O2 sensor might be lazy also( it also requires heating up).

Answer 2

Unfortunately if they tech didn't know what to recommend, that is probably his way of telling you it's time to shoot the car.

You can try taking it to a muffler shop and having them change out your catylitic converter (if it is clogged it can make the engine run like crap, and it will fail smog inspection) - possibly have them change the muffler too.

Maybe also do some tune-up on the engine, new spark plugs & wires, and maybe some fuel-injector cleaner will help the engine run better. Change the oil, and maybe put some oil additive in to stop it from smoking - I usually use 'Lucas oil stabilizer', available at most auto-parts stores. They also make some stuff that advertises that it stops smoke (most of these don't work that great - but if you add it right before you drive it over for its inspection, it might help a little).

Good luck!

Answer 3

ok , LETS GET THIS RIGHT , SOME OF THE INFO YOU HAVE IS FROM IGNORANT PEOPLE , MEANING THEY DONT KNOW WHAT THE HELL THEY ARE TALKING ABOUT .
first off , if you had the test done at a TEST ONLY station , then the smog tech by LAW , cannot tell you how to fix the car , thats why its called a TEST ONLY STATION he can actually lose his smog lic. if you are undercover . now a SMOG AND REPAIR STATION will do the diagnostic and then make the recommendations for you to repair the car , by LAW , ONLY SMOG AND REPAIR STATIONS CAN DO THIS FOR YOU . there will be a diagnostic fee , and of course repair fee's , they will pretest the car after , and then you will need to return to the TEST ONLY STATION for certification , more than likely the car is a gross polluter , the co is thru the roof , and this affects the hc , basicly your car is running super rich , also expext to replace the catalyst , when you run this rich it kills the cat , but before you replace it , the rich running condition must be repaired first .

Answer 4

I am surprised the tec. did not have any suggestions as they are supposed to advise on what is wrong with an estimated cost to repair according to the Bureau of automotive repair. Would appear you are running a bit rich with HC, so try changing the air filter, change oil and add a gas like Beacon or Vallero that has 10% alcohol. Run on a trip of at least an hour to get engine good and hot (normal running temp.) as engine must be warm. When was last time you changed OX sensor? spark plugs? then give it a go.

Answer 5

Take the report and the name of the tech and the name of the biz that did the insp. to the HIGHWAY PATROL and start asking questions about the fact that the tech/biz doesn't know what to do to fix yo ride or wht's wrong with the report ------ be nice and don't get mad and just get the answers that you need to be street legalized... SO you remember to be nice to the H.P. AND.... keep in mind that when you go out the driveway you do not want them behind you .......