What affects the efficiency of a catalytic converter?

If the catalyst is blocked by carbon, silica or phosphorus, the converter will fail to work. For a catalyst efficiency code to be set, a number of criteria must be met. For a code to be set, the oxygen or air fuel sensor and the rear oxygen sensor must see a reduction in the efficiency of the converter.

What happens if your car fails the emissions test?

If the vehicle fails the second test, a waiver may be issued. The vehicle must fail the carbon monoxide or hydrocarbon levels exceeding the set standards for 1968 – 1995 for light duty vehicles and all heavy-duty vehicles. Or the “Check Engine” light illuminated for light duty vehicles of 1996 and newer.

Can a check engine light pass the emissions test?

If the check engine light is illuminated, there is very little chance your vehicle will pass the emissions test. Sun Auto Service specializes in on-board diagnostics and offers engine diagnosis.

What happens if you fail the smog test?

Testing too soon will result in a failed smog check. A vehicle that emits smoke will fail the emissions inspection and will not qualify for a waiver. Vehicles emitting visible smoke make be ticketed by law enforcement. Vehicles manufactured prior to 1996 will receive a Two-Speed Idle Smog test.

What’s the best way to pass an emissions test?

Part 1 of 1: Getting your vehicle ready for an emissions test. Step 1: Clear the Check Engine Light if it is on. The Check Engine Light is almost entirely related to your emissions system. If this particular Step 2: Drive the vehicle. The car should be driven at highway speed for roughly two …

What happens if you fail the emissions test?

In most states, an illuminated “check engine” light is an automatic failure during an emissions test. 6. Find a shop that offers a free retest. If you fail your test, you will get another try without additional cost. 1. Warm up Your Car’s Engine as Much as Possible

What happens if you fail a smog test?

Once you fail a car emissions test and you decide to pursue repairs, the cost might come as a surprise. Many of the problems that can cause your smog check to fail are pricey to repair. A catalytic converter replacement is routinely between $1,000 and $2,000 for part and labor.

What happens when a car fails the NOx test?

The car has failed the NOX portion of its emissions test. This is probably the most common failure I’ve seen, but that term on the emission test seems to scare people. But it is usually an easy failure to fix. The following description may seem to go against logic at first, but it does explain what is actually happening to make your car fail.

What affects the efficiency of a catalytic converter?