Emissions!! (Phoenix, Tucson, Pima: how much, live in, cost)

[vmsbmvp]

I have a 1993 Nissan Sentra that didn't pass emissions. Idle passed with 202 HC an CO of .03%. Failed loaded reading with 288 HC and 5.29% CO. Standard being 220 HC and 1.2% CO. There is no check engine light on! Is there way to pass without spending a lot of money. Can I take to auto parts store to have tested? Does anyone know good emissions mechanic? I am going to change air filter, put sea foam in and premium gas. Any other advice? There is repair information that has to be filled out. There is do-it-yourself box on form. Can I just check that box and do the things I listed and have it retested or will that not be enough? Can I do the fake address thing and say I live in another county? Do I have to get tags in county that I use on fake address? Is this illegal and how much trouble can I get in? Don't feel results are that bad for age of car. Car still has plenty of life left in it so I am willing to bend a few stupid rules to get it registered. Any help is greatly appreciated!

[Bummer]

Where are you located, Vmsbmvp?

If Pima County . . . there is an ADOT Station on Tucson's Southside. When I was having Emission Test problems on my '86 Jeep CJ-7 about ten years ago, they were very accommodating and willing to help.

Much better and far less expensive than getting caught trying to circumvent the Emission Laws.

Good Luck.

[KurtAZ]

Seems like this has been on-going since your only other post was last year about emissions testing in Utah. And yes, it is illegal to "bend a few stupid rules" to get your car to pass emissions. We have emissions testing for a reason...we kind of like clean air and reducing the Brown Cloud effect on our metros. There are plenty of mechanics around that can work on your car and get them to pass emissions, probably wouldn't cost too much either. A simple Google Search:

Elevated hydrocarbon (HC) emissions usually indicate ignition misfire due to fouled spark plugs or a bad plug. But high HC emissions can also be caused by burned exhaust valves (check compression), lean misfire (check for vacuum leaks, low fuel pressure or dirty injectors), or rich fuel conditions (fuel saturated carburetor floats, excessive fuel pressure, leaky injectors or a dead O2 sensor).

High carbon monoxide (CO) emissions are a telltale sign of a rich fuel mixture. On older carbureted vehicles, fuel-saturated plastic floats, incorrect float settings, leaky power valves and misadjusted chokes are often responsible for the rich mixture. On newer vehicles with feedback fuel controls and fuel injection, leaky injectors, excessive fuel pressure and sluggish or contaminated O2 sensors are all possibilities to investigate.

[PhoenixSomeday]

They actually tested your real emissions? I've had two emissions tests since I've been here (initial registration upon moving to AZ 3 years ago and then last year for renewal) and they didn't test the actual emissions. They checked the computer, checked the gas cap, peeked under the hood...I think...and that's it. They basically just kicked the tires and sent me on my way. No tail pipe test, no dyno, nothing.

[observer53]

Originally Posted by PhoenixSomeday

They actually tested your real emissions? I've had two emissions tests since I've been here (initial registration upon moving to AZ 3 years ago and then last year for renewal) and they didn't test the actual emissions. They checked the computer, checked the gas cap, peeked under the hood...I think...and that's it. They basically just kicked the tires and sent me on my way. No tail pipe test, no dyno, nothing.

They tested mine last month. And did all those other checks.

[KurtAZ]

Originally Posted by PhoenixSomeday

They actually tested your real emissions? I've had two emissions tests since I've been here (initial registration upon moving to AZ 3 years ago and then last year for renewal) and they didn't test the actual emissions. They checked the computer, checked the gas cap, peeked under the hood...I think...and that's it. They basically just kicked the tires and sent me on my way. No tail pipe test, no dyno, nothing.

That works for newer cars. OP is testing an 1993 Sentra.

[Bummer]

Originally Posted by KurtAZ

That works for newer cars. OP is testing an 1993 Sentra.

Exactly, Kurt . . .

My 1986 Jeep CJ-7 receives the full test routine while my 2005 Chevy SSR just receives the simple "computer plug-in" test.

Either way, the rewards of Clean "Breathable" Air make it all worthwhile.

[dookieboy]

Yeah, do the "fake address thing". Good god.

[madison999]

On older vehicles like 60's - 80's people just put alcohol in with their gas and then go fill up after passing.

Not sure how that would work on a 93 import?

Beating emissions is a joke. Pre obd, obdii II, doesn't matter. Buddy of mine beat it last month with a $5 part.


Join a forum for your make/model and ask they will know specifics.

[Zippyman]

Originally Posted by Bummer

Exactly, Kurt . . .

My 1986 Jeep CJ-7 receives the full test routine while my 2005 Chevy SSR just receives the simple "computer plug-in" test.

Either way, the rewards of Clean "Breathable" Air make it all worthwhile.

my 20+ year-old 2-cycle weed-whacker puts out way more smog than both of your cars & you can pry it from my
Cold.
Dead.
Hands.

Just sayin'

;-)