1999 import failed on emissions, how can I diagnose why?

[Anonymous]

My 1999 import roadster failed its MOT on 2 counts, first they say theres no foglight  and switch to switch on and 2nd  it failed on 3 emission level counts and the Lambada reading, Ive just called the diagnostics guy to plug in the computer thing to find out why and he says its a 16 pin he has and the roadster import cant connect to it, anyone any ideas cheers.

Thanks

[loadswine]

Obviously we don't know the actual readouts. Someone clever may be able to interpret them if you post up. Basically, clean themaf if you haven't already and do a reset on the ecu by disconnecting the battery for 20 minutes or so. It is very difficult to get a reading off an import, very few places have the specialist reader needed. So start with maf, that's the simplest.

[cclarke99]

Is the engine light on? If it is then instructions fro reading the codes are here

 l viewtopic.php?f=11&t=30213&p=370151&hilit=import+obd#p370151 l

What were the readings from the MOT?

[Anonymous]

Cheers guys, no engine light is on at all.

Emissions are below:

Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle excessive. (7.3.D.2b)

Exhaust emissions hydrocarbon content after 2nd fats idle excessive.(7.3.D.2b)

Exhaust emissions Lamda reading after 2nd fats idle outside specified limits.

Does that help?

Also  the car was sat idle for a few months before and has just had a  2nd hand exhaust put on from a kind perosn on here. Im not a techy guy with cars so would not have  clue where to start cleanig  whatever,  just need it to pass its MOT so I can sell it on now as im keeping my other car for good I decided last month.

[cclarke99]

Did they give you the numbers from the test, how far did you drive it to the MOT and did you drive it much before you took it in. My guess is that it didn't get properly warm for the test or on the way there and it's still a bit stale from standing for so long. If it's legal I'd reset the ECU (just disconenct the battery for 20 mins), put some good quality petrol in and take it for a blast. Make sure it gets really warmed through on it's way to the MOT. Also check the air filter - if the old exhasust was blowing it may have clogged up the filter.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the reply, MOT place was just down the road, its done maybe 2 miles in 6 months. Its not taxed or insured as its parked in a garage offroad so cant really take it for a good spin, it had trade plates to be took to the MOT station.

[Anonymous]

I had an import before and I managed to get some guy to use the machine on it for a similar issue, is there no company on here in wets yorkshire who can do it?

[Anonymous]

Anyone any ideas cheers, im stuck and at this point the cars scrap if i cant find out whats wrong to fix it.

[Ilogik]

Diagnostic port should be the same, i have an import and can plug the usual scanner in, there is some good smart phone apps that can be used to read fueling ect.  I would start by giving it a good run, clean the MAF sensor if not take it to a dyno place and get a run done, they will check all your fueling ect and should be able to tell you whats causing you an issue.

[cclarke99]

1. Did you replace the exhaust because the old one was leaking
2. Has it passed an MOT since then.
If the answer to these questions is (1) yes and (2) no, then check the air filter as if the exhust leaked then the smoke may have been drawn into the filter and will clog it in double quick time.

If you can't use it on the road then the dyno would be a good place to give the engine a good blast and they'd have all the dagnostic kit needed. Or an auto electrician should have the necessary equipment to read the mixture, etc.

[Wabbitkilla]

Knowing a little about the car .... Exhaust was replaced because some little scroat reached under the bumper and snapped off the customer exhaust exit pipe.
Current exhaust is an oem cat-back which sat in a dealers store room for years and has never been used.

This all seems pretty odd, and I would suggest cleaning the maf (there are instructions in the "how to's") resetting the ECU and giving the car a good blast around, then see what it's like.

[aaronjb]

This all seems pretty odd, and I would suggest cleaning the maf (there are instructions in the "how to's") resetting the ECU and giving the car a good blast around, then see what it's like.

Yep, that - a 2 mile run to the MOT station will barely get the CAT working properly before it sits, cools down and then gets slung on the emissions tester I imagine.. get it good and hot and then straight onto the emissions test if at all possible.

Book at test at an MOT station further away if you need to..

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the great advice guys. I don't really have the tools or time to clean  the thing and disconnect etc, I really dont know anything about cars tbh, I was hoping to just pay someone to sort it and get it through its MOT. Work is hectic and im training for the london marathon and with other things im rushed off my feet. Im based in Halifax if anyone has any suggestions, dont mind paying?

Also the cars not taxed or insured so not sure how I can take it for a good spin.

I have an iphone 4 if that helps?

[Anonymous]

Anyone want the job lol.

[Anonymous]

OK Monday its getting taken for a long run after cleaning the MAF, I worked it out the other day its been stood for 12 months, only doing about 2 miles in that time and with same fuel in the tank, almost a full tank of petrol infact.