MOT FAILURE - 02 emmissions

Anonymous · October 3, 2004, 16:38

Just bought a 2001, 51 plate mr2.

It failed the MO2 on the emmissions, but after i drove it for 5 hours, and took it back, it passed after 3 further attempts.

The guy recommended a good service, new oil, filters etc......i am about to get this dones hoping next time it will sail throught.

After reading the problems on this page though, is it likely to be the pre-cats? How much are these to have replaced (18 year old student with no knowledge)

The car has 44k Miles on the clock.

Thanks for the advice.

mph · October 3, 2004, 17:16

I would recommend a thorough check over. This engine can just about squeeze through the MOT emissions tests with no CATs in place. If it's not getting through with them in, something is rather amiss!

GSB · October 3, 2004, 17:25

Check the exhaust for leaks, particularly the main cat to silencer joint, which is a flexible joint utilising a reinforced graphite "doughnut" held in place between 2 sprung flanges. If worn, it is possible that air can leak into the exhaust, and the gas analysers will detect the additional oxygen content and mistake it for an emmisions problem.

Liz · October 3, 2004, 17:45

What Grant describes is what happened to me with my MOT, just a couple of loose nuts and bolts, tightened up...straight through MOT.

Anonymous · October 4, 2004, 12:42

Quote from: "MRBAS"Just bought a 2001, 51 plate mr2.

It failed the MO2 on the emmissions, but after i drove it for 5 hours, and took it back, it passed after 3 further attempts.

The guy recommended a good service, new oil, filters etc......i am about to get this dones hoping next time it will sail throught.

After reading the problems on this page though, is it likely to be the pre-cats? How much are these to have replaced (18 year old student with no knowledge)

The car has 44k Miles on the clock.

Thanks for the advice.

Do I guess right that you have just bought a car that has very recently run out of warranty and with no MOT? Sounds strange, but do say if I am wrong!

If you have really only just bought the car from a trader, your first call should be to them. If they are reputable they will want to help solve the problem. If a private sale you're on your own.

Is the car using any oil?

Have you searched the forum for how to check the pre-cats? If not do, it's not too hard a process. Changing the pre-cats (as part of the manifold) isn't too hard, but you would be better off getting rid of them. You can easily pass an MOT without any. (search for gutting pre-cats).

hth
Andy

Anonymous · October 4, 2004, 21:03

Well it did pass the MOT. But i unfortunately bought it from an AUCTION! I have no experience with cars at all. First Car.

How much do you reckon it will cost to get the problem fixed. Are toyota the best place to take it, or goto a private garage? Could the fact the car hasnt been driven in a while affect it?

It has only been serviced once, in november 2002. Which is odd as the first three services are free?

?

Thanks for any advice (Even if it just have a service and leave it alone? i hope!)

Thanks

Anonymous · October 4, 2004, 23:18

Quote from: "MRBAS"It has only been serviced once, in november 2002. Which is odd as the first three services are free??

Blimey, I wish! You've got to pay for them, AFAIK.

heathstimpson · October 5, 2004, 06:47

The history of this vehicle is looks more and more shaddy. You should not really buy from an auction unless you are experienced; especially not a first car. s:shock: :shock: s:shock: Have you tried Toyota to get a quote for what's wrong with it yet s:?: :?: s:?:

Jap GT300 · October 5, 2004, 07:33

My imported cars are always failing emissions. I put this down to them having been sitting around for 3+ months. I find the best way to get them to pass is to get the engine nice and warm and take it for a 20-30 min drive. They then seem to have no problem!

Anonymous · October 5, 2004, 10:26

Quote from: "MRBAS"Well it did pass the MOT. But i unfortunately bought it from an AUCTION! I have no experience with cars at all. First Car.

How much do you reckon it will cost to get the problem fixed. Are toyota the best place to take it, or goto a private garage? Could the fact the car hasnt been driven in a while affect it?

It has only been serviced once, in november 2002. Which is odd as the first three services are free??

Thanks for any advice (Even if it just have a service and leave it alone? i hope!)

Thanks

Given the situation you are in, which none of us can change, I would take the car for a service. If you don't know anyone else I would recommend the Toyota dealer. The car should've had a fairly major 20k mile service, if there is no evidence have this done. I would give it a good hard drive beforehand and ask them to check the emmissions while it's there.
Let us know how you get on!
Fingers crossed for you!
Andy