Emissions failure, need help
#1
Emissions failure, need help
Car is a 96 850 with turbo. I had the turbo rebuilt last week. It runs much better and the exhaust smoking issues it had are gone.
Took it in for inspection today. When they tried to plug into the OBD2 port, they said their machine "could not communicate" with my car. They said this is a fairly common issue on '96 cars in general. When it happens, they have to perform an ASM test, which is the dyno and tailpipe sniffer used for older cars. It failed HC, CO, and NOx.
High speed test results:
Standard Current
HC (PPM)76 152
CO %.42 .57
NOx(PPM)5661272
Low speed test results:
Standard Current
HC(PPM) 78171
CO .44 .70
NOx 625 2132
The manager at the inspection place said that, with those readings, it would have failed the normal OBD2 test anyway.
So, at home, I hooked up my handy Actron Pocket Scanner. It seemed to communicate with the ECM just fine and listed zero codes.
So Ihave a bunch of questions:
1. Is the OBD2 scanner that theinspectors useall that different from a typical code scanner used for repairs?
2.Could"zero codes" on my scanner indicate a communication problem?
3. Did it fail because I haven't put enough miles on the engine after the turbo overhaul? There were no codes and no check engine light before or after the repair.
Took it in for inspection today. When they tried to plug into the OBD2 port, they said their machine "could not communicate" with my car. They said this is a fairly common issue on '96 cars in general. When it happens, they have to perform an ASM test, which is the dyno and tailpipe sniffer used for older cars. It failed HC, CO, and NOx.
High speed test results:
Standard Current
HC (PPM)76 152
CO %.42 .57
NOx(PPM)5661272
Low speed test results:
Standard Current
HC(PPM) 78171
CO .44 .70
NOx 625 2132
The manager at the inspection place said that, with those readings, it would have failed the normal OBD2 test anyway.
So, at home, I hooked up my handy Actron Pocket Scanner. It seemed to communicate with the ECM just fine and listed zero codes.
So Ihave a bunch of questions:
1. Is the OBD2 scanner that theinspectors useall that different from a typical code scanner used for repairs?
2.Could"zero codes" on my scanner indicate a communication problem?
3. Did it fail because I haven't put enough miles on the engine after the turbo overhaul? There were no codes and no check engine light before or after the repair.
#2
#4
RE: Emissions failure, need help
Last oil change, right before turbo rebuild.
tune up (cap, rotor, plugs, wires) 14 months ago.
Replaced the PCV "box" and all the associated hoses, spring 2007.
Prior to rebuilding the turbo, a lot of smoke would come out of the exhaust when idling a warm engine. I guess it was burning up about a quart between changes.
Since I posted earlier, I played around with my scan tool a bit more. I unplugged the MAF and was able to read the appropriate error code (P0102), and delete it. So it is definitely communicating. I think the inspector just didn't explain this part very clearly, because.........
I also got a little smarter about what my scanner can do. It can read whether each of the monitors is ready. It indicated that the following monitors are not ready: catalyst, evap, O2 sensor, O2 heater, and EGR. In Texas, you are allowed up to two monitors to be not ready. More than that, and they put your car on the dyno.
So, what does that mean? How does a monitor become ready or not ready?
tune up (cap, rotor, plugs, wires) 14 months ago.
Replaced the PCV "box" and all the associated hoses, spring 2007.
Prior to rebuilding the turbo, a lot of smoke would come out of the exhaust when idling a warm engine. I guess it was burning up about a quart between changes.
Since I posted earlier, I played around with my scan tool a bit more. I unplugged the MAF and was able to read the appropriate error code (P0102), and delete it. So it is definitely communicating. I think the inspector just didn't explain this part very clearly, because.........
I also got a little smarter about what my scanner can do. It can read whether each of the monitors is ready. It indicated that the following monitors are not ready: catalyst, evap, O2 sensor, O2 heater, and EGR. In Texas, you are allowed up to two monitors to be not ready. More than that, and they put your car on the dyno.
So, what does that mean? How does a monitor become ready or not ready?
#5
#6
#8
RE: Emissions failure, need help
ORIGINAL: tech
Could be or the fact that there might still be some oil stuck in the cat converter.
Could be or the fact that there might still be some oil stuck in the cat converter.
#9
#10
RE: Emissions failure, need help
I just returned from my 1000-mile road trip and there was no change in the monitors - the same 5 are still "not ready." What does this mean? Can I somehow force them to become ready?
Can I reset the computer somehow and get it to start over? Will disconnecting the battery for some length of time do this?
I'll take any help I can get. I'm really at a loss.
Can I reset the computer somehow and get it to start over? Will disconnecting the battery for some length of time do this?
I'll take any help I can get. I'm really at a loss.
#11
RE: Emissions failure, need help
>Will disconnecting the battery for some length of time do this?
Negative. On '96 & '97, codes would have to be cleared via OBD-II scanner/Volvo tester.
I'm still wondering when the following items have been done:
- Fuel filter
- Air filter
- Throttle body cleaning
- EGR inspection/cleaning
- Vacuum tree/elbow replacement
The owner's manual specifies the intervals for EGR inspection & cleaning. The high output of NOx is probably due to higher-than-normal combustion temp, and if the EGR system is not functioning, it may be adding to the problem. Also, when was the last coolant/thermostat replacement? Does the coolant temp needle stay at about 3 O'clock position?
As a cheap trial, try dumping a large bottle of Techron fuel system cleaner and do this twice. They probably wouldn't do magic, but worth a try.
I'd also like to know what kind of scanner you have. I know Actron has been very helpful for engine & tranny related codes, especially CP9175 or better models.
JPN
Negative. On '96 & '97, codes would have to be cleared via OBD-II scanner/Volvo tester.
I'm still wondering when the following items have been done:
- Fuel filter
- Air filter
- Throttle body cleaning
- EGR inspection/cleaning
- Vacuum tree/elbow replacement
The owner's manual specifies the intervals for EGR inspection & cleaning. The high output of NOx is probably due to higher-than-normal combustion temp, and if the EGR system is not functioning, it may be adding to the problem. Also, when was the last coolant/thermostat replacement? Does the coolant temp needle stay at about 3 O'clock position?
As a cheap trial, try dumping a large bottle of Techron fuel system cleaner and do this twice. They probably wouldn't do magic, but worth a try.
I'd also like to know what kind of scanner you have. I know Actron has been very helpful for engine & tranny related codes, especially CP9175 or better models.
JPN
#12
RE: Emissions failure, need help
I have a scanner and can clear codes.... but there aren't any codes. It is detecting that certain monitors are "incomplete" or "not ready". Apparently that can't be cleared, so I have to find some way to make them work again.
Fuel filter - I have not replaced this, but I will, as part of this effort.
Air filter - not new, but looks new.
Throttle body cleaning - will do.
EGR inspection/cleaning - I have not done this. I will look into it.
Vacuum - I replaced most of the vacuum hoses in spring 2007 when I did the PCV box, etc. Not sure I remember a vacuum tree...
Coolant replaced during a radiator replacement, probably within the last year. It's still bright green.
Thermostat - I have not replaced it. The temp gauge is always at o'clock when the engine is warm; never goes higher.
My scanner is an Actron CP9125. From looking at the Actron website, the 9175 has a more detailed display and a different interface, but they don't list any additional functionality with regard to monitor status. I guess I can run the car up to the parts store and see if they can find anything that I can't.
This weekend I will work on the additional tune-up items you suggested.
Any other ideas?
Fuel filter - I have not replaced this, but I will, as part of this effort.
Air filter - not new, but looks new.
Throttle body cleaning - will do.
EGR inspection/cleaning - I have not done this. I will look into it.
Vacuum - I replaced most of the vacuum hoses in spring 2007 when I did the PCV box, etc. Not sure I remember a vacuum tree...
Coolant replaced during a radiator replacement, probably within the last year. It's still bright green.
Thermostat - I have not replaced it. The temp gauge is always at o'clock when the engine is warm; never goes higher.
My scanner is an Actron CP9125. From looking at the Actron website, the 9175 has a more detailed display and a different interface, but they don't list any additional functionality with regard to monitor status. I guess I can run the car up to the parts store and see if they can find anything that I can't.
This weekend I will work on the additional tune-up items you suggested.
Any other ideas?
#14
#15
RE: Emissions failure, need help
Right, nocodes, no check engine light. If you can find that procedure I would really appreciate it. Seems like 1000 miles of driving would do it, but you never know.
I took the air filter out when I checked it. I suppose I can go ahead and replace it anyway...
I took the air filter out when I checked it. I suppose I can go ahead and replace it anyway...