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7 Reasons Why Your Car Failed Its Emissions Test
In Connecticut, drivers are mandated to undergo an emissions test for their vehicles every two years. The results are forwarded to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Some states even require annual inspections or integrate emissions testing into broader vehicle safety checks. The purpose of these emissions tests is to measure the pollutants expelled by your car's exhaust system, aiming to minimize the amount released into the atmosphere and thereby reduce smog.
States typically enforce either an onboard diagnostic (OBD) check for vehicles manufactured from 1996 onwards, or an I/M240 dynamometer test for those made between 1981 and 1995. An OBD test involves connecting a device to the car’s OBD system to evaluate the functionality of its emissions control equipment. For an I/M240 test, a technician simulates driving conditions using a dynamometer to analyze the vehicle’s exhaust gases. Regardless of the type of test, your car will either pass or fail. Many vehicles pass, but older ones that haven't been maintained properly are more likely to fail due to various issues.
One common issue is old motor oil. Fresh motor oil provides the engine with proper lubrication. As oil deteriorates, it generates more hydrocarbons, which contribute to atmospheric pollution and could trigger an emissions test failure. If you’ve delayed changing your oil for weeks or months, you might not achieve favorable results during an emissions test. In such cases, simply replacing the oil might resolve the issue.
Another factor is an excess of fuel. The engine's combustion process, vital for powering your car, relies on a precise air-to-fuel ratio. A high fuel ratio disrupts this balance, allowing surplus fuel to pass through the exhaust system, affecting the test results. Causes include a malfunctioning fuel injector or fuel metering, often linked to the onboard computer, a faulty O2 sensor, or a defective mass airflow sensor (MAF) that fails to regulate the air-to-fuel ratio. These problems not only lead to a failed emissions test but can also impair acceleration, cause power loss, or even lead to overheating and engine failure.
Spark plugs, integral to the combustion process, help start your vehicle and must fire in a specific sequence. Damaged or excessively worn spark plugs can misfire or function improperly, leading to a failed emissions test and inconsistent vehicle starts.
A loose gas cap is another concern. It’s designed to prevent gasoline fumes from escaping into the atmosphere. If the cap isn’t sealed tightly, gasoline and its fumes will seep out, causing a test failure. Replacing it with a new, secure cap often resolves the issue.
The Evaporative Emission Control System (EVAP) is more intricate. It prevents gasoline fumes from escaping into the atmosphere and keeps them contained within the gas tank. Damage or wear can compromise the EVAP system, necessitating replacements for cracked or leaking hoses and vents.
Dirty air filters, which should be replaced along with oil changes, can’t operate efficiently when clogged, letting more hydrocarbons escape. Ensure your air filter is changed annually or every 12,000 miles—whichever comes first—or you risk failing an emissions test.
A lit check engine light indicates potential issues with emissions filtering. This light turns on due to an oxygen sensor failure or problems with the exhaust system. Signs of an exhaust system issue include reduced fuel efficiency, a loud rattling sound upon starting the car, or a sulfur-like smell. If your car fails its emissions test, you’ll have a set timeframe to repair it and retake the test. As a Certified Emissions Repair Facility, we can help identify the problem and suggest necessary repairs or part replacements. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.