Does anyone else have trouble passing smog with their SVT in California? If, so any suggestions or tips?
2002 SVT has trouble passing smog. Help????
phillupbdirty
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Does anyone else have trouble passing smog with their SVT in California? If, so any suggestions or tips?
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What's the cause of the failure? Did they tell you?
A basic tune up and oil change can actually get a car passed assuming it's not got other big issues.
A basic tune up and oil change can actually get a car passed assuming it's not got other big issues.
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i just bought the car from a used dealer and i was reading the carfax and it always failed then passed exactly a hr. afterwards. is there a way to prevent besides the obvious. is it worth the superchiptuning reflash? is there a way to get a smog list of what it has failed for before? ive been tuning for 15yrs and i felt like i lost to technology...
Once again, you are not stating what's needed. WHY is the car failing? They don't just fail you, there must be a REASON.
'and it always failed then passed exactly a hr. afterwards'
You gotta be kidding. The car should pass right then, no ifs, ands, or buts. It's simply too easy to do.
Got news for you. The technology 15 years ago still pretty much required same passage of standards, just tighter now is all. Meaning you probably didn't do well then either. Easier now, the computer does even more for you.
'and it always failed then passed exactly a hr. afterwards'
You gotta be kidding. The car should pass right then, no ifs, ands, or buts. It's simply too easy to do.
Got news for you. The technology 15 years ago still pretty much required same passage of standards, just tighter now is all. Meaning you probably didn't do well then either. Easier now, the computer does even more for you.
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i had to create parts for my old 96 civic hatch...
it never stated what it failed on, is there a way to findout what it failed from?
i'm slowly learning the obd II computer, i know it has alot of potential. i think the other owners ran the **** out of it and i'm getting her to run right again. thanxs again guys your nonhonda know how is great....
i want the SCT chip an jackson/fordracing s/c after i get her overhauled thanxs again happy motoring and holiday ticket muhahahaha
it never stated what it failed on, is there a way to findout what it failed from?
i'm slowly learning the obd II computer, i know it has alot of potential. i think the other owners ran the **** out of it and i'm getting her to run right again. thanxs again guys your nonhonda know how is great....
i want the SCT chip an jackson/fordracing s/c after i get her overhauled thanxs again happy motoring and holiday ticket muhahahaha
I don't know what the specifics of Cali smog testing are (being in Canada). But all you can do it make sure the car is in good running order and bring it in for testing. Maybe it passes, maybe it fails, but at least you'll know the specific reason and be able to address it.
Obvious stuff:
Make sure the engine isn't giving any error codes.
-Ensure there are no leaks in the exhaust system.
-Check the spark plugs for fouling.
-Check for smoke out the exhaust - is the exhaust tip turning black (running rich?)
-Make sure the car is fully warmed up before bringing it in (get the catalytic converter to operating temp). Maybe this is why the car would fail, then pass later?
Obvious stuff:
Make sure the engine isn't giving any error codes.
-Ensure there are no leaks in the exhaust system.
-Check the spark plugs for fouling.
-Check for smoke out the exhaust - is the exhaust tip turning black (running rich?)
-Make sure the car is fully warmed up before bringing it in (get the catalytic converter to operating temp). Maybe this is why the car would fail, then pass later?
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calif has the most stringent smog around. i just did a minor tune up, plugs, oil, coolant... next is the sparkplug wiring and msd coil. has yours had any issues with the smog before? if so what was it, so i can use your history as a future guide. thanx... i didnt know is Canada had smog...lol here i thought ya'll didnt have cats and nasty smog octopus
In Ontario we have DriveClean - cars over 7 years old need to be tested every 2 years before they'll renew your license plate. They put the car on a dyno, stick a probe up the tailpipe(!) and test for CO, NO, and hydrocarbons.
Test is based on emissions at idle for 1) sitting still and 2) 40km/hr.
Costs $35 for the initial test, then $17.50 for re-testing if initially fail and need to do repairs. There is a repair cost limit of $400, but the repairs need to be done by the test facility to qualify (no DIY) and doesn't include the cost of parts - basically just $400 in labor, so things can get expensive quickly.
I've failed the pre-test because of an exhaust leak, but that didn't cost me anything - they just refused to test it before I got the leak fixed. Fortunately I've always passed emissions, though every time I'm tested I get closer to the hydrocarbon limit.
Test is based on emissions at idle for 1) sitting still and 2) 40km/hr.
Costs $35 for the initial test, then $17.50 for re-testing if initially fail and need to do repairs. There is a repair cost limit of $400, but the repairs need to be done by the test facility to qualify (no DIY) and doesn't include the cost of parts - basically just $400 in labor, so things can get expensive quickly.
I've failed the pre-test because of an exhaust leak, but that didn't cost me anything - they just refused to test it before I got the leak fixed. Fortunately I've always passed emissions, though every time I'm tested I get closer to the hydrocarbon limit.
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Welcome to FJ. 
Do you have a CEL? Do you have any codes that the car might be throwing? The SMOG tech can inform you of these codes or you can pull them from any AutoZone or the like. If the car won't pass smog, then pass smog an hour later...that seems fishy. Perhaps a cat issue? If the car wasn't treated right, has high mileage, the cat could be the issue. When my car was stock, I NEVER had an issue passing. There are places here on the board that you can search and some codes that a lot of us are familiar with that we might be able to help you diagnose the problem if you could give us the info.
Where in CA are you located? Bay Area here.
Do you have a CEL? Do you have any codes that the car might be throwing? The SMOG tech can inform you of these codes or you can pull them from any AutoZone or the like. If the car won't pass smog, then pass smog an hour later...that seems fishy. Perhaps a cat issue? If the car wasn't treated right, has high mileage, the cat could be the issue. When my car was stock, I NEVER had an issue passing. There are places here on the board that you can search and some codes that a lot of us are familiar with that we might be able to help you diagnose the problem if you could give us the info.
Where in CA are you located? Bay Area here.
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209 stockton it has103,000 on her odo
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If you can give us more information than that, we might be able to narrow down the issue. If it won't pass smog, the technician had to give you a reason. You can also look at your print out that they give you and you can see what legal emissions is and what your output is. There are a TON of SVTs out there with 100K+ on the odo and they run and pass smog just fine. We need some real symptoms and feedback from the car to help you figure out what the problem is and how to fix it.
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i don't know what or how it failed... can i get the information directly from dmv or a smog referee? this is my first ford and kinda fell in love wit it. she leaks coolant when she is in freezing cold and loves to burn her clutch up. the smog is the main thing before i start her on 'roids. if anyone can tell me how to get the past smog information for their car, i'd buy them dinner or a 6pack or some green. i've been at this for a month..... please HELP!!! or i'll go back to my hondas and put the svt out of commision. thanks
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i bought the SVT at a used car lot..... so its history is scarce and unknown. the CARFAX didn't give much information about its jaded past.
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In Massachusetts, any car sold private or dealer must pass smog/safety. If not, the seller has to fix it or take it back.
There's your answer. You would have got a printout from the rejection. Take it to the dealer and demand it be made good
There's your answer. You would have got a printout from the rejection. Take it to the dealer and demand it be made good
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no print out, it the dealership several tries to make it pass. they didn't know anything about cars, and they barely spoke english and didn't know how to recharge a a/c unit(it's simple). can i ask the dmv or should i just do a smog check?
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Replace o'2 sensors @100+k you should be on your 3rd set anyways.
Replace the coil pack with an OEM unit (for testing) replace the wires with new OEM wires. Replace the spark plugs with OEM plugs - check the SVT Reference section for plug selection. (http://forums.focaljet.com/svt-headquarters/506457-svt-focus-aftermarket-spark-plugs.html)
IF you have the wrong plugs in it (which if you aren't aware of - is very easy) it will cause the combustion process to generate too MUCH (it only takes and extra 100*) heat ... raising ... hydrocarbons (I forget which gas exactly) and you will fail.
THEN - Making sure there are no codes (even ones that DON'T turn on the light)
Let idle for 15 minutes (warm up - give it time to idle!!! - watch temps - never leave unattended)
Drive for 45 minutes in stop and go traffic - preferably some you can make it to 15-20 mph and still stop frequently
Drive for 1 hour on the highway at a constant speed - cruise control (within this hour, try to make sure you have slight rolling hills and you overtake someone a couple times at >75% throttle - this doesn't mean you have to speed!!!)
Let idle for 15 minutes (cool down/rest)
DO NOT RESET ANY CODES AFTER THIS PROCESS!!!! If there are codes, you will have to repair the problem, and do it all over again.
Replace the coil pack with an OEM unit (for testing) replace the wires with new OEM wires. Replace the spark plugs with OEM plugs - check the SVT Reference section for plug selection. (http://forums.focaljet.com/svt-headquarters/506457-svt-focus-aftermarket-spark-plugs.html)
IF you have the wrong plugs in it (which if you aren't aware of - is very easy) it will cause the combustion process to generate too MUCH (it only takes and extra 100*) heat ... raising ... hydrocarbons (I forget which gas exactly) and you will fail.
THEN - Making sure there are no codes (even ones that DON'T turn on the light)
Let idle for 15 minutes (warm up - give it time to idle!!! - watch temps - never leave unattended)
Drive for 45 minutes in stop and go traffic - preferably some you can make it to 15-20 mph and still stop frequently
Drive for 1 hour on the highway at a constant speed - cruise control (within this hour, try to make sure you have slight rolling hills and you overtake someone a couple times at >75% throttle - this doesn't mean you have to speed!!!)
Let idle for 15 minutes (cool down/rest)
DO NOT RESET ANY CODES AFTER THIS PROCESS!!!! If there are codes, you will have to repair the problem, and do it all over again.
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I know what your issue is. Most Smog techs don't know the SVT is different from other Focus' and one of the first things they check on visual is for a EGR. Well being the SVT doesn't use an EGR and uses VCT they will fail they car on visual. Hour later the owner comes back, says hey why'd it fail, ih you have no EGR. Owner pionts out there is not EGR and that VIN code 5 says so, tech checks says oh Im a retard and passes the car.
I'm willing to bet it happened.
If you need any help let me know, I'm in Manteca.
I'm willing to bet it happened.
If you need any help let me know, I'm in Manteca.
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