Failed!

Damn.

 

- Even though I have driven my car about 800 miles since I had the APR kit installed, I still get four "Not Ready" status returns during the ODBII part of the test. (This is a fail because CA allows for a maximum of two.)

Catalyst - Not Ready

Evaporative System - Not Ready

Secondary Air System - Not Ready

Oxygen Sensor - Not Ready

I think that the O2 sensor may be holding the others back from resetting to "Ready." It is original with the car, and although the miles are low at about 48000, the age of the car could mean that I need to change the primary O2 sensor. However, the emissions section of the test is worse! I was labeled a "Gross polluter" because my HC levels exceeded the GP limit of 250 PPM at idle; I was measured at 251 PPM. At the 2400 rpm section of the test I still failed HCs! My measured amount is 148 PPM; maximum allowable in CA is 130 PPM.

I was told by many different people that the APR Stage 3+ should pass the sniffer part of the test easily, but probably not the visual. Funny thing is that the visual part was quick - bam - he passed it! I know that these levels of HC output are not normal for the way my car is configured, so I have to find out what is wrong and change it quick! I have to drive my car because it is the only one I have!!

 

trade you my tt for yours? mine should pass

 

It took my car much longer than normal to return to readiness too, I believe that you can reset and force readiness with the vag-com tool- can't help you on why you are running so dirty, good luck-

 

Ha ha ha! Well said, TTkid.

Funny thing . . . I lived in Rochester from about 1995 to 2003 and the winters took a few bites out of the life of my car. Got it at John Holtz. What part of Rochester are you in?

I could go for an NY inspection right about now.

 

cmh - thanks for the advice on the vag-com tool, I will look into it as soon as I have the chance.

Yeah, the dirty HC rich exhaust is exhausting me.

Thanks again though . . .

 

Why don't you take your car to an APR dealer in your area? I'm sure they can give you some answers to help get you through smog. If you're in San Diego - Go by Group 5 Motorsport.

 

That is sound advice, beachchair, and I thank you for it. However, an APR dealer installed the kit and has been working with me on it since. I have also involved APR in an email exchange about this problem on my own, but thus far everyone seems stumped. I hope that there will be a breakthrough moment before my temporary sticker expires!

Thanks again for the advice though!

 

I finally passed my smog inspection - legally! The culprit was a bad primary O2 sensor combined with the 91 octane APR Stage III+ ECU program. The garage that installed my APR kit was very considerate and helpful with the whole process and I appreciate their efforts! They put my car back to the stock program for testing and then re-installed the APR 91 program after I passed. The HC levels were next to nothing this time.

I am very glad to have another two years before smog time again!

 

Congrats, don't you have a multi-program option on your chip? I had APR solder their chip into my ECU and I have room for four programs: Stock, 91, 100, and one empty. You can switch on the fly using the cruise control buttons.