In Arizona, the Department of Environmental Quality started a program known as Vehicle Emissions Inspection Program (VEIP). It is designed to improve air quality and reduce vehicle emissions by administering a mandatory vehicle emissions testing. In the Phoenix and Tucson metro areas, high levels of air pollution endanger public health. By getting your emissions tested annually, you are really maintaining vehicle performance to lower emissions and extend the life of your car. But sometimes, a motorist may fail an emissions test. Then what do you do? Why might you have failed the test in the first place?
According to their website, in 2014, ADEQ lowered vehicle emissions inspection fees by 25% for millions of Maricopa County motorists – from $27.75 to $20. The agency also now replaces faulty gas caps for free when vehicles in Maricopa and Pima counties fail the gas cap test during the emissions inspection. This has resulted in more environmental good because, in cases where the gas cap is the only reason for a failed inspection, motorists no longer need to drive off, purchase a new cap and return to the station for a retest. An estimated 75,000 customers a year will benefit from the added convenience, while millions more enjoy the benefits of cleaner skies and healthier air quality.
If not your gas cap, then why else might someone fail their emissions test? Cars Direct has a great and informative article that clearly lists the reasons that emissions may be lacking. For example,
- Your fuel metering may be out of specification due to a faulty computerized engine control, carburetor, or fuel injection unit.
- A faulty oxygen sensor may not be measuring the amount of oxygen in the exhaust gas. This is one of the more common reasons for failed emissions and can be repaired by your local auto repair shop. A faulty oxygen sensor can lead to other problems including overheating, higher toxic emissions and loss of acceleration power.
- You may have a defective ignition system. During an HC check, the analyzer detects high hydrocarbons. If the vehicle is not properly maintained then expect to have an ignition system that is defective causing it to fail an emissions test. According to experts, the most common causes of high HC are defective spark plugs wires, worn out spark plugs, over advanced ignition timing or a worn out distributor cap. Preventative maintenance is key in avoiding these issues.
- You may have a leak in the vehicle’s vacuum. This could be due to a faulty MAP sensor whose job is to measure the load of an internal combustion of the engine’s electronic control system. Leaks may be found in the gaskets or vacuum lines.
- Did you have a rich fuel mixture? High CO2levels are often caused by high carbon monoxide levels due to a weak ignition or a rich air/fuel mixture. Not sure what could cause this problem? A contaminated oxygen sensor, leaky injectors, and excessive fuel pressure are some common causes.
- There may be a problem with the air injection system. This system helps reduce the emission of hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide of a car. When it is not working, the engine cannot control the levels of hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide emission causing the car to emit high levels of these dangerous gases.
- You may have a faulty evaporative emission control system. EVAP or Evaporative Emission Control System prevents gasoline vapors from the fuel system and tank from being released into the atmosphere. Some of the more common causes of a faulty EVAP include leaks in the vacuum hoses and vents, defective purge valves, or faulty gas caps.
If you fail your emissions test, you will need to get your vehicle to a repair shop immediately before your vehicle will pass the next inspection. Although it can be frustrating when you fail an emissions test, it is important to remember that these checks have been put in place to maintain a better environment with less emissions leaks. This is good for both humans and our vehicles. We have a full range of services and can help get your vehicle performing optimally and passing an emissions test without any problem.
