Emissions Problem, 98 Beetle

[crashz]

We took my girlfriends car in to get inspected and it failed emissions horribly. It was 8 times over the limit on hydrocarbons and 12 times the limit on CO.

So I went to AutoZone with it and got the codes read. 0134, 0135, 1128 all of them have to do with the O2 sensor slow to respond, not reading and swapped ( I have no idea what it means by swapped).

So here's my theory on this. The O2 sensor probably quit long ago (the CEL has been on for a long time), dumping more fuel into the motor. The added fuel has reduced gas mileage and burnt up the cat.

Could anyone point me in the right direction? Anyone heard of this before? I only have 60 days to get it back to the shop in working order, so I'm in a time crunch here. Thanks in advance!

 

[cryptokid]

well if its pulling up codes for the o2, i would probably assume you should replace the o2.

give the car a good workout right before taking it into the emissions station too.

 

[drm7]

A guy I know said to run Techron cleaner for one tank of gas. Make sure it is in proper mix per instructions on can. Before you go in, take the car out and run it untill it's fully warmed up and run it a little hard. This will greatly improve your chances of passing. If your o2 sensor is out then you probably won't pass without fixing it. My cars have never had problems passing so I have not been able to test his method but he swears it works. He has a fair amount of auto knowledge so it probably does. Especially if you only fail by a small amount.

 

[Drew99GT]

Anytime you have an engine related ECU code, especially with regards to OBD2 emmisions, the car will only run in open loop in a "safe" mode so to speak, which means lots of extra fuel even at core operating temps, and reduced igntion timing, both of which will kill emmisions and possibly your cat like you indicated. Techron will not help your situation out here I'm afraid.

 

[cangreylegend]

Sounds like you know exactly what is wrong. Replace what is bad. There is the odd chance that the cat is still good if the engine was running in limp mode.

Now I just don't understand why folks drive around with CEL light on and they still own a car with some decent value???? It's not magic, it won't disappear by itself.

 

[Ray H]

Because they're waiting for the CEL light to burn out?

By the way, crashz, have you checked the emissions warranty paperwork to see whether your girlfirend's car is still under either the state or federal mandated warranty? (Gosh, wouldn't it be the pits if the system was still under warranty when the CEL light first came on, but, isn't now?)

[ January 06, 2004, 07:44 PM: Message edited by: Ray H ]

 

[Robbie Alexander]

I donno if it may help here or not but someone in another thread mentioned that you can SOMETIMES clean with water, around the O2 to get the dirt off... often times they get coated and cant smell the air properly. My in my experience when they get to 60-80K they can go out at any time.
Replace the O2's and HOPE the CAT is not out.
Go on a few trips over 10 Miles and if you get to mile 70-80 and there is no Light tripping the CAT, chances are its okay for now. They Hard Trip FAST... An O2 that's lazy can trip on and off all the time...
I would make sure the oil is clean and all that good stuff, and make sure the trip is at least 20-30 MINUTES of good fun driving before the Test.
Need to have the CAT HOT and since youre haveing problems that's my only laymans response I can think of...

 

[crashz]

Thanks guys! Didn't know if I was on track with this, but I guess I am. Didn't want to replace the cat, but it looks like I have too.

 

[ChrisW]

quote:

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Originally posted by Ray H:
Because they're waiting for the CEL light to burn out?

By the way, crashz, have you checked the emissions warranty paperwork to see whether your girlfirend's car is still under either the state or federal mandated warranty? (Gosh, wouldn't it be the pits if the system was still under warranty when the CEL light first came on, but, isn't now?)

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From what I understand, the emissions warranty is usually 5/7 years and 50k/70k miles regardless of vehicle manufacturer. In california, I think it is 7years/80k miles. The emissions warranty is supposed to be a seperate warranty from the other ones. Call your dealer or look at the owners warranty booklet to see if any of this applies to you. You may be able to get it all fixed under emissions warranty at no cost to you.

 

[Robbie Alexander]

quote:

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Originally posted by ChrisW:
-*-*From what I understand, the emissions warranty is usually 5/7 years and 50k/70k miles regardless of vehicle manufacturer. -*-*

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May be 100K, I know it's up there.

 

[crashz]

I didn't think we would be covered because its now six years old and has 92K on it. But I'll check it out. Would O2 sensors be covered under the emissions warranty? I thought those were considered wear items.

 

[ChrisW]

quote:

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Originally posted by crashz:
I didn't think we would be covered because its now six years old and has 92K on it. But I'll check it out. Would O2 sensors be covered under the emissions warranty? I thought those were considered wear items.

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From what I can remember, the things that are considered emissions and not wear are: Intake manifold, EGR, PCV, exhaust manifold, catylitic converter, O2 sensors, and some others.