MOT Emissions FAIL - Help!

[aaronjb]

Indeed - getting the live data out of the ECU would probably be a big bonus at this point in time (especially if the Tech2 can display the live lambda sensor outputs, Kevin?)

Of course with an expired test, it's now quite hard to get the car to somewhere with a Tech2, I imagine!

[Kevin Wood]

Indeed - getting the live data out of the ECU would probably be a big bonus at this point in time (especially if the Tech2 can display the live lambda sensor outputs, Kevin?)

Of course with an expired test, it's now quite hard to get the car to somewhere with a Tech2, I imagine!

Yes, indeed. You can see the Lambda sensor outputs, MAF output, fuel trim, temperatures, etc. so it would be good to see the live data. Even the engine codes, if any are present, might indicate something such as a fuel trim out of range or a lazy Lambda.

Most MOT garages probably have a reader that can do similar. If only they could interpret what they are being told. Instead, they'll replace the cats, the new ones will probably work for the test but, in time, will get saturated due to the underlying mixture problem and guess what happens next MOT?

Kevin

[aaronjb]

Incidentally I have a Gendan OBD-II laptop based reader that can pull live data off the OBD port; 24_Valve is welcome to borrow it (I'll even post it over - it's useless to me anyhow at the moment as the MR2 has aftermarket standalone engine management with no OBD support) .. but I don't know if it'll work on an Omega - Kevin, do you know?

Can't test it on mine because I know it won't work on a very early Diesel But I don't know about the V6s.

[24_Valve]

Thanks KW, point by point this is what I do & don't know respectively: ECU code 12 only (all clear) but paperclip test only, not full garage diagnostic run... Plugs all changed last 6 months, by me cos don't trust any garage to replace the difficult 246 bank. But don't know if any were faulty when purchased? No obvious misfire but what might be an intermittent misfire? i.e. occassionly there's there's what I can only describe as a jump 1-2 seconds apart when cold start or idling in traffic. MAF is good afaik. No air leaks into induction, spent a day checking ducting & every connection... Lamda heater, no way I can tell but not throwing up a fault code.. hope that might narrow things down 

[24_Valve]

Thanks aaronjb I'll wait to see if KW reckons it'll work on my V6 (my socket is OBD-II me thinks) and might pm you to see if possible to borrow  p.s. very kind offer 

[Kevin Wood]

Unfortunately, only 2.2/2.6/3.2 Omegas are OBDII compliant so I don't believe it'll work on earlier models. :-/

Plugs sound fine, then.

Kevin

[24_Valve]

Q. if i've done something so foolish as replacing an HT lead on the wrong plug (didn't mark them first) is there any way I'd know? if so, without a full strip down is it possible to check that all leads are in the right order, i.e. would wrong order generate a code? thanks, steve

[Kevin Wood]

You'd have a serious misfire and a huge lack of power with HT leads swapped.

Kevin

[24_Valve]

thanks 

[aaronjb]

Unfortunately, only 2.2/2.6/3.2 Omegas are OBDII compliant so I don't believe it'll work on earlier modes

Ahh that's a shame Ah well.. the offer is open to anyone else, naturally

You'd have a serious misfire and a huge lack of power with HT leads swapped.

I once made that mistake on a 1976 Allegro and got the firing order wrong.. nearly soiled myself when it started backfiring! 

[24_Valve]

Are there any OOF'ers that have a tech1 near'ish south east london?? Had a look at TB's Tech2 page and they are all long distance from me  My mig is 1996 so I'm guessing a Tech1 in capable hands might be helpfull... willing to pay £ of course 

[24_Valve]

took the mig to local garage to see if there is any sort of misfire (don't really know if I'd spot it) The mechanic had a good listen at the same time pushing down the throttle until my rev counter was showing 6.5 k  Thought he might kill her but said the engine sounds perfect  went on to say throw in a new set of plugs anyway... (KW on the button again) but shouted out, as he walked off... "don't buy bosch, they're sh*t!"... "make sure you get NGK!" Is this true? if so am I right in thinking the equivalent p/n for NGK plugs is BKR5EK.  The bosch p/n in haynes for pre-facelift is FLR 8 LD+U... all models? any ideas 

[razzo]

Hi Steve got an Opel scanner here if you need readings or live data, not as good as tech 2 but still capable

[24_Valve]

Thanks Razzo, you're a life saver  will pm you to discuss

[24_Valve]

Posted by Kevin Wood on 02. Sep 2010 at 10:35
Yes, indeed. You can see the Lambda sensor outputs, MAF output, fuel trim, temperatures, etc. so it would be good to see the live data. Even the engine codes, if any are present, might indicate something such as a fuel trim out of range or a lazy Lambda.

took the mig to razzo & hooked it up to the Opel scanner... Live data showed all of the above with the following outcome: Live data showed lamda readings (both sides) within limits but at the lower end of the spectrum. Live data also showed overall mixture as Lean. Everything else was absolutely spot on! Can't re-write to the ECU with this scanner but read out seems to show everything (very impressed)

Unfortunately following the scan the mig again failed on CO & Lamda, eventhough lamda was ok on last attempt.

Question is; replace O2 sensors or both Cat's  :question

CO 0.48
Lambda 1.04
HC 128

thanks, steve