Emission and Dash Lights
Question: I need to take my car in for an emissions test, but the Service Engine light has been on for some time. I’ve been told my car won’t pass. Is that true? What happens if my car fails the test?
Answer: Yes, you are correct: Your car cannot pass the emissions test when the Check Engine light is on. In fact, it’s likely they’ll just turn you away.
Save yourself time and schedule an appointment at Hong Kong Auto Service. We’ll conduct comprehensive diagnostics to determine which emissions part or parts have failed, and once we replace it, we’ll run your vehicle through an extensive test drive to be sure it’s ready for the emissions test lane.
Your car is guaranteed to pass after we fix the necessary repairs!
Reasons Why Your Car May Not Pass
Common reasons that cars don’t pass an emissions test include:
Clogged or dirty injectors– This can lead to a rich or lean fuel mixture, which will cause your vehicle to fail.
Dirty sensors– Dirty or malfunctioning sensors, such as O2 sensors or MAF sensors, will also cause your vehicle to fail the test.
Dirty filters– A dirty air filter, especially, will cause your vehicle to have higher hydrocarbons than is allowed by law. An air filter should be changed every year or every 12,000 miles.
The Check Engine light is on- If the Check Engine light is on, the worker won’t even hook up your vehicle. They reject your vehicle immediately once they see that light. Trying to trick the system by clearing the code (thereby erasing the light) just before you go in probably won’t work either since the part that is triggering this light will cause your vehicle to fail anyway. There are more than 1,500 reasons why a Check Engine light can turn on, so you need an expert to help you navigate your vehicle’s computer system.
Faulty EVAP system- This can include everything from a cracked gas cap to an erratic MAP sensor or cracked vacuum hoses.
Dirty engine oil– Believe it or not, dirty oil will cause your car to put out more hydrocarbons.
Passing Your Emissions Test with Ease
You might think that your vehicle is running fine and the Check Engine light is on, so you don’t have anything to worry about. We hear that all the time from people who were surprised that their vehicle failed.
Having your vehicle inspected first by our team of experts can not only keep your car running like a champ, but it will also prevent future breakdowns and allow you to pass an emissions test with ease.
Our ASE-certified mechanics know exactly what to look for when it comes to smog inspections.
We will inspect the following:
The entire exhaust system. Holes or pipes that have rusted will cause your vehicle to fail. We will inspect the entire exhaust system from the exhaust manifold to the tailpipe.
Change the oil and filter
Inspect and change the air filter if required
If the Check Engine light is on, we will run the vehicle for codes and determine the problem. Often, it’s a faulty Oxygen sensor, which isn’t an expensive repair in most cases.
If the Check Engine light isn’t on, we will still run the vehicle for codes to determine if other problems may have been present in the recent past. We will correct any problems and clear all codes.
A vehicle tune-up if necessary
Inspect hoses and the belt for signs of wear
Check the status of the battery
Check tire inflation levels
Inspect all fluid levels
Nothing will give you peace of mind like knowing that not only is your vehicle in good working order but that you won’t be returning to the emissions testing site for a retest!
Why Hong Kong Auto Service?
We offer honest repairs at a fair price. Yes, you might find a cheaper price, but when it comes to automotive repair, you definitely get what you pay for.
You can rely on our highly-skilled, ASE certified mechanics to do the job right the first time and charge a fair price.
We understand that there are a lot of auto repair locations, so we strive to get things right the first time. We want you as a customer and we care about you and your car.
If you aren’t sure whether your vehicle will pass an emissions test or if you just need an oil change, or if you have questions, feel free to call us or schedule an appointment.
At Hong Kong Auto Service, we want you to be our customer for the life of this car and your next one!