Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Branches Northeast Failed Inspections on my 98 SVT

Anyone got any thoughts? My Car is currently at the Ford Dealer and they are saying my car failed emissions horribly. Mind you I put the stock air cleaner back on since I had to get some warranty work done.

I'm still under my ESP Plan... however I just noticed that Catalytic converters aren't covered.

Anyone else have this problem?

Al

E-mail me directly at atubinas@hotmail.com

Actually the Cats are covered under an 8yr/80,000 mile Federal warranty. I had one of my Cats go, and ford replaced it, make sure they order the correct one. The local idiots here ordered the wrong Cat for side that was going bad, took them 3 times to the dealership and 2 weeks for them to get it straightened out.

And you are only required to put in a certain amount of work to respond to a failed emissions inspection. Once you have put in the $$$ required (with some strings attached), you get a sticker. Until next year.

Can I ask, why are you going to a Ford dealer for your inspection? Just about any garage can do this (and probably cheaper as well).

Get the printout of the test results from the dealer and find out exactly why you failed. Maybe someone here can give you an idea of what area causes your particular failure.

FWIW, my 3L just passed with flying colors last month. And I popped a Bank 2 Cat Eff code on the way home.

Also good to ask if the dealer made sure the engine was fully up to operating temperature before running the test. The PCM runs richer below a certain Coolant Temperature, which could cause you to fail one of the tests (not sure which one).

Read up on the PA E-test: http://www.drivecleanpa.state.pa.us/

yeah as far as the cats go, most people from the PA area heard me *****ing and moaning when mine decided to go, but as stated it is covered under 8 year warranty and they paid for them something the f'd up underneath and also a new exhaust due to the cats killing my old one. when it was all said and done, they had put $3000 into my car and I didnt spend a dime, a nickle but not a dime, lol

I would have to agree about taking it to a ford dealership, only about 15% of all ford dealerships around here have a decent employee. If your emissions "failed" at some point, they would probably tell you that in order to put some time into it, and if they are lucky, some nice new ford parts$$$$$. Ford charges out the bung hole for both parts and labor(as any dealership). Give them a good "i mean business" talk, and make sure they have proof of everything. Also, get them to replace those cats before they put any time under your $$ in it. Good luck

i was at pepboys and they have this stuff it is callled guaranteed to pass and u will pass or doble your money back maybe try it?

He passed with a new set of plugs and wires. Ford wanted to charge him for "an intake cleaning" AFTER he already passed the second test. That's why we call them stealers.