Emissions FAIL!

1. tomburnley L-plater Joined: Jan 2011 Burnley Posts: 36 Citroen Saxo 1.1i

   #1 3rd October 2011, 11:17

   Hi Everyone,
   
   My car has just failed its emissions test on the MOT.
   
   Any ideas how to get it lower? apparently it is quite high and alot of talk has been done about temp sensors a front landa? and CAT Cleaner.
   
   Can someone explain this to me please?
   
   
   Also i asked if an oil/filter change would help and i was told it would lower it, just not enough. so apparently it is quite high.
   
   Any hep is much appreciated!
   
   Tom
2. ads85 Frequent Poster Joined: May 2011 Bradford on Avon,Nr Bath Posts: 866 '01 astra coupe

   #2 3rd October 2011, 12:44

   Get a readout from garage thats done the test and post up what it says, but for starters I'd change spark plugs and air filter and go from there
3. tomburnley L-plater Joined: Jan 2011 Burnley Posts: 36 Citroen Saxo 1.1i

   #3 4th October 2011, 09:08

   Ok, I will get the readout today. I changed the spark plugs and air filter at the end of july. I haven't done enough miles for those to be affecting it that much i wouldn't of thought.
   
   I haven't changed my fuel filter since i have had the car, do you think this could contribute to poor readings?
4. user_38699 Saxperience Forum Bum Joined: Oct 2009 Torquay Posts: 2930 MK2 saxo vtr

   #4 4th October 2011, 09:23

   Change the fuel filter, and I would recommend filling it up with Shell 99octane and give it a good run, this will help to clean the system and flush all the shit out.
   
   what condition is the lamba ect in?
5. tomburnley L-plater Joined: Jan 2011 Burnley Posts: 36 Citroen Saxo 1.1i

   #5 7th October 2011, 09:16

   I'm not sure, when i get the readout i will have a check at the levels and hopefully that will help see where the problem lies....
6. tomburnley L-plater Joined: Jan 2011 Burnley Posts: 36 Citroen Saxo 1.1i

   #6 9th October 2011, 13:59

   Hi guys, have got the readout, it has failed all stages on CO levels only. instead of the percentages being below 3% they are around double this between 6 & 7%.
   
   Does this mean anything to anyone?
   
   Cheers!
7. CrouchyM Frequent Poster Joined: May 2011 Colchester Posts: 513 NHB Facelift EP3

   #7 9th October 2011, 14:02

   Clean your lambda sensor, get a new fuel filter, clean the plugs.
   I got told to go for a drive before my mot when I had a decat for a year, worked. All your doing is warming the cat up cause it won't work when it's cold.
8. tomburnley L-plater Joined: Jan 2011 Burnley Posts: 36 Citroen Saxo 1.1i

   #8 9th October 2011, 14:25

   thanks, where abouts is the lambda sensor? how do i go about cleaning it or even checking the output voltage?
9. mcjacko1987 Established Member Joined: Feb 2011 Rochdale Posts: 1896 mk2 saxo 1.4 furio in possi blue

   #9 9th October 2011, 14:35

   as said change fuel filter, spark plugs, air filter. could use some redex before changing the fuel filter. then on day of test use shell 99 octain and take it for a good drive before the next mot test to get it nice and warm.
   the lambda sensor is in the manifold downpipe. if yoiurs is a mk2 then it may have 2 lambda sensors. you need a big spanner to get it out the manifold cant remember size think its like 27mm or something and im not 100% sure but i think you can clean it with some petrol. but iv also heard that could damage the sensor. depending how bad it is you could replace it but there about £70
10. Phreaktwo Regular Poster Joined: Oct 2009 Wetwang, east yorkshire Posts: 372 BMW 320 e46

    #10 9th October 2011, 16:20

    Mine just failed on emissions last week. The bloke at the garage said to come back next day for a re-test but to give the saxo a good drive before i come in to get the cat warmed up because it doesnt become effective until o many degrees.
    
    Pulled up to the garage after belting it, tested it straight away and it flew through the test
11. Karlb1 Established Member Joined: Jan 2011 Aylesbury Posts: 1868 Seat Leon Cupra tdi

    #11 9th October 2011, 23:35

    I had this buddy, CO level is usually down to the lambda sensor/s. is it mk1 or mk2? my lada was completely fucked and my cat was broken up inside, change the lambda plug/s (1 if mk1, 2 if mk2) and take it for an emissions test at a garage, a local one does emissions for me for about £20. If it's still no good change the cat, i went eur car parts and paid £72 all together for a brand new lambda and cat.
12. tomburnley L-plater Joined: Jan 2011 Burnley Posts: 36 Citroen Saxo 1.1i

    #12 12th October 2011, 11:39

    Thanks Everyone!