I looked at my air filter on my '09 Honda Civic, and it was a little dirty..I am gonna change it out. I also found some other videos on my car...can maintaining my air filter and fuel filter help me pass an emissions test? Are there cars that exist that pass emissions test easier than others? What can I do to pass an emissions test with my '09 Honda? The car is in great shape!! No trouble lights coming on and they are not blocked or disabled. Oil is CLEAN! I already been to KY from Chicago twice. I think I will change the battery just in case, Because the info on it is not legible. Any tips for emissions tests??
Make sure your car is good and hot before going for the test. Air filter should be clean. If you don't have engine problems, then no need to touch the fuel filter. If the battery works fine then there's no need to replace it.
@mountainmanjoe
Can you tell me more about the battery? The contacts are clean, but I cant read the date. Thats not a problem? Why should the car be hot before the test? Thanks.
@goodscotty
You want the car to be hot before the test so the catalyst is up to operating temperatures. The catalyst starts to work efficiently when it is nice and hot.
Battery life depends on a lot of variables, so the date isn't the only thing that matters. I would just leave it until it starts showing some symptoms.
Engines run most efficiently once they reach optimal operating temperature (around 92C). Also the catalytic converter works better when hot as Raz mentioned.
@mountainmanjoe
Thanks to everyone!! 🙂
@mountainmanjoe
Thanks! I will take your word on it, I trust this site. Y'all are so helpful. 🙂
@mountainmanjoe
I just saw Scotty's video, 4/19/19... on how to pass an emissions test! Good stuff. I thought today was Mechanic Monday, and I was waiting for it to come on at 8:30, maybe I was mistaken. I drove my new Honda a lot yesterday and this morning, I looked under to see if there were any leaks. NO LEAKS!!! YAY! I did not buy this car with a mechanic on my side, but I truly believe by watching Scotty I learned enough to buy a decent car, probably mixed in with a little luck. Thank you again for your knowledge and help!
Do you have any starting issues? If not, you don't need to change the battery. But it is good to monitor its health.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=iFCCF6extfQ&vl=ar
@g-t
Thank you!! I got very lucky when I found this car, at Massey's. Its a tiny dealer in west Ky, and it allowed me to take my 2 grandsons and daughter here to Chicago for a long visit. I have not seen them in about 18 months. Then, I drove them home. I picked it remembering everything Scotty talked about. No mechanic because no time! Shifter dont rattle, no weird noises coming from the exhaust, no gummy build up in the tail pipe. I live alone and not very many people care about a woman wanting car information.... I had so many bad experiences. This site is so cool. Thanks a million to all, I trust what you say. 🙂 Have a Great Sunday!
You are welcome and good luck on getting car knowledge!
If there is no code on your dash and cat runs fine, you don’t need to worry about the emission test.
@yaser
Core? hmm I dont think so. Thanks!!!! Love this site. Thanks to Scotty too!!
I meant to say code.
@yaser
{blackemo}:hotdrink: OK!
"Check engine light on"...can test and will fail. You get test results as to why it failed.
Any scan tool will show if it will pass emissions. Most parts stores will do that without having to buy one.
The tool will show "red" for a emissions failure. Won't be able to pass a test. Code number(s) will display to lead to where the problem(s) is/are.
"yellow"...the engine computer is testing various emissions sensors for proper feedback, Its called "setting the monitors". This is done two ways...by doing a, specific to your vehicle, "drive cycle" or by driving normally for 30-100 miles. Asuming all the monitors reset...scan tool will show "green". Any monitor failing will keep the yellow light on the scan tool as the engine computer keeps trying to get the proper reading. Won't be able to pass a test.
"green" is happy motoring !
***********************************************************************Every state varies in their emission laws...the following applies only to Pennsylvania:
No current emissions sticker...no vehicle safety inspection. Don't wait until the end of the inspection period.
Here in Pennsylvania, in the counties that require emissions test, there are options...
less than 5,000 miles since last emissions test...no emissions test. "Exempt" sticker issued.
5,000 miles since last emissions test...test as is. If it fails, you pay for the test and you get a printed report as to why it failed. That paperwork allows you to attempt repairs and then get one free test within 30 days at the inspection station that failed it. I would suggest that it be done at a inspection station that has a "certified emissions repair technician" considering the following way to get a "waiver sticker" if it again fails. (not every emissions test station has such a tech) Of course if it passes, you get a regular "emissions" sticker.
With the original "fail" paperwork and receipt for $150 detailing attempted emissions related repairs (parts and labor if done by an actual shop) or $150 for parts if you did the repairs (your labor doesn't count) you can get a "waiver" sticker that is good for a year.
The repairs could of been done 60 days before the first inspection or within 60 days after the first inspection. You only have 30 days for a free retest at the original station.
