Looking for some advice. Smong CA

[RDS3030]

Whats up everyone!

I took my 4runner in to get smoged today and it unfortunately failed.. They tested it twice, thinking that the first time the engine wasnt warm enough, yet the 2nd time it still failed.

Its failing on the NO(PPM) at 15MPH. The MAX is 508 and on the 2nd test i hit 673.

I have new plugs and wires, oil change less than 500 miles ago, and a new air filter. I have no clue the last time the o2 sensor, and the cat was changed. Im thinking it could be thoese but i have no about emissions and wanted to ask before i spend money on something i dont need.

Any input at all would help me out a lot, as im saving for a new timing belt and now having to deal with this is really going to suck.

I have 222138 miles and live in california.

Thanks everyone for your help.

 

[bikerjosh]

smog

Are you throwing any codes? Scan it at your local autoparts.
In the same boat, did all the same stuff, then replaced the cat. Haven't taken it for a retest yet.
Josh

 

[RDS3030]

Can i still have a code with no CEL?

 

[Smog-guy707]

yes you can, check for any vacuum leaks or exhaust leaks before the cat. what do the other emissions look like? im assuming you used the right plugs, but if you used some that have a gap a little too big it will create nox as well.

if no leaks, an o2 sensor may be the cause. le tme know how it goes im located in fairfield if you need any help

 

[RDS3030]

Ok ill look under the hood, and i bought the plugs from toyota and was told they where pre spaced for my can and would have no problem. Ill look under the hood to see if i can find anything loose. The other emissions are just fine and low, if its the O2 senser, is one from an auto part store ok or should i go with toyota? keep in mind im tight on cash atm.
Thanks for the help!

 

[RunninOnBlue]

Seafoam. Works wonders for less than $10.

 

[Smog-guy707]

part store 02 sensors should be fine, just avoid universal ones...go with direct fit one.

 

[bikerjosh]

Before you buy and install an O2 sensor, you might check some smog shops. The one I went to was able to show me on their screen that the O2 sensors were doing their job, based on the signals coming from each.
Just a thought.
If you need a new cat, look at Napa they have Walker and Magnaflow, CARB approved universals that fit 4runners for less than $200.
Josh

 

[Smog-guy707]

Best bet right there, most shops in my area charge 70ish bux for a diagnostic, which may end up saving u money in the long run rather then throwing parts on it

 

[TheDurk]

On the O2 sensor, I would avoid Bosch and stick to OEM Denso. Lots of people have had trouble with Bosch sensors in Toyotas. You can get the Denso Part Number here by crossing the Toyota Number (don't trust their application chart, it has some mistakes). Then you can get a very good price on Amazon for the same part a dealer would sell you. Don't trust Amazon's application info, either.

 

[RDS3030]

Well thanks for everyones input so far, im going to take it to a shop that can do a diagnostic before i start putting money into parts i dont need. And i will still probably end up doing the seafoam. Ill let you know what happens, and thanks again!!

 

[RDS3030]

Best bet right there, most shops in my area charge 70ish bux for a diagnostic, which may end up saving u money in the long run rather then throwing parts on it

Got a name and a number for the shop that can do it for 70ish? Anywhere up here its from 125-200 for them to find out what the problem is..

 

[Smog-guy707]

My shop is 67 for check engine light diag, 97 for emission related diag. Located in fairifield...let me know if u need help. There's also a few goverment programs that offer financial assistance that are real easy to work with.

Look up Consumer Aistance Program (CAP) and VRRRM