Rejected smog test

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parabeagle
Posts: 4
Joined: Sat Jun 04, 2011 3:43 pm
Car: 1996 Nissan Hardbody

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1996 Nissan Hardbody, man trans, 2.4L eng, 164,000 mi. Four test parameters read "not completed" on smog test. No ck eng light. Fuses are ok. New battery in 12/2010. Dealer says veh needs new ECM (for $689 + labor :lolling: ).


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PEZi
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I'm not really familiar with smog tests, so what exactly does the 'not completed' thing even mean?

And $700? Screw that. Pull one out of a junkyard model and install it for free.

parabeagle
Posts: 4
Joined: Sat Jun 04, 2011 3:43 pm
Car: 1996 Nissan Hardbody

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PEZi wrote:I'm not really familiar with smog tests, so what exactly does the 'not completed' thing even mean?
My understanding is that it means that when the smog analyzer machine "asked" the Engine Control Module (ECM) to test several emissions parameters on the veh (in this case, the OXY sensor, OBD catalyst, OBD Evap, and the OBD exhaust gas) , the ECM reported "not completed" because it was unable to get results or complete the test for some reason. According to the smog tech, usually nothing's actually wrong with the car or its emissions. :bang The DMV says that the usual reasons for reject are that the plug that allows the analyzer to be connected to the veh is not accessible, is damaged, or aftermarket wiring is present; that too many trouble codes have been recently cleared; or that the battery is weak, or was recently disconnected or recently replaced. None of this is the case with my veh. The usual "cure" for this problem is to drive the veh until the necessary "drive cycle" (time, speed and conditions) required for the monitors to report as complete is done. The DMV says this should take a week of normal driving. It's been almost two months! :gotme
PEZi wrote:Pull one out of a junkyard model and install it for free.
I thought of that. I was told that the ECM is usually encoded with the VIN, so it's matched to the veh. One smog tech said that the dealer can reprogram the ECM, though.

Buckshot
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Joined: Thu Dec 09, 2010 9:09 pm

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the vin is not in that ecu I would check my fuses all again and see if I can gain access to a scan tool and watch the srt that is the official ward a see if any set and if they do if they clear with key of and back on.

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corn322
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Joined: Tue Apr 22, 2003 10:11 am
Car: 1993 240sx
Location: Austin, TX

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What are the 4 parameters that read incomplete?

parabeagle
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Joined: Sat Jun 04, 2011 3:43 pm
Car: 1996 Nissan Hardbody

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corn322 wrote:What are the 4 parameters that read incomplete?
OXY sensor, OBD catalyst, OBD Evap, and OBD exhaust gas.

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corn322
Posts: 1572
Joined: Tue Apr 22, 2003 10:11 am
Car: 1993 240sx
Location: Austin, TX

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Odd. Those should all have cleared after a 15 minute drive on the highway, or thrown a code.

parabeagle
Posts: 4
Joined: Sat Jun 04, 2011 3:43 pm
Car: 1996 Nissan Hardbody

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Yeah, it's been frustrating. At one smog station. the tech claimed he ran some sort of diagnostic that said something about fuel and "open loop." At least I have some time to figure it out now because I managed to get a passing smog so I could renew the plates.


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