Hi Austin,
I have a question regarding my new Toyota Camry 2006 (2 years old). This car runs fine, and I had no indication that the test would have failed…so I am stumped.
I am not sure why they should have failed it and what are the options I have.
Thanks in advance for your help,
Oscar
Hello there Oscar
Two things come to mind first here, either the emissions testing machine is not correct, or the engine on your car did not have time to reach normal operating temperature. I have one of these expensive emissions testing machines, and they can be finicky and our machine has given false readings at least 3 times over the last 2-3 years, so this can happen….rate, but can happen.
What I really feel happened is the latter, the engine was not given proper time to warm up before testing. A standard procedure for before testing the emissions is to run the vehicle around the block a few times to make sure the engine is at its normal operating temperature. An engine that has not reached operating temperature will run “rich” or burn more fuel than normal and this excess fuel will show up on the test….and the test will fail.
So, I would go back and get another test (as long as you don’t have to pay this mechanic again to retake the test) and make sure the engine is at normal operating temperature which should be reached after a few minutes of driving. If you have to pay for another test, I would go to the Toyota dealership and have them test it for you. If it does fail again at the dealership they can repair it under warranty.
Blessings,
Austin Davis