I've brought my '04 (only 35k miles) in for the NJ state inspection few days ago and find out it has failed the emission tests. Specifically, part of the inspection report reads like this

================================================== ======
OBD/Emission: FAIL

OBD System - Readiness Status:

Catalytic Converters: NOT READY
Heated Catalytic Converters: UNUSED
Oxygen Sensors: READY
Oxygen Sensors - Heaters: READY
EGR Systems: UNUSED
Secondary Air Injection: NOT READY
Evaporative System: NOT READY
Fuel System: READY
Engine Misfire: READY
A/C Refrigerant: UNUSED
Comprehensive Component: READY
Overall Readiness Result: FAIL
Overall OBD System Result: FAIL

================================================== =======

And the inspector has highlighted all those that shows "NOT READY" and "FAIL" and told me those needed to be fixed up in 45 days.

Anyone here has any clue as to what may have been wrong or broken?? I hope its not the cat since it would be one expensive repair!!

 

Did you replace or disconnect the battery before going?

 

random question but are you sure you have a catalytic converter on your car? (not sure if you're the original owner)

if so, maybe it's broken?

 

>Did you replace or disconnect the battery before going?
I think the problem has more to do with mechanical rather than just electronics, so clearing the "codes" - which I don't have - won't really help the problem I believe.


>are you sure you have a catalytic converter on your car?
I am the original owner so I know it has the cat in there.

>are you sure you have a catalytic converter on your car?
That's what I am worrying about. I have the impression that the cat will last much longer than 35k miles. But anyway what could have possibly caused its premature failure?! I always use unleaded fuel and I have never done any modifications on the exhaust/intake system either. Regardless, I believe Mazda will cover the cat under a 8 yr/90k+ miles warranty in case the cat is really broken.

 

What... that is no where close to what I was getting at...
If you disconnected the battery before going, you'll receive "not ready" failures because the car requires a few drive cycles to generate data the emission people need to gather.

 

ic. Anyway, it's too late now. I need to show them with repair receipts and reords and go thru the emission tests again.

So anyway, what possibly seems to be the problems for the emission system on my car? Do you think there is really some problem with the cat

 

dude go to another place after a couple days. or find some one in yur area that can get yu one with out all the hassle..

 

You don't have to show them the receipts... You can repair by yourself. If you know what is wrong with Your car...

 

Do you have a CEL? If there is a problem with the cat. or the cat sensor it should throw a CEL. causing you to fail the test.

If you don't have a CEL then you probably need to put 3-4 cold start to full warm up drive cycles on the car.

If you do have a CEL bring the car to autozone and have them read the code. Chances are you have a bad cat. sensor and it needs to be replaced. Otherwise the cat. itself may be bad. The dealer can check as well. You have a 6yr 80K emissions warranty if you have a bad cat. so it should be replaced under warranty.

I had a bad sensor that caused me to fail once I replaced it I passed with no problems.

Otherwise it is common for the cat. to fail but it should significantly degrade your performance so you'd notice it.

 

In the Peoples Republic of New Jersey doing this is not that easy, he should have tried a private shop first. Since he went through a state inspection station first a record of his failing is on file with the state. To quote from another car I had inspected.

" THE RESULTS OF THIS INSPECTION HAVE BEEN TRANSMITTED TO MVS "

Private shops spend a large amount of money to be connected to the MVS system and to acquire the state approved equipment to preform inspections. One needs to have a really good relationship with the private shop in order to get them to overlook a legit problem and pass a car. At this time the OP also has a red failure sticker in his windshield so he will have issue were he to pass a roadside inspection which does happen in this state. I do advise him to find out what is the issue with his car and post back here.

 

That is not correct for NJ, From THIS LINK He will also need to fill out the attached form.

Emissions repairs
If your vehicle fails for emissions violations, you must have the repairs completed by a registered Emissions Repair Facility (ERF). For your convenience, you may find an ERF using our online search or by calling 1-888-NJ-MOTOR.

When you fail the inspection, you will get an Emissions Repair Form and a Vehicle Inspection Report that will help determine what caused the emissions problem. You can download the Emission Repair Form [pdf] if you did not receive it.

If your vehicle did not pass the enhanced emissions inspection, it is producing more pollutants than the standard for its model year - check if it is still under warranty and contact your manufacturer.

 

wow ... I thought NYC suck at emission testing ... I guess NJ is far worst.

 

wow ok I thought that the law is the same like in CT.

hmm what about this.. I don't have a CEL and I have a problem with cat. (the dealer gonna replace the cat under warranty)

 

Yup. That is also possible. But if you have a problem with your cat. and you don't have a CEL it would not show up as failing the OBDII emissions test. If you don't have a CEL your car doesn't know there is a problem with your cat. there is plenty of documentation of people melting cats without throwing CELs. But that's not why he failed the test.

 

I don't have the CEL on and yet the inspection indicated it is a OBD/Emission failure.

Btw, is NJ having an enhanced emission test now?? Oh well, I am gonna take it to the dealer to check that out and just hope it is still under warranty.

Speaking of dealers in NJ, which one is more capable and honest? I've heard a number of good reviews about Wayne Mazda, but those remarks are quite some time ago already. The closest to mine is Open Road in Morristown which they just opened for business recently. Guess they're the same business group as the Open Road Mazda in Edison.

 

Wayne Mazda and when you call to make an apppointment tell them you want Kevin to check out your car

 

Any one of service rep at Wayne Mazda you would recommend and that I should ask to talk to?

 

Wayne Mazda is a good place. If Kevin still works there that will be even better(we havent heard from him for a while after his FD caught on fire and he is getting married)

Give Wayne Mazda a call and ask

 

But Kevin is the technician only not the service rep right?

 

Just wanted to chime in, but CT inspections are a joke. If you pass emissions, you pass inspection technically speaking. There is no safety inspection required.

In NY this would not fly, you have to have a safety inspection. In other words your brakes, lights, so forth can be absolute ****, and you still pass.

Not sure how many other states are like this.