Author Topic: 1.8 SE MOT emissions failure  (Read 2641 times)

Offline devolute

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1.8 SE MOT emissions failure
« on: 07 October 2009, 17:46 »
I'm failing on emissions.

On a fast idle test I get 0.611% (max 0.300) and a lambda of 1.034 (max 1.030)

This was a re-test. After failing with similar numbers the first time, I was given some liquid to put through the engine. I did this, ran the car round a bit, then bought some of this:
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_274571_langId_-1_categoryId_165750
..with another tank of fuel.  No joy.

The guy at the garage didn't have any suggestions so I turn to you, forum. I have absolutely no idea what the next course of action is.

My Golf has only (!) 85k on it, so I don't want to retire it just yet. The car is in good nick, otherwise.

Offline Mikester

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Re: 1.8 SE MOT emissions failure
« Reply #1 on: 07 October 2009, 17:47 »
Are you running any mods on it?

Offline devolute

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Re: 1.8 SE MOT emissions failure
« Reply #2 on: 07 October 2009, 17:53 »
Nope. Aside from some rather tacky wheels that the previous owner put on it, it's completely standard to the best of my knowledge.

Offline Mikester

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Re: 1.8 SE MOT emissions failure
« Reply #3 on: 07 October 2009, 18:10 »
Well i would think that its either the cat that is broken, or that its overfueling, which has ruined the cat.

Could be over fueling due to a broken/mis reading sensor.

But im not sure how those engines work tbh.

Offline devolute

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Re: 1.8 SE MOT emissions failure
« Reply #4 on: 07 October 2009, 20:37 »
Thanks anyway Mikester.

I may take it to my local 'VW specialist' before I break down and take it to my local VW dealership.

Offline Wayne

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Re: 1.8 SE MOT emissions failure
« Reply #5 on: 07 October 2009, 20:39 »
Well i would think that its either the cat that is broken, or that its overfueling, which has ruined the cat.

Could be over fueling due to a broken/mis reading sensor.

But im not sure how those engines work tbh.

+1 sounds like a cat or mixture problem

Offline AudiA8Quattro

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Re: 1.8 SE MOT emissions failure
« Reply #6 on: 07 October 2009, 21:26 »
Try changing the lambda probe before the cat.
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Offline Mikester

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Re: 1.8 SE MOT emissions failure
« Reply #7 on: 07 October 2009, 23:14 »
Try changing the lambda probe before the cat.

And check the wiring i reckon.

Offline Khare

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Re: 1.8 SE MOT emissions failure
« Reply #8 on: 07 October 2009, 23:17 »
I'd find someone with vagcom and do a scan, might not be the lambda probe at all. Lambda probes ain't cheap so I'd start off with the cheapest stuff first, like a throttle body clean, and air filter renewal.

Offline Mikester

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Re: 1.8 SE MOT emissions failure
« Reply #9 on: 07 October 2009, 23:23 »
Needs a difinitve answer, as mot retests are expensive. Thats the problem.

And does a non gti have fault scanning compatability?