Q: why wont my car pass smog

asked by on August 04, 2016

put in new distributor, new plugs, cleaner in the the gas

My car has 186000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

There are many components that work together to ensure your vehicle produces low emissions. It can be something as simple as a vacuum leak or faulty PCV valve, or even a faulty oxygen sensor or catalytic converter. If you didn’t pass the smog test, it is likely that your Check Engine Light is on, indicating a diagnostic trouble code that is stored. A certified technician, like one from YourMechanic, will be able to scan your vehicle and look at the data to determine the exact cause of your concern.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

How do you set the parking brake?
Setting the parking brake ensures that your car stays where you park it on an incline and also takes the load off the transmission. Never leave your car only in park on a hill, or in gear on a hill...
Car smoking
Smoking coming from under your hood can be a couple of things. If there are any leaks, for example a leaking valve cover could be dripping oil down onto the exhaust manifold. This can sometimes come with a smell through...
Engine sputtering when I start my car
The first thing you will need to do is have the codes pulled from the computer to see what issues it has detected. Your vehicle has a complex control system and in most cases it will know what is wrong...
Loud grinding sounds when it rains or snows
It sounds to me like the antilock brakes are engaging since the wheels would change speed when you hit a puddle or when you turn and hit a puddle. Make sure all your tires match sizes and brands. This could...
Car leaking water into driver's side when air conditioner on
The most common cause of the floor becoming wet when the AC is on is due to the AC vent becoming clogged. When this happens the evaporation which is a by-product of the evaporator core working properly and can begin...
Transmission fluid coming up into water overflow
Hello. The transmission cooler tank may be leaking, causing water to get into the overflow. It is possible that the radiator you just replaced as a leak may need to be replaced again. If the transmission fluid is low, this...
I have pebble damage on the bonnet and am wondering where to get the correct paint to fill in the grey spots
Hi there: Usually you can visit a professional automotive paint supplier to have them match the color on your vehicle or supply you with a paint code. This is the best way to ensure the paint you get is matched...
po420 code went on, what are chances that it is actually my catalytic converter
Hello, thank you for writing in. A catalytic converter going bad after this amount of mileage is not unheard of. Although you will definitely want to check the oxygen sensors first. If you are in a position to test them...
2004 ford focus wagon overheats randomly then kools
Hello, thank you for writing in. The vehicle may be having issues with the components you already replaced, or there may be another problem. At this point, you will want to look into the engine temperature sensors, the radiator cap,...

Related articles

Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Throttle Body Temp Sensor
Common signs include poor engine performance, stalling, and broken electrical connections.
How Long Does a Throttle Body Temp Sensor Last?
The The throttle body is an important part of your vehicle and should be monitored regularly. The throttle body temp sensor is a sensor that is mounted on the throttle body. It monitors the temperature of the throttle body and...
How to Get Smog Technician Certified in Colorado
Automotive technician jobs include smog certified emissions inspectors. In Colorado, you need to work at an emissions testing station.