Smog Check Problems

I just inherited a 97 ford escort. It needs a smog check for resgistration. The check engine light has always been on in this car forever it never goes off. I took it to a friend who put it on some machine and reset it and the light went off. So I took it to a smog test station. It passed all the Emmisions tests but failed the computer check and so it will not pass. The Guy at the garage said to just drive it a ton and it should reset the computer. So far no luck.

Any advice would be appreciated. I have a very limited budget and cannot really afford expensive repairs. Thanks.

I had that problem and solved it by leaving California :grinyes:

Seriously, you will have to find out why the check engine lite is on and have it fixed. Where you are at I think you have to get smogged every two years? :confused:

There's no sense trying to guess what's wrong. You'll just have to figure out how to pay the man :evillol:

I had a problem on my pick-up in California. I ended up going through the 'referee' program. What a hassle. I was so pissed. Still cost me over $400.

When the light comes on (even after it goes back off but hasnt been reset) take the vehicle to a Auto-Zone and have the code checked.

The key here is to find out what the code/codes were before the garage guy reset the computer. This may help lead you to the root of the problem. Its a good place to start. I had an issue with a bad OBD II connector that caused me to fail inspection. I replaced the OBD II connector and passed. I agree with the person who said to go to Auto Zone for a free scan of your computer. Also, when you reset the computer, you may need to go through a drive cycle. In other words, the computer needs to re-learn for a period of time. The check engine light may come back on again after the drive cycle. If it does, you can begin to troubleshoot the problem. Personally, I would like to know what the original code/codes were before the computer was reset just in case they are related. Good luck!
I just inherited a 97 ford escort. It needs a smog check for resgistration. The check engine light has always been on in this car forever it never goes off. I took it to a friend who put it on some machine and reset it and the light went off. So I took it to a smog test station. It passed all the Emmisions tests but failed the computer check and so it will not pass. The Guy at the garage said to just drive it a ton and it should reset the computer. So far no luck.

Any advice would be appreciated. I have a very limited budget and cannot really afford expensive repairs. Thanks.

The key here is to find out what the code/codes were before the garage guy reset the computer. This may help lead you to the root of the problem. Its a good place to start. I had an issue with a bad OBD II connector that caused me to fail inspection. I replaced the OBD II connector and passed. I agree with the person who said to go to Auto Zone for a free scan of your computer. Also, when you reset the computer, you may need to go through a drive cycle. In other words, the computer needs to re-learn for a period of time. The check engine light may come back on again after the drive cycle. If it does, you can begin to troubleshoot the problem. Personally, I would like to know what the original code/codes were before the computer was reset just in case they are related. Good luck!
I just inherited a 97 ford escort. It needs a smog check for resgistration. The check engine light has always been on in this car forever it never goes off. I took it to a friend who put it on some machine and reset it and the light went off. So I took it to a smog test station. It passed all the Emmisions tests but failed the computer check and so it will not pass. The Guy at the garage said to just drive it a ton and it should reset the computer. So far no luck.

Any advice would be appreciated. I have a very limited budget and cannot really afford expensive repairs. Thanks.

The guy who originally checked it and reset it said code 4114 Emissions, but didnt know what it meant. Is that what you mean when you are talking about a code. this was what his machine that he connected to the cars computer said.

Sorry I know absolutely nothing about cars,

Thanks for all the advice so far.

I'm a little confused. I've seen a P0411 Secondary Air Injection System Incorrect Flow Detected or a P0414 Secondary Air Injection System Switching Valve A Circuit Shorted. I don't know what a 4114 code is. Are you sure its a 4114 and not the ones I mentioned?

First off take your car to a good shop. If the check engine light comes on you should have it fixed a.s.a.p. The light comes on for a reason. The last thing you should do I drive it some more. So go back and slap the guy who told you to drive it a ton to reset the computer!

Get it checked, get the code and fix it right.

Another thing is what these guys are talking about, its the only down side to ODB II if it doesnt get a good connection you can fail.
I know a guy who puts dialect grese on his and it passes fine. (Its the grease thats buy the counter at the auto parts store, tipcally used for spark plugs) This may be easyer to do then replace the thing.