Failed Emission Testing

Just had the emission test done on my car and it failed the CO test. I am looking at $120 just to do a diagnosis and was hoping someone might know the cause or at least point me in the right direction. The car has the 2.2 engine. Thanks for any help.

Frank

What year, what engine???

Sorry about that... it is a 96 with a 2.2 engine

Frank

Replace the cat. Probably contaminated. Once replaced it should pass the test. The cat is specifically designed to convert CO to CO2 and water therefore when CO is high it usually means that the cat has expired. You can find a cat online for less than $100 or go to an exhaust shop just don't put an OEM back on.

Cat can be rough tested with an infrared thermometer, temp at the oulet should be around 100 degrees greater than the inlet when fully warmed up, but gtp dad's advice will most likely do it. No check engine or history codes? usually would get a cat efficiency code with this.