Failed SMOG. I need to sell the car. What to do now?

[skuba]

Hi, I am trying to sell my 1992 Toyota Tercel, it runs good but has 200k miles on it.

I failed the smog test and now I don't know what to do.

The emission problem could be o2 sensor, catalytic converter or EGR valve. Or even more than 1 of the 3. So this could cost me a lot.

I was asking $1400 for the car. Now, I don't know if I fix and try to ask for more, if I should donate, etc...

Do you think I could replace the 02 sensor or catalytic converter myself? I amnot a mechanic. If the problem is in the 02 sensor or converter it wn't cost so much, but I believe the EGR valve costs around $200





Some people are calling me and saying they will buy the car as is. But I am afraid of that, because without smog they can't transfer to their name.



What do you suggest?



I appreciate your help.



Thanks so much,

[gator2764]

The 02 sensor is a snap to replace, just 2 bolts and a wire. The EGR valve is easily removed and cleaned but with that many miles the 2 ports that go from the EGR to the intake are most likely clogged up. Do you have a junkyard close by? If so you can try to find a low milage Tercel and pull the 02 sensor from it, a whole lot cheaper that a new one.

[skuba]

I searched on the net and it seems that an O2 sensor is just like $30. Is this correct?

How could I try to unclog the EGR?

Is there a site or manual I could look to help me do those things. Most of the time, I am a good DYI person. Just yesterday I repaired my GF' car rear bumper with a hair dryer.

Thanks a lot

[gator2764]

$30 for the 02 sounds like a good deal, about $70 at the dealer. Do a search on cleaning the EGR here and you might be able to pull it up. This has been explained a few times on this board.

[unisoul]

I recommend that you research if your state has any programs related to cars that are unable to pass smog. That is if you cannot fix the problem on your own.

For example, California has a financial assistance program (CAP Program - Consumer Assistance Program -http://www.smogcheck.ca.gov/stdpage.asp?Body=/Consumer/cap_program.htm) , that if you are low income, you may be eligible up to $500 in financial assistance to have repairs done to your car, but only at a certain list of certified shops. Also California has a program, that if you would rather surrender your car, the state will purchase your un-smogable car for $1000. (Please note the above link is only applicable to California consumers)

Unfortunately if you car is un-smogable, there’s no point in selling it to a private party, as they cant transfer title unless the car is smogged.

To research if your state has any programs like the afore mentioned, contact your local DMV or visit your states DMV web site and search for "If I Fail Smog".

P.s. That’s a ton of mileage for a 92 Tercel. I have a 91 myself with 155k. Had trouble passing emissions, but passed everything else. Emissions were high due to massive carbon deposits in several places primarily in my intake. I purchased Gas Kicker http://gaskicker.rxp.com/. It significantly reduced my emissions, and I passed smog. Note that this doesn’t fix electrical/computer/mechanical issues, but is a fuel additive to help clean your engine of carbon deposits which is common for high mileage Tercels. IE: it does not fix EGR if you failed because your EGR did not hold a vacuum, which would cause you to fail. Like Gator said, try an auto dismantler, or a junkyard for a low mileage Tercel, that you can scrap their parts.

[skuba]

Thanks Unisol. I actually bought seafoam and bchem12 (I think that's the name) they are both multi-ise for carb and engine cleaning.
I will try cleaning the EGR valve, vaccum tubes, engine and oil by using them in there.
I am hoping it will reduce emissions.

Thanks

[unisoul]

Originally Posted by skuba

Thanks Unisol. I actually bought seafoam and bchem12 (I think that's the name) they are both multi-ise for carb and engine cleaning.
I will try cleaning the EGR valve, vaccum tubes, engine and oil by using them in there.
I am hoping it will reduce emissions.

Thanks

Just to give you an ideah how well gas kicker helps reduce emmisions. I failed smog orignally because the max was 100. I got 149. After using gas kicker, I lowered my emiisions from 149 to 46. I was way under the max and passed emissions.

[ttiiggy]

Originally Posted by skuba

I failed the smog test and now I don't know what to do.
What do you suggest?

What PART of test failed? Numbers? Allowed? High Nitrous? High CO2?

How long did you drive before you got to test facility?

I have a '92 Corolla that I just got a couple of months ago. I had only driven about 20 minutes through rural terrain to get to facility. Thought it was up to temperature, so it should be fine. Failed e-Check.

Tried next time after I had been on Freeway for a 40 minute trip. Passed with flying colors that time. Had to get the whole engine and Catalytic Converter up to temperature.

[chicago69420]

If any one wants to sell a toyota terecel tell email me at [email protected].