Help! Can't Pass Inspection!
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From: Dallas, Texas
Car: 1989 Camaro RS
Engine: 5.0L V8 L03 TBI
Transmission: 700r4
Help! Can't Pass Inspection!
Hello fellow enthusiast,
I just bought my first car, 89 Camaro RS (V8 TBI OHV), about a week ago. Overall a good solid car, great body, strong motor. I took it for inspection for the first time last thursday and it failed, emission problems. We figured out that the problem was the catalytic converter. Got it replaced, took it to inspection, the numbers dropped but not enough to pass it and it failed again. Decided to put some RXP Kicker in the tank along with premium gas. Then took it to get it inspected for the THIRD time and it failed again.
At this point I am clueless on what else could be the problem, im not very car savvy. I would be greatfull for any ideas or suggestions out there.
Thanks for your time.
I just bought my first car, 89 Camaro RS (V8 TBI OHV), about a week ago. Overall a good solid car, great body, strong motor. I took it for inspection for the first time last thursday and it failed, emission problems. We figured out that the problem was the catalytic converter. Got it replaced, took it to inspection, the numbers dropped but not enough to pass it and it failed again. Decided to put some RXP Kicker in the tank along with premium gas. Then took it to get it inspected for the THIRD time and it failed again.
At this point I am clueless on what else could be the problem, im not very car savvy. I would be greatfull for any ideas or suggestions out there.Thanks for your time.
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 43,187
Likes: 42
From: Littleton, CO USA
Car: 82 Berlinetta/57 Bel Air
Engine: L92/LQ4 (both w/4" stroke)
Transmission: 4L80E/4L80E
Axle/Gears: 12B-3.73/9"-3.89
Welcome to the thirdgen.org family.
Is the SES light coming on?
It would help if you posted the numbers your car produced vs. the allowables.
Generally speaking, emissions are lowered with a complete tune-up (spark plugs, wires, rotor, cap, O2 sensor, air filter) and have a fresh oil/filter change in the engine - if the engine is in decent shape (had regular oil changes, not too many miles), a crankcase flush may help loosen the piston rings in the groove and let them seal against the cylinder wall better. Sometimes a tank of fuel with a fuel system cleaner will help (things like leaking fuel injectors, if it's a dirt/varnish problem).
EGR system failure is pretty common with these cars, typically either the valve itself, or the exhaust passages for the system are clogged up.
Is the SES light coming on?
It would help if you posted the numbers your car produced vs. the allowables.
Generally speaking, emissions are lowered with a complete tune-up (spark plugs, wires, rotor, cap, O2 sensor, air filter) and have a fresh oil/filter change in the engine - if the engine is in decent shape (had regular oil changes, not too many miles), a crankcase flush may help loosen the piston rings in the groove and let them seal against the cylinder wall better. Sometimes a tank of fuel with a fuel system cleaner will help (things like leaking fuel injectors, if it's a dirt/varnish problem).
EGR system failure is pretty common with these cars, typically either the valve itself, or the exhaust passages for the system are clogged up.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From: Dallas, Texas
Car: 1989 Camaro RS
Engine: 5.0L V8 L03 TBI
Transmission: 700r4
Re: Help! Can't Pass Inspection!
yes, the SES light is coming on.
You bring up a great point. I barely got the car last week and all I've really done is replace the fuses and catalytic converter. The car does need an oil change and spark plug replacement. I was thinking of taking under a computer to check the error codes.
You bring up a great point. I barely got the car last week and all I've really done is replace the fuses and catalytic converter. The car does need an oil change and spark plug replacement. I was thinking of taking under a computer to check the error codes.
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 43,187
Likes: 42
From: Littleton, CO USA
Car: 82 Berlinetta/57 Bel Air
Engine: L92/LQ4 (both w/4" stroke)
Transmission: 4L80E/4L80E
Axle/Gears: 12B-3.73/9"-3.89
Except plugs, wires, cap, rotor don't trip the SES light.
Click on the FAQ link in the top border of the page. Go down to the bottom of the page and click on the link about retrieving trouble codes. Follow the instructions, then look at the list of codes for what the issue is.
Click on the FAQ link in the top border of the page. Go down to the bottom of the page and click on the link about retrieving trouble codes. Follow the instructions, then look at the list of codes for what the issue is.
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