97 Buick LeSabre failed emission test b/c Check Engine light out
I have just replaced the catalytic converter on my bought-used 97 Buick LeSabre. Earlier, the Check Engine light was coming on at times. Now, with the new catalytic converter in place, the car failed emission inspection because the Check Engine light does not come on when the car is started. I'm trying to get this solved, to be able to get new license plates. ---- I assume the light has failed and must be replaced. I am told that the whole dash must be disassembled to replace that light. The warning lights--including the Check Engine light--are positioned in a visor or cowl that sits on top of the dash board. I am considering forcibly prying up the cowl, with a crowbar if necessary, to get to the light bulb. The costs that this car is requiring are painful to my limited budget. First guesstimate to replace bulb is $200 - $300. Car cost $1500. ----- Suggestions please.
Can't give you dash diasassembly instructions but you can get that in a $20 haynes manual. It is not that difficult and easier than a crowbar. Can't give you dash diasassembly instructions but you can get that in a $20 haynes manual. It is not that difficult and easier than a crowbar.
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Because the states have the same laws regarding emission certification. So New York just uses the Calif. certification for New York vehicles. How do I know this?? I was a the holder of an unlimited Calif. Smog inspection license.
You have a misfire ,spark plug ,coil etc. .. the flashing check engine light is to warn you that the misfire is severe enough to damage the catalytic converter ! You need to take it to a repair right away ! A new catalytic converter can cost as much as $1,000 . The shop will check the code's in the PCM . this will tell them what cylinder is misfiring !
If check engine light is on. Get it scanned to find the problem code. They will do this at any auto parts store for free, It may be a bad 02 sensor. Get it scanned. A vehicle can fail a state-mandated smog test because a bad, or faulty, oxygen sensor. remove the O2 sensor from the exhaust pipe ahead of the catalytic converter and look for a change in performance. Good-Day!
I didn't know Texas was exempt from federal law?
Federal emissions law requires the vehicles tailpipe emissions system to be intact and in working order in order for the vehicle to be licensed for on road use.
If the catalytic converter was removed and you didn't tell the buyer, the buyer can hold you responsible for all costs to repair the catalytic converter.
Removing the cat will also cause a never ending check engine light do to the wrong downstream O2 sensor readings.
You are better off replacing the catalytic converter with either an o.e. or a quality aftermarket unit.
Stop by any good parts store (Autozone, Advance, etc) and have them do a FREE OBII scan. It will read all your fault codes and more than likely light came on because of emission test. But have them read the faults and reset your light.
Fault Code Definition Code P0422 indicates that the Bank 1 Main Catalytic Converter's emissions efficiency has fallen below the minimum allowable limit. This threshold is tracked by a Catalyst Monitoring Oxygen Sensor located on or near the outlet of the Catalytic Converter.
Symptoms
* Check Engine Light will illuminate * In many cases, no abnormal symptoms may be noticed
Common Problems That Trigger the P0422 Code
* Defective Catalytic Converter * Engine misfires have damaged the Catalytic Converter * Internal engine damage resulting in high oil consumption and/or a leaking Head gasket has damaged the Catalytic Converter
Common Misdiagnoses
* Oxygen Sensors are replaced when the real problem is a damaged Catalyst * Catalyst is replaced when the real problem is internal engine damage, which is producing elevated emissions levels * Catalyst is replaced when a misfiring engine is the real problem
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I would send the car for a smoke test for the emissions leak...Find out where the leak is comming from..Repair it..Reset the codes, then do a drive cycle and see what happens...
Can't give you dash diasassembly instructions but you can get that in a $20 haynes manual. It is not that difficult and easier than a crowbar.
it should be around $125 thats it
can I replace the fuse and my problem be solved
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