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Post by Condor on Aug 10, 2007 18:57:11 GMT -5
Texas has this new law that says any vehicle 1996 or newer must pass the new emissions tests. If the 'check engine' light turns on, it will not pass. The Green Burrito, (my 1996 Ford Explorer) has had that light on ever since I bought it in 1997. Never been a problem at all. I took it in to the mechanic and ended up paying close to $650.00 dollars to get the oxygen sensor, and egr valve (whatever the heck that is) replaced. It passed inspection, but really it doesn't run any better. Just meets the new standards I guess. That hurt. Specially right now, as we pay tuition at university for my DD.
Condor
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Post by Lady B on Aug 10, 2007 19:28:50 GMT -5
I'd get in touch with Ford directly and see how much of that bill they would like to cover before you have to get in touch with your States Attorney General. Ford knows they have had problems with the "check engine" lights but it's not a big enough issue to do a general recall. Same thing happened with some of the Dodge vehicles from the late 90s.
Lady B
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Post by sandsman1 on Aug 10, 2007 19:29:34 GMT -5
thats crazy ain't it how they make the rules for the little guy so tough -- i been on the road before and had the semi in front of me dot my windshield with unburned diesel fuel commin from there stack but they don't shut them down or the bus's that run the streets all day belch-in black smoke or the refineries that throw black smoke and suet 24 hrs a day -- its not who you know its who you (b-sorry)----- pay off
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stefan
Cave Dweller 
Member since January 2005
Posts: 14,113
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Post by stefan on Aug 13, 2007 10:09:36 GMT -5
Yea we have had that law in NYS for 4 or 5 years- My Old Dodge had a light that would turn off a week before inspection (it was a faulty O2 Sensor- but as long as there was no code they had to pass it) then it would flip on as I would drive home from the inspection- it did that for 2 years- It's a stupid law that they "claim" is to help the environment- not so sure about that-
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Post by akansan on Aug 13, 2007 14:13:32 GMT -5
Condor - I had a friend that had a friend (  ) who cleared the messages right before inspection, had it inspected, and then went on their merry way. The diagnostic computers you can buy clear the messages. Her problem was an inaccurate spedometer. |
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Post by hermatite on Aug 13, 2007 15:02:12 GMT -5
We solved the problem by taking the bulb out. That light never came on again.
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Post by krazydiamond on Aug 13, 2007 15:36:05 GMT -5
we had to sell our 1996 Dodge Neon with only 21,000 miles on it because of that law. ours simple came up "not ready". we'd just put on a new muffler too. here in NY, you can get a one year extention IF you put at least 400 dollars worth of repairs in and it doesn't fix the problem.
two weeks ago, our 2002 Dodge Dakota's idiot light went on, it's just because it hasn't been started often enough and it was a little wet (Dodge's don't like wet). so, i'm just waiting until it needs it's inspection to see what this is going to cost.
i'm all for a clean environment, but not when the car industries can get out from under design flaws at my expense. i feel your pain, Condor.
KD
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karenfh
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since November 2006
Posts: 1,495
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Post by karenfh on Aug 13, 2007 17:54:15 GMT -5
Sometimes you can reset your computer, such as when the brake light comes on because it's time to have them checked...... by simply taking off your battery cables for a few minutes, then putting them back on. Small town, only one place actually has the computer that works on my old van! And if the brakes are fine (I did have them checked!), I'm not having them replaces just becuz a light came on.
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WarrenA
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since November 2003
Posts: 1,530
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Post by WarrenA on Aug 13, 2007 18:37:26 GMT -5
if you disconnect the battery leave it off for at least 20 minutes
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Post by sandsman1 on Aug 14, 2007 1:18:19 GMT -5
pull the instument panel usually acouple screws snip one wire to the bulb or if it dont have any leads just twist the bulb and pull it slips right out --no more worrys haha
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Post by xenaswolf on Aug 14, 2007 7:28:15 GMT -5
If you have an Autozone near you ( parts store) they will use the computer and read the codes for ya for free.
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Post by takilasunrise on Aug 14, 2007 9:29:49 GMT -5
The emissions tests are BS anyway. We have them here is SE WI because of Milwaukee and Chicago and their massive air pollution issues. But if you go to the next county to the west of ours, they're not required. Earthdog's car had to "move" to another county because it wouldn't pass emissions here. And my car does the same thing. The "service engine" light comes on periodically. I had Autozone check it out and the O2 sensors need to be changed. Funny thing, though, when the light goes off and I've brought it to get emissions done, it passes because the codes aren't showing up. In actuality, I'm sure my car is not passing all the time, not just when the light is on. When I used to have to get my '71 Mustang tested in Calif. it would never pass the first time. The carburetor would get adjusted, then I'd go back, pass the test and reset the carb back so the car would run better. Here in SE WI, if you put in more than $400.00 to repair it and it doesn't fix it, you can get a waiver and still get your car registered. So, what's the real point then? Cleaner air? Don't think so..................
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chassroc
Cave Dweller
Rocks are abundant when you have rocktumblinghobby pals
Member since January 2005
Posts: 3,586
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Post by chassroc on Aug 14, 2007 13:03:26 GMT -5
Service lights are a royal pain in the Butt...I do not believe it is limited to one make of car. I've had continual issues with my Honda Accord and the Toyota Camry and Tercels. My Ford Taurus's were a little better, but occasionally they went on without a reason.
As far as inspections and emission tests, I cannot feel too bad; I thought everyone had them. They were in Jersey when I was growing up and we have them here in Massachusetts. I understand that California has traditionally been the most serious of the inspectors, with much more environmentally safe cars and standards than the rest of the country.
I like the disconnect the battery idea. Seems like a good way to get rid of false alarms. I cannot remember if the other repair companies do it this way but Honda charges me if the light goes on for a reason but not for false alarms.
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) who cleared the messages right before inspection, had it inspected, and then went on their merry way. The diagnostic computers you can buy clear the messages. Her problem was an inaccurate spedometer. 
