KMA Smog Check

B. A 1998 Chevrolet Silverado failed smog for air injection pump code. Prior to seeing us, the air injection pump lines were cleaned and a tune-up was performed. He spent over $1000 (same story different day) but still failed smog for the same reasons.  A quote for a catalytic converter and oxygen sensors were the next components to be replaced but he decided to called us for a second opinion.  We charge $120 for diagnostic and found the air pump internal filter fell apart and jammed the impellers. We also charged  $240 to un-jammed the intake and rebuild the air pump. A new air pump is about $500.  Emission repair is very precise. It's very tempting to throw parts at the problem.

C. A 1995 Ford Ranger comes in for NOx failed on multiple occasions. The egr (exhaust gas recirculation valve) ports were cleaned & egr valve replaced but NOx unchanged. He spent over $1000 (here we go again--i am noticing a pattern) and a catalytic converter and an oxygen sensor were next to be replaced.  He was told @ 170k miles the catalytic converter and o2s supposed to be replaced. We charged $120 for diagnostic and found: 1. There was no vacuum to the egr valve and 2. The combustion chamber area was full of carbon deposit. We fixed the vacuum issue and did a fuel induction clean. The total out the door was $379. Smog check passed--clean. 

When it comes to emission repair, or any auto repair in general, it's very precise and it follows a proper diagnostic. Guessing & throwing part at the problem is a waste of money.

D. A 1998 Toyota 4Runner with 169,000 miles failed for NOx. Customer been to different shops and still failed. The vehicle has numerous new parts including a new catalytic converter.  We did a diagnostic and found extensive carbon deposits and bad front oxygen sensor (AFS). This vehicle is not equipped with EGR valve to fight NOx. We charge $120 for diagnostic, $120 for de-carbonizing, and $60 labor for replacing the oxygen sensor. Yike! I don't know how much she has paid before :(