QuestionI just took my car to a test only station and it passed after the test on the dino ... my power steering went out it was sticking before the test more so when cold now not sticking but no power assist what the heck any help thanks
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I just bought this car and it is a gross polluter and want to know how to check the timing before i have it tested it runs great i won't be able to check the cat converter until the test so any suggestions on what to do before i bring it down thanks ?
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Hi Tony,
The ignition timing is controlled by the powertrain controller using the pulse it receives from the crankshaft sensor and the other sensors that input data to the controller. So there is no way to intervene in that timing process other than to be certain that all the sensors are working properly. The way to do that yourself is to do a fault code readout of the engine controller to see if it has identified any problems with engine control equipment that would degrade emission control capabilities.
Take the ignition key: turn it "on-off-on-off-on and leave it on" doing this in 5 seconds or less elapsed time. Then watch the check engine light which remains 'on' to begin to flash, pause, flash, pause, etc. Count the number of flashes before each pause, then repeat the process again to verify that you have the counts correct. Then group the numbers in pairs in the order that they readout to form the two-digit fault codes. The last code is always 55 which means "end of readout". Then either go to www.allpar.com/fix/codes.html for a code translation or write back and tell me the number for advice of what to do. Use the "rate the expert" tab to get back to me quickly if I am "maxed out". Then after all the codes are cleared is when I would first go for a smog test. Also, check the exhaust system for any leaks, particularly between the engine and the oxygen sensor downstream. Tell me which engine you have just in case there is a specific difference between the 3.3 and the 3.5L engines.
Roland
AnswerHi Tony,
In response to your question about the cause of the loss of power steering, I believe that the order of the likelihood of the fluid level, belt, pump, or gear being the reason is in that order, but only your inspection (or a shop's for the last 2) will reveal the true reason.
Roland
Hi Tony,
Congrats on passing the smog test...what a relief. I just had the same experience at the test only station here in the SF Bay area when I got a '91 Jetta thru on the first try, after having to go through three tests, 2 years ago, and even then we just passed by a few parts per million. So I was expecting the worst. Whew!
On the power steering: check the fluid level in the pump fluid reservoir opening, check that the belt isn't slipping (adjust tension), check the pump pressure (should be 125 psi, but requires a gauge and adapters), and finally check the steering gear itself (which requires some experience and a manual). You may have a conventional power gear or a speed-proportional gear, by the way. The latter has a electrical solenoid on the end of the gear housing, for identification purposes.
If you want to get into the details of these tests, let me know and I can xerox copy the pages and postal mail them to you. It costs me 8 cents a page plus the postage which you can reimburse me for with stamps.
Roland
