QuestionThanks so much for your answer! I am wondering if the EGR is responsible for the emissions test
failure. In Mass., they have instituted this terrible emissions test. It puts the car on variable
resistance rollers and the car is "driven" through all the gears on a virtual "course" laid out by the
computer. It does 5 identical tests--the first 4 passed, then the emissions spiked over the limit
(between gears). The problem is is that the person doing the inspection on a standard
transmission can have great influence over the outcome of the test by shifting poorly, lugging
the motor, etc. My car failed and I can get a retest only if I get work done on the car by a
certified mechanic. If I spend more than $300, then I get the emissions waived. However, here's
the catch, you must go to a "Massachusetts Certified Emission Specialist" which is not a standard,
but rather just means that the mechanic paid money to be part of this group of people. No
reputable mechanic would ever NEED to be part of this kick-back group, so there are a bunch of
fools on the list. If you just go to a good VW mechanic, then it doesn't count. I have a Neuspeed
P-Chip installed in the thing and the P-Flo Air Cleaner. I don't know if that makes it worse
(probably). So, of course, I am in a bind if I don't get this thing running perfect. The engine says
it is running just fine and getting an average (between highway and city) mileage of 25 MPG.
This is a VR6--if it is getting 25 MPG, then it should not fail an emissions test. VW says it is the
EGR valve--it could be the vacuum going to the valve, the solenoid controlling the valve, or the
valve. Of course, for the Passat, it happens to be dealer only (not for the jetta or GTi) and so far
the cheapest I can get it on the web (one source lists and sells dealer only parts) is $510 (better
than $610 at my local trustworthy VW dealership). In addition to the heater core debacle, they
said that to fix the sunroof, it would be $1200 and it would take 4 hours to get the sunroof off
(Gee, it took me about 10 minutes to get it off, but I can't seem to get the rails anywhere).
I don't know if a tuneup would make a significant difference in the emissions or not. There's
nothing to it, right? I just have to replace the spark plugs (wires are fine) and the timing should
be fine because of the electronic ignition and computer system,right? I don't know what else I
could do. The oil doesn't need changing, the cooling and heating system is great now, so...
What should I do?
Thanks again!
Jeff
AnswerYes, that is true, even here in Canada...you (the shop) make and application and pay the money and presto you are certified. Again with the EGR valve, try an auto salvage yard for that part if you just wanna check. Don't tell them what it is cept some sort of plastic thing and maybe they'll give it to you. I know nothing about the P-C chip and the air filter shouldn't be a problem. Make sure those hoses that go to the EGR connect tight; put a little extra air in the tires and you should be getting even better than 25. Hard tires help. There is nothing else except contest the bastards BECAUSE if you put out the extra 300 in parts and your car is still no good what bullshit are they trying to pull.???
If you could, take an EGR VALVE apart and you would see nothing magical inside. It is an emissions gases recirculator that sucks oil vapors from the crank and gas fumes from the gas tank and carb and stuffs it back into the intake to be burned. Basically(from what I remember 3 hoses into 1) if I am not mistaken. It is crap what they are telling you in my opinion. Their response in saying it is theEGR valve really holds weight when they don't know how to remove the sunroof. Rails--auto salvage yard?
Get another opinion from www.vwvortex.com...lots of owners of VW in their and also mechanics as well. I am the only mechanic here (I know that as I have to answer my own questions)
