You might be surprised or frustrated when your Camaro comes back from emissions testing with a failed inspection. But don't worry---there are emission issues that can be diagnosed at home. Some can be fixed relatively easily and inexpensively. Remember, Camaros have been around for decades, and emissions testing for older vehicles follows a different set of standards. Make sure when you diagnose your Camaro's emissions problems you are following the correct guidelines. For Camaros produced after 1996, EBD II codes can be checked to determine the root of a problem.
Your Camaro's Evaporative Emissions Control System prevents the pollution, caused by the gasoline burning in your vehicle, from reaching the atmosphere. If the EVAP system is malfunctioning, a leak is often the issue. Unscrew your gas cap and check to make sure it is not damaged. You can purchase a new one for a low price and not have to pay to take your vehicle to the mechanic. If this isn't the problem, check the vapor hoses for a leak.
A quick and easy fix for emission issues is to simply replace the air filter. These filters should be checked and replaced anyway, between traveling 15,000 to 30,000 miles. When your Camaro is tuned up, the air filter is likely one of the first things a mechanic will replace---but it only takes limited knowledge of your vehicle and a few minutes to do at home. Look at your Camaro's owner manual if you still have questions.
When a Camaro stalls, jerks, or fails the smog emissions test, the PCV valve should be checked immediately. The Positive Crankcase Ventilation Valve prevents the corrosive gases created by your engine from reaching the environment by funneling them back into your Camaro's combustion system, to be burned away with the gasoline. It is easy to find, remove, and replace, even for individuals with no experience in mechanics. Make sure that the PCV valve you purchase fits your Camaro.
Bad spark plugs will cause your Camaro to have trouble starting, run poorly, and get terrible mileage. What's worse is that bad spark plugs may also result in high hydrocarbon emissions, which will cause a vehicle to fail emissions testing. Camaro spark plugs aren't that expensive, and fixing them isn't difficult. If, however, your Camaro needs new spark plug wires, you should probably opt to let a mechanic do it. It is a more difficult repair that requires more skill.
Gases from the exhaust system are recirculated into the vehicle's combustion cycle to prevent noxious chemicals from reaching the atmosphere. These chemicals, nitrogen oxides, are recycled through the EGR valve. Camaros made after the mid-1970s will be equipped with EGR valves. Besides letting gases into the atmosphere, an EGR leak may also cause your vehicle to be difficult to start, or to idle.
