Help on getting a 2000 Insight to pass emissions inspection.

[Delta Flyer]

Last couple of years, my 2000 5-speed Insight passed inspection - barely. Had to drive it on the highway for miles to get it to pass and it was still marginal.

Like all of California and any US city of over a million - D/FW is stricter on emissions.

My focus is on the catalytic converter. The ScanTool has 3-4 codes to indicate the emissions is in the yellow zone....I need to get the instructions so I can tell what those mean.

It won't happen in the winter, but occasionally in stop-and-go weather in 80F or warmer, I will get/then clear a P0420 - that's something to do with the catalytic converter.



Likely I will need to replace some of the catalytic system, trying to get an idea of the likely suspects.

• the 1st O2 sensor
• the 2nd O2 sensor (less likely)
• EGR?
• the catalytic conveter itself? {gasp!!!}

Three years ago, the ECM was flashed so it did not raise the P0420.

[Eli]

Don't really understand. Do they actually sniff the exhaust, or do they just do a readyness check?

If just the readyness check, there isn't a "barely" passed, it either passes or it doesn't. If you can keep the CEL off, it should pass.. right?

[Delta Flyer]

Hope this helps.

No CEL on the ScanTool, but there are other indicators that can appear on emissions issues....think Texas law will allow up to two of four and still pass.

And they also do a sniff check....may be the NO2 that's my problem.

I'll get more info.

The kind of answer I'm hoping to get is getting the 1st O2 sensor replaced would make passing emissions likely.

[Eli]

Replacing the O2 sensors won't have any affect. They have their own codes.

If you're getting P0420s, look into the spark plug no foul mod. $10 and no more P0420.

[Wade.Moeller]

In certain counties of Texas they do an emissions check along with the safety inspection. On the Insight, they will plug into the OBDII port and check for codes.

[randerson0248]

Texas is actually tougher than CA. Part of the inspection will be visual. To check for any removal, tampering or disabling of emission components.

If the inspector sees the "spark plug oil foul mod", my guess is that he/she
will consider that to be "tampering or disabling". But, it is worth a try.

My opinion is that if it passes the tailpipe sniffer, then they should not care what modification you have done. But my opinion counts for little.

[Eli]

I'd be pretty surprised if an inspection station attendant would recognize a spacer on the O2 sensor. Doesn't "inspection" usually just entail looking under the car with a mirror to make sure the cat is there?

Maybe hit the non-fouler with a propane torch before installation to give it a nice heat patina.

It's possible though.

[randerson0248]

Oops. posted twice and don't know how to delete. Texas is actually tougher than CA. Part of the inspection will be visual. To check for any removal, tampering or disabling of emission components.

If the inspector sees the "spark plug oil foul mod", my guess is that he/she
will consider that to be "tampering or disabling". But, it is worth a try.

My opinion is that if it passes the tailpipe sniffer, then they should not care what modification you have done. But my opinion counts for little.

[jeff652]

If you are really in a jam, I have both cats from a 2001 (same as yours) for sale for much, much less than dealer pricing.

PM me if I can help.

Thanks
Jeff

[Delta Flyer]

^ Jeff, I'll seriously consider that if necessary.

In about a week I'll take the car to inspection and if it fails, get specific info on how it falls short and post it here.

The 2000 Insight's spark plugs were put in at 105,000 miles - it's at 199,000 miles so they are about ready for replacement. I'd be happy to replace the plugs, but isn't the torque have to be precise so the plugs face a certain way?