Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) CA SMOG Check - FAILED

[JacobsonD]

My '98 12V failed the new CA SMOG check.



I called a local Diesel shop and they recommended the SMOG shop. It was a smog test-only shop. Before officially starting the test, I asked the technician/owner to unofficially check the smoke. We did a few snap tests, and he eventually said that it'd pass the visible smoke check, but just barely. He asked if there was anything wrong with the vehicle, and I said no because there isn't. It's in great shape.



We ran it into his shop, and he hooked up his computer to something under the dash. A few minutes later he told me it'd failed!



Fault codes:

P0401: EGR Flow Insufficient

P0463: Fuel Level Sensor CKT High Input



He also pointed out that the Check Engine Light never came on. I've owned the vehicle for three years, and never noticed the absence of the Check Engine Light. It could be burned out, it could be the previous owner disabled it. I don't know.



Any ideas on how to fix this and the cost? My registration is due at the end of April.

 

[Simplysmn]

I would say clear the codes and take it back right after you clear them and see what happen's ?

 

[LVJUNIOR]

He is pluggin it into the obdII port. It will tell if the emmissions components are operating within the factory specified ranges. Clearing the codes won't always be enough. When you clear the codes it takes a little driving to alow the sensors to get adequate data to indicate a status. If the smog machine sees an incomplete test data condition it will fail you.



I am not sure exactly how the computer works on your truck but I would find a friend with a descent scan tool to help you out

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

Contact Bob4x4 on this forum; he works at a dealership in SoCal and knows performance. A previous owner may have modified or disconnected smog related stuff on your truck.

 

[jtwcummins]

The EGR flow issue on the 12v Calif engines for 97-98 is caused because the ECM turns on the EGR and tests the intake air temp. If the intake temp doesn't increase 10* the code is set. The Check Engine light should come on. Does the lite come on when you start the truck? I ran w/ the lite on for along time on my 97 until I found someone who knew what set EGR flow. I removed the EGR completely and used a relay & resistors to keep the lite off. Finally found a used federal ECM and changed it out.

 

[JacobsonD]

The previous owner removed the EGR. The SMOG report indicates that I passed the "Comprehensive Visual Inspection. " If there's a sure fire way of getting rid of the codes, I'd like to try that. Otherwise, it looks like I'll have to find the EGR parts and install them. Any ideas on where to source the parts quickly and how much they'll cost. Is installing the EGR components tricky or straightforward?

No, the "Check Engine Light" does not come on at all. The bulb is either burned out, or the previous owner somehow disable it.

 

[JacobsonD]

I'll contact Bob4X4. Thanks.

 

[JacobsonD]

I'm still trying to find the EGR valve and tube and associated gaskets and hardware. The local Dodge dealer says the tube is $350 and the EGR valve is about $400. The parts guy at the dealership didn't need a VIN nor an engine number. I asked him if the parts he was quoting were for a 12V or 24V. He said, yes. I told him there were two different engines used in '98 and he said the parts he's quoting me are for the turbo engine, not the non-turbo diesel. I told him both the 12V and 24V motors are turbocharged. He responded with a moment of silence and then said these were the right parts. I'm not so sure, but I like his pricing.

I also called a local Cummins diesel shop and parts place. They required the engine serial number before looking up any parts. They quoted the EGR valve at $1059. 33, and the EGR tube at $248. 00. That's a huge difference, but at least this parts guy knew what he was talking about.

Has anyone bought these parts lately and know what they should cost? I'm trying to get this all done over the phone while traveling. When I get home in a few days, I want all the parts ready to pick up so I can get this job done and pass my SMOG check.

 

[JacobsonD]

Thanks to a fellow TDR member, I've got the parts in the mail for way less than what the dealer wants.

 

[JKreiss]

I thought the smog was only going to be for the 98. 5' and newer 24valves? Did you receive something from the DMV that said you HAD to smog your truck? Obviously the point is moot now but i was just curious.

 

[chipster]

I thought the smog was only going to be for the 98. 5' and newer 24valves? Did you receive something from the DMV that said you HAD to smog your truck? Obviously the point is moot now but i was just curious.

the law states `98 and newer. no distinction for 98. 5 and lower. :-laf

 

[JacobsonD]

I looked into the question of 98 vs. 98. 5, and as Chipster states, there's no distinction between the two. In fact, my engine was built in 97, and the data plate on the engine even states that it complies with the emission standards of 1997. My truck was built in Oct 97, but it's a model year 98. So, it gets smog checked. I didn't volunteer for it. The DMV sent me a notice that my vehicle required a smog check before renewing the tags. I had the luck (or lack thereof) to have originally registered my truck in CA three years ago in April. My understanding is that the new smog requirements went into effect with April and beyond registration renewals. Had I first registered the truck in CA in Jan, Feg, or March three years ago, I don't think I would have been required to smog check this year. Oh well. It'll get taken care. At the next go around in two years, the smog techs will probably have a better idea of what to do.

Good luck to those whose registration is coming due soon!

David

 

[JKreiss]

Thank you for the clarification David. Yeah i was afraid that was the case. Luckily for me mine are registered out of state, however i'm not going to hold my breath. It's just a matter of time before it's federal. Anyways thanks again and good luck.



Joe