I bought a 1995 Civic DX from a family friend 3 months ago. About a month ago the check engine light started turning on after I had driven more then a few miles. I took the car to get a smog check and since the light is on he said it is a automatic fail.

When he ran the test it came up with "Gross Polluter" results. The Emission results were:
HC MEAS
242
251

CO% MEAS
2.27
2.92

Emissions: HC & CO Over the Limit
MIL: On

These were all marked by the smog place.

This car should pass smog since it is all stock. So is this a mechanical problem or is it as simple as a chip reset? Is there anything I can try myself without paying a shop to look at it?

 

try checking what cel it's throwing. that'll make it easier to decide what you should do.

 

What do you mean by "cel it's throwing"? Sorry I am new to this sort of thing.

 

If a Check Engine Light (CEL) comes on during or before a SMOG check you will FAIL your smog check. Something is WRONG with your car. It may be simple it may not be.

You are producing too much carbon monoxide and too much Hydrocarbons.

1st check to see why your check engine light is on (do a search on how to read the CEL CODE)

ONce you find you CEL code, then you know what to look at to start fixing it.

If you are not good with tools and diagnosing, you should take it to an automotive repair technician.

 

Ok I found the CEL number thanks to the guide here:

https://honda-tech.com/zerothread?id=1171263

The number I recieved was 41 and that was the only number displayed. According to the guide it is a "Primary oxygen sensor heater".

Is this an easy fix?


Modified by Blammo300 at 6:32 PM 12/7/2005