I went to get my car smogged. I failed emissions.
My HC readings and CO readings were way past the limits for here in California.


The HC was 105 @15mph & 91 @25 mph (about double over limit)

The CO was 1.10 @15mph & 1.08 @25mph. (also double over limit)


The car is a 96 Accord EX (f22b1) with 178k. I replaced the air filter,oil, plugs and plug wires prior to the smog, but everything else was untouched by me.

The mechanic suggested that it might be a bad Catalytic converter.

A few weeks prior the car did flash a P0132 code. (P0132 Oxygen Sensor Circuit High Voltage (Bank 1 Sensor 1)). We cleared that code, and it never came back.

If it is the catalytic converter wouldn't the Check Engine Light come on?

I'm going to replaced the distributor cap and rotor (just because it needs a tune-up and any little bit helps) and run CRC Guarantee to Pass aka G2P.
After all that I'll go get a Pre-test for $15 bucks to see if that cleans it up.

A new California Emissions legal OBDII compliant catalytic converter is a lot of money for me now.

Anyone know what else it might beo or have suggestions?