How to Do a Smog Test Check on the Catalytic Converter of the Engine on a Mitsubishi Lancer 2002
A smog test check on a Catalytic Converter can be performed by the department of motor vehicles in any state or an authorized agent. Some states limit the smog test to state facilities and state trained technicians. Other states outsource the smog test to automotive facilities that run smog test, issue a certificate and offer repairs to pass the smog test. "Test Only" facilities only offer the test and certificate. These shops are not authorized by the state to make repairs in order for the vehicle to pass the smog test. A Mitsubishi Lancer 2002 that has failed a smog test should be taken directly to a Mitsubishi Motors dealership or auto repair shop under the Emissions Recall Bulletin EMR−05−001REVII.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Emissions recall bulletin
- Customer notification letter
- Vehicle identification number
- Diagnostic trouble codes
Instructions
-
-
1
Take your vehicle to the state smog test facility or a state authorized agent. Pay the smog test fee and drive into the station. The service technician will visually inspect the vehicle and connect the vehicle to the diagnostic machine. The technician will verify that the catalytic converter is present and connected properly. The technician will print out the test results and tell you whether or not the vehicle passed.
-
2
Review the test results wit the technician. Most results include the diagnostic trouble codes. The codes are generally non-descriptive and include only numbers without any description of the problem. Ask the technician for a descriptive list of the trouble codes. Look up the specific trouble codes to see exactly what they mean.
-
-
3
Use the single or multiple trouble codes to determine if the failure is attributed to the catalytic converter, oxygen sensors or the emissions control computer. Take the vehicle to a Mitsubishi Motors dealership or authorized repair shop to have the emissions control computer reset for free, due to the December 2005 emissions recall bulletin.
-
4
Research the emissions recall bulletin issued by Mitsubishi Motors in December 2005. The emissions recall campaign number EMR−05−001REVII addresses Catalytic Converter Overheating in 2002−2005 Lancer models. The recall specifically addresses the 2.0L engine for the 2002-2003 model year.
-
5
Visit the National ODB Clearinghouse website for On-Board Diagnostic technology information. Select the Vehicle OEM database from the menu on the left side of the screen. Follow steps 1,2 and 3. Select the manufacturer, make and model for the Mitsubishi Lancer 2002.
-
6
Stroll down below the specific vehicle information to the documents section. Find the document titled EMR−05−001REVII DATE: December, 2005 — EMISSIONS RECALL CAMPAIGN - Reprogram the PGM. Follow the link to http://www.obdclearinghouse.com/documents/newdocuments/mitsubishi/emr05001revii.pdf.
-
7
Read the entire emissions recall bulletin, including the customer notification at the back. The notice includes an address and telephone number to contact Mitsubishi Motors about the recall. Although the free replacement of the catalytic converter may have expired in 2006, the emissions control computer may still be reprogrammed for free.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Take a copy of the emissions recall bulletin and customer notification with you to the dealership or repair shop. The service manager may be able to assist you with a discount on the catalytic converter or free labor at his discretion.
Read the emissions recall bulletin and the customer notification carefully and request assistance from Mitsubishi Motors. Save all repair documentation for the department of motor vehicles.
References
- Photo Credit Thinkstock/Comstock/Getty Images
