Failed Vehical Inspection
Thread Starter
|
Registered User
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Failed Vehical Inspection
Before I get to my current problem, I wanna say Thanks to all the folks that helped me out a few months ago.
I recently failed vehicle emission inspection, due to 2 cylinder misfires and a bad O2 sensor, I dropped it off this morning and I just got a call from my mechanic, $535 bucks, for plugs, wires, distributor and cap, O2 sensor, and to replace my blown Check Engine light...
I have enough experience that I "think" I can do the plugs, wires, and cap on my own, but unsure about the distributor, and I know I can't change the O2 sensor.
I'm looking for some reassurance that the plugs are not impossible to get to without having to brake my arm to get in the compartment and get the little devils.
Thanks.
John
I recently failed vehicle emission inspection, due to 2 cylinder misfires and a bad O2 sensor, I dropped it off this morning and I just got a call from my mechanic, $535 bucks, for plugs, wires, distributor and cap, O2 sensor, and to replace my blown Check Engine light...
I have enough experience that I "think" I can do the plugs, wires, and cap on my own, but unsure about the distributor, and I know I can't change the O2 sensor.
I'm looking for some reassurance that the plugs are not impossible to get to without having to brake my arm to get in the compartment and get the little devils.
Thanks.
John
Champion
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 2,570
Likes: 0
Yeah its probably your best bet to do a tune up. He should not be replacing the distributor, just the cap. The cap is all the way in the back and is a bit of a pain to get to. Routing the wires can be a bit of a chore too. Yes, you can chance the o2 sensor. I just changed my a few weekends ago now. I rented the tool at autozone, and added a breaker bar to it and they came out easier than anything. Getting the electrical connectors apart was the most time consuming. I would recommend getting them apart first. The spark plugs arn't that bad either. Start on the passenger side first to get the hang of it. The ones on the drivers side behind the brake booster are the most awkward. All of the above is do-able as long as your willing to take the time to do it. As far as the misfires, lets just hope that the tune-up fixes it.
Professional
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 131
Likes: 0
From: Brussels, Belgium
Changing spark plugs is no big deal, do it one at a time so you don't mix up the spark plug wires. You just have to check that the heat range is ok (buy the same plugs, so you won't have to look it up).
Why the distributor has to be changed? just change the distributor cap and rotor, that's childsplay (maybe a little difficult to get to but it isn't difficult at all to replace). While your at it, change the spark plug wires also. The distributor cap is fixed with two 1/4 inch hex screws, loosen them and the cap comes off. Just take off the cap, under the cap is your camshaft position sensor, there's only one way to put this one on so if it comes loose, just put it back in place.
An O2 sensor isn't difficult either, just get under your car with your wrench set, breaker bar and 2 new sensors, half an hour later the job is done.
The instrument cluster is a tad more difficult, better have a manual ready for that in case you mix up some wires.
This fix will take you a few hours if you have no experience, but while you're doing it, keep in mind all of the $$$ you will save by doing it yourself!
If something goes wrong, just shout over here,
Greetz,
Bigster
Why the distributor has to be changed? just change the distributor cap and rotor, that's childsplay (maybe a little difficult to get to but it isn't difficult at all to replace). While your at it, change the spark plug wires also. The distributor cap is fixed with two 1/4 inch hex screws, loosen them and the cap comes off. Just take off the cap, under the cap is your camshaft position sensor, there's only one way to put this one on so if it comes loose, just put it back in place.
An O2 sensor isn't difficult either, just get under your car with your wrench set, breaker bar and 2 new sensors, half an hour later the job is done.
The instrument cluster is a tad more difficult, better have a manual ready for that in case you mix up some wires.
This fix will take you a few hours if you have no experience, but while you're doing it, keep in mind all of the $$$ you will save by doing it yourself!
If something goes wrong, just shout over here,
Greetz,
Bigster
Champion
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,268
Likes: 1
From:
Yep not sure why you'd replace the distributor and for that price I highly doubt he is either. As for the tune up it's not hard. However, the O2 sensors are even easier. I mean way easier. You just get a 02 sensor socket and unscrew them and then unclip the plugs. Just like unclipping a plug from a headlight bulb. Very similar then screw the new one in and connect the plug back up. It's seriously a 5 minute job and takes maybe a $20 socket. I bought the socket as it made it easier on another car I was doing.
The plug wires are the hardest part about a tune up do to the fact that you have to route them properly but even then they are still pretty easy. I'd get the MSD wires, NAPA dist. cap and rotor with brass terminals on the cap, and Champion plugs. Should come out to a lot and I mean a lot cheaper than what he quoted and probably better plug wires. For the o2 sensors Summit sells NTK ones that seem to be good. Rockauto.com also has good prices on stuff like that.
The plug wires are the hardest part about a tune up do to the fact that you have to route them properly but even then they are still pretty easy. I'd get the MSD wires, NAPA dist. cap and rotor with brass terminals on the cap, and Champion plugs. Should come out to a lot and I mean a lot cheaper than what he quoted and probably better plug wires. For the o2 sensors Summit sells NTK ones that seem to be good. Rockauto.com also has good prices on stuff like that.
Champion
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,268
Likes: 1
From:
Oh yeah, a short stubby screwdriver makes changing the dist cap a lot easier as it's hard to reach.
Trending Topics
Legend
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 8,663
Likes: 8
From: Central Oklahoma
Yep not sure why you'd replace the distributor and for that price I highly doubt he is either. As for the tune up it's not hard. However, the O2 sensors are even easier. I mean way easier. You just get a 02 sensor socket and unscrew them and then unclip the plugs. Just like unclipping a plug from a headlight bulb. Very similar then screw the new one in and connect the plug back up. It's seriously a 5 minute job and takes maybe a $20 socket. I bought the socket as it made it easier on another car I was doing.
The plug wires are the hardest part about a tune up do to the fact that you have to route them properly but even then they are still pretty easy. I'd get the MSD wires, NAPA dist. cap and rotor with brass terminals on the cap, and Champion plugs. Should come out to a lot and I mean a lot cheaper than what he quoted and probably better plug wires. For the o2 sensors Summit sells NTK ones that seem to be good. Rockauto.com also has good prices on stuff like that.
The plug wires are the hardest part about a tune up do to the fact that you have to route them properly but even then they are still pretty easy. I'd get the MSD wires, NAPA dist. cap and rotor with brass terminals on the cap, and Champion plugs. Should come out to a lot and I mean a lot cheaper than what he quoted and probably better plug wires. For the o2 sensors Summit sells NTK ones that seem to be good. Rockauto.com also has good prices on stuff like that.