Modifications:
- Spoon exhaust
- AEM CAI
- V-AFC

I recently failed a smog test due to exceeding the maximum NOx allowance by almost double. The shop that diagnosed the car tested the oxygen sensor and said the voltage was okay, but response was slow. They found an exhaust leak before the catalytic exhaust donut. And they tried adjusting the air/fuel mixture.

So, they recommended 3 things: 1) Replace front catalytic converter exhaust seal 2) Replace front oxygen sensor and 3) Remove V-AFC

They want $83 in labor fees to remove my V-AFC. Am I missing something, or can't I just unplug it myself? (I have a Frog harness) If I can, do I simply reset the ECU afterwards? They also want $83 in labor + $27 in parts to replace the exhaust seal. And lastly, $33 in labor and $200 in parts for the oxygen sensor.

The car has passed smog with this exact setup before, so I don't see what the V-AFC has to do with it. Also, if the oxygen sensor is malfunctioning, shouldn't the CEL be on?

Any input/recommendations will be much appreciated.

 

go to another test center

 

$83 to unplug 3 plastic clips and plug them back into the ECU? go to a new test center...

 

They let you SMOG with the VAFC?? You should have failed visual! Unplug the VAFC and then reset ecu and let it relearn.

High NOx means running lean, higher combustion temps. You used the VAFC to lean it out right? Your cat might be dead also.

 

I'd like to clarify that the test center and mechanic are separate. I know the guy at the test center, therefore the visual was no problem. Like I said earlier, I have passed smog with the V-AFC before (exact same settings), but I will remove it myself anyway just to make sure. I really think the problem is the exhaust leak due to a bad gasket, so I'll start with that.

If I have a bad catalytic converter or a bad oxygen sensor, will the CEL show up? As of now, I have no light.