Questions and Answers

Honda Civic Fails Emissions Inspection Q. Good afternoon, Recently my 1995 Honda Civic EX Coupe failed the NJ car inspection for faulty emissions. Specifically, my NOx level was too high:the standard in NJ is 1372, the Civic had a reading of 2568. All other emissions levels were fine. I wanted to identify what the cause may be before taking it to a mechanic, if I needed to, to pass the test.

Here's some background info: Since I purchased the car in late June I've encountered sputtering, as though there was water in the car's fuel. I've used various products on the market to eliminate the condition with varying degrees of success. If I use the products that can be used on a full tank it tends to go away.

I eventually changed the fuel filter hoping to resolve the problem. This was done the day before the inspection. I had some sputtering the day of the test, but I assumed it was due to air or condensation that built-up during the job. Your thoughts and advice would be helpful.

• 1995 Honda Civic EX Coupe
• 1.6 Liter SOHC VTEC
• Manual Transmission
• 104,200 miles

Sean

A. One thing I don't miss about New Jersey is waiting on those long State Inspection lines. I have seen many cars, mine included, fail the emissions test because the catalytic converts cool off and don't work efficiently, and engines load up with fuel. A couple of trips around the block are usually all that is needed to pass emissions. That's why New Jersey started their "back door" inspections.

In your case, however, the NOx levels are related to the EGR system. The EGR system returns a small amount of exhaust gas into the engine for combustion and reduces the overall combustion temperature resulting in a significant reduction of Oxide of Nitrogen (NOx).

So the thing to do is check the EGR valve for proper operation and insure the EGR passages are clear. The "sputtering" you are experiencing may be due to a bad EGR valve or EGR control system.