Emission Control System Inspect Cost Estimate

Emission control systems are often diagnosed through the use of a scan tool which can command the operation of individual EVAP components. Diagnosing in this manner allows the technician to confirm the operation of several components within minutes. Once a failed component is identified, it will be replaced, however, the technician will likely have to conduct further diagnosis when dealing other portions of the emissions system. When the issue is related to the engine control system, diagnostics will take one of many paths, and the technician will need to identify a diagnostic method which is most likely to identify the problem in the most logical manner.

Correcting emission system issues may require a variety of procedures, but most repairs will require the diagnosis to be confirmed after the faulty component is removed in order to further prove the diagnosis. Often it is necessary to remove corrosion and dirt from electrical connectors in order to establish a good connection, and testing once the repair is complete is mandatory. Also, a faulty part may be found dirty instead of failed, and sometimes the repair can simply be to clean the dirty part. Significant disassembly of many components may be required in order to facilitate repairs to emissions system components integrated into the engine control system.

We recommend having emission system issues corrected immediately. Since a great portion of the engine control system, exhaust system and fuel system is dedicated to emission prevention or mitigation, these systems are sensitive to high emissions or inefficient operating conditions. Having these problems addressed sooner than later will likely reduce the chances of further damage.

Many states require that vehicles are tested for emissions compliance at the federal or state level. When vehicles are tested electronically, there are monitors that must be ready for testing. These monitors require drive cycles to be run in order for the vehicle to self-test and establish an internal pass or fail. These drive cycle tests often replicate how the manufacturer expects a vehicle to be driven, so many emissions testing facilities may recommend driving the vehicle in certain manners to ready emissions system monitors.

Repairing many emissions components are simple, fast, and relatively inexpensive, however, there are many components and systems involved with the emissions system that may require more expertise. In most cases, the diagnostic trouble codes will lead a repair in the right direction, but these codes only show failures, not failed components. If there are issues in understanding the trouble codes, tracking the cause of the failure, and testing emissions systems and computerized components, this should be left to a professional technician.