Toyota Avensis Gs Vvti Petrol 2003 Model - Emission Issue

[sonal]

Hi All,

Can anyone recommend me a Toyota expert garage (around south-east London) to rectify the High emission issue of my Avensis. I tried couple of times the fuel treatment from Halfords but no improvement.

Regards,

Sonal

[buklau111]

Had same issue, car wouldn't pass MOT. There are a few ways to resolve this problem, I'll start off from your cheapest option. First one would be changing the spark plugs if you haven't. These can have a large effect on your car and emissions. Secondly is the Air filter, only £8 you can get from Euro car parts, can be clogged up and old causing high emissions. Next is a Lambda sensor, this controls the amount of emissions your vehicle produces. To check if it may not be working you will need a OB2 code reader which you can buy off eBay for £15 and will help you in the long term too since mechanics charge £40 for diagnostic which this machine will do for you. Finally, last option would be to change the catalyst, which is the most expensive.

Anymore questions, feel free to ask and good luck!

[sonal]

Thanks for a quick reply.

Every year i change the spark plugs, Oil, Oil filter and Air filter.

Apologies for lot of questions:

Will the OB2 code reader identify the exact issue?

Is it easy to fit the Lambda sensor? I am a laymen in Mechanics.

Regards,

Sonal

[buklau111]

It will give the code if Lambda sensor needs replacing and catalyst. All you do is plug into car and then it will come up with codes. I dont know about fitting Lambda sensor. It will come up within banks on the code reader to display which oxygen sensor/lambda sensor, needs changing.

[sonal]

Ok Thanks a lot for your help. I'll give a try.

Regards,

Sonal

[Konrad C]

Sonal,

A few of questions.

Can you give your emission readings, is your EML warning light on when the engine is running, and does the EML light at all?

The EML (the orange engine symbol) should only illuminate when you about to start the engine, and then go out once started.

If it stays illuminated, then a fault has been picked up and is stored in the cars ECU. That's if the EML is working.

That's when you need code reader to do a diagnostic check.

The emission readings may help say what is causing the failure:- oil burning, failed catalytic converter or a generally worn engine.

Additives like BG44K can help. Blocked fuel injectors if the car is not running well. Italian style tune up to clear the carbon from the engine. Drive the engine at a safe speed in a lower gear for a few miles. Town driving is not good for cars.

To get the problem fixed, you may need professional help.

Let's hope you find the solution.

Konrad

[sonal]

Thanks Konrad for the tips.

I don't see EML warning light when engine is running. I really don't remember the exact emission readings (it was somewhere around 180-190. My car manual says it should be 176) but when ever i start my car the RPM reads 2 and after waiting for 10-15mins it comes down to 1. Also one more thing I would like to mention. I rarely use my car, mostly used on weekends for shopping or visiting friends.

Let me try BG44K, but will the RPM indicator show if emission issue is rectified or do i need to take the car back to the garage to check the emission?

Yesterday i tried locating the OB2 socket in the car but i think its not there. I read on Internet that the socket is available for 2004 onward cars and my registration is 03.

Regards,

Sonal

[buklau111]

Alright, you say that you dont really drive your car, this may be a cause of the problem. Before you take it into the mechanics, drive the car on the motorway, keeping in low gears. So when you get to the motorway, take the car gear 1 til 5.5RPM and same for ll gears for about 45 mins, this will heat up the engine so it is ready and lower the emissions level, then get the emissions test. Your car does have a 16 pin OBD/2 port. Its located under the drivers side leg, i think on the left side and is covered by a black cap. Pull the cap off and you should be able to see a slot with pins inside, for the code reader to plug in,

[sonal]

Thanks Omar for your tips. I'll use BG44K and drive at lower gears on motorway. This weekend is dedicated to my car :)

Regards,

Sonal