MOT fail - emissions - Peugeot 206 1.1 - 1999

littlequickie

Hi,

My car failed it’s MOT yesterday on emissions only. It was really close and they advised me to put a cleaner through the fuel system – 44k that they had in stock – which apparently should solve the problem. I have put this into the system and the car does seem to be running better. Do you know how long it will take for the 44k to have a proper effect? I failed on two counts CO2 – the limit is 0.3 and mine was 0.33 and the lamda – limit 0.097 – 1.03 and mine was 1.04. These fails were both on the second fast idle test.

Do you think the fuel additive will solve the problem? If not is there anything else you would suggest?

Thanks

matty538

Iv never been sold on additives tbh, Id personally try a good dose of super unleaded fuel and take the car for a good run to get the cats really hot, however you may find that the lamba sensor is on its way out.

littlequickie

Hi, thanks for the comment, I don’t really know much about the additives myself but have been looking at the reviews online and for this one they do all seem universally positive (except for one bloke who said he had never used it but thought it was probably going to be pants – a somewhat futile review methinks). I have zoomed the car up and down the duel carriageway at 70 a couple of times and will do it again later on. I have actually noticed a difference in the acceleratrion power of the car since putting the additive in, but I don’t know how much of this is real and how much is my mind thinking it is working.

I know nothing about the lamba sensors. Where are they situated in the car and what exactly do they do? Do they control the amount of something in the exhaust fumes? I will have a scoot about to see how much a replacement would cost. Is it the sort of thing you can pick up at a scrap yard? Have not been to one for years, but am quite happy scrubbing about in old cars if I know what I am looking for.

It seemed to fly through on everything else so am a bit gutted about the emissions, still I guess this gives me a chance to get learn more about this side of things. I hate going into a garage not knowing what is wrong, I feel utterly powerless to discuss anything they say.

LQ x

Hammyman

littlequickie wrote: »

Do you think the fuel additive will solve the problem? If not is there anything else you would suggest?

Thanks

A service?

somech

some additives can make a small difference but most are just a sales gimmick its always best to give the car a good caning on the way to test centre (makes the biggest difference).

in lay mans terms the lambda sensor monitors the exhaust gas and relays the information to the ecu which can then adjust fuel mixture accordingly

littlequickie

Thank you!

Service wise my car is not due for one for a while though I will probably do one in the next week or so if I can’t get the emissions sorted out. Seems silly to have one done if I can get it through the MOT without though. Also I am lower on cash than I would like to be at the moment so if I can avoid the cost for now and save up over the next month by doing some extra shifts in my second job then that would be a better plan for me.

Generally the consensus seems to be get out on a fast road and give the car a really good thrash. I assume we are talking about keeping in 4th gear at a higher speed then usual and really getting the revs up? It does seem that my CO2 fail was so slight that even a tiny change will push it into the pass zone so really my only issue is the lambda levels, which once again are close but may just need that extra push. Someone mentioned to me adjusting the carburettor, is this just balls and someone not knowing what they are talking about or is this an option to look into as well?

somech

there is no carb these days yours will have single point injection
on route to the test centre find a nice quiet road and rev it hard in the lower gears

littlequickie

Ah, so not balls, more just out of date info. To be fair it was an old timer who told me but he is one of the loveliest gentle old soaks at the pub I work at so it’s often best to check on what he says before acting on it.

Thanks to everyone for their advice, it really is appreciated. I will go and do some revving asap. If anyone checks in and has some new and exciting advice I will keep checking the thread but hopefully this will do it. I will let you know how my next test goes!

Cheers

LQ

robredz

littlequickie wrote: »

Ah, so not balls, more just out of date info. To be fair it was an old timer who told me but he is one of the loveliest gentle old soaks at the pub I work at so it’s often best to check on what he says before acting on it.

Thanks to everyone for their advice, it really is appreciated. I will go and do some revving asap. If anyone checks in and has some new and exciting advice I will keep checking the thread but hopefully this will do it. I will let you know how my next test goes!

Cheers

LQ

If you haven't done so, changing the oil, oil and air filters can also help as the dirty oil can affect the readings, as can a clogged and dirty air filter.