Emissions Test

[Jahosiphat]

Thought I'd share this with you guys.

So I got the emissions sheet in the mail a month ago and I kept putting it off because I was too busy. My registration date ends at the end of August so I decided to go today. The testing place is about 40 minutes away maybe a little more with traffic. As I'm going the car is running like normal and I think to myself, "how terrible it would be for me to pull into the testing station after going this far and magically throw a check engine light?" I laughed it off and kept driving.

As I pulled onto the street of the testing building I look down and see that lovely orange CEL glowing. I was completely stunned because it is what I was thinking about earlier. So since I would just fail the test I turned around and drove another 40 minutes back home. I was incredibly pissed off and now I have to see what's wrong with my piece of crap. Has something like this ever happened to any of you?

[prof15]

wow that sucks! hopefully it will be an easy fix for you..so you can get upto date with the registration

[concept]

Can you rent a code scanner and find out what is throwing the code? I've had my 89 MX6 GT for over 12 years now and I've never seen a check engine light (knock on plastic). My guess is that your oxygen sensor is bad or your gas cap is leaking fumes, but really, the best way to go about this is to have your car scanned.

[MaxPower]

Aaah, that sucks. You can take it to AutoZone to get the codes read for free.

[Jahosiphat]

Alright so I went to AutoZone today and they did the check. I have two signals! P0171 probable cause BBLean Air/Fuel Mixture system lean back 1. And P0106 probable cause BBMAP senor signal out of range (what. I replaced the MAP sensor less than a year ago!) Should I take this into a shop or is there a way to do it myself? I really need to pass emissions so i can re-register my car!

[concept]

Regarding the P0171, I found this by a Mazda Tech:

"p0171 lean bank 1 code. the mass air flow senser is contamined with dirt. if u are under a certain mileage it is covered by an extended warrnty by mazda. take it to a dealer to see if you qualfy. i have replaced quite a few."

How hard is this to change?

"There are two screws holding it in the intake tube. pull it out shine a flash lite in the holes to see if it has dirt on the wires. if so get a can of carb clean and spray it. u may need to brush it off with a towel or tooth brush. be very carefull, not to damage it. let dry and install. "

Note: CRC sells an MAF cleaner - use that if you can.

On the P0106 code, check this page:

http://www.2carpros.com/forum/2000-mazda-protege-p0106-code-vt227857.html

...lots of useful info.

[IukekiniProtege]

the MAP sensor is mounted on the passenger side strut tower, make sure that the vacuum hose didn't pop off from it or from the manifold, if its the 1.6(which i believe you ahve an lx so it will be the 1.6), then its very easy to see without taking anything apart, it attaches to the manifold via a solid line attached to the back of the manifold, and then it just attaches to the vacuum nipple that faces the driver side on the MAP sensor. The sensor should have one or two plugs on it, and also have a Mitsubishi sticker on it. I can take pics if you need me to.

As for it being too lean because of the MAF, just clean as mentioned above. I prefer to not touch it to dry it and just let it air dry(less of a chance of breaking the sensor wires). Also, how is the car running, if its idling rough, check the egr valve, and also check for vacuum leaks. If its running smooth its probably a dirty MAF, but could be a O2 going to crap. or an injector a bit clogged.

[Jahosiphat]

Alright I want to thank you all for your advice! So like you guys said I just needed to clean the MAP sensor and all the things connecting it and the light is gone! I was able to pass emissions today too, thanks guys!