Login  |  Register
Nissanhelp.com - All About Nissan
Do-It-Yourself Maintenance Owners Manuals Recalls/Campaigns Service Bulletins Service Manuals Nissan OBDII Codes Glossary & Acronyms More...
Member's Ride Photos Stock Photo Gallery
Classifieds - For Sale Classifieds - Wanted To Buy Classifieds - Mechanic Wanted Classifieds - Auto Services Search Auto Parts
Register FAQ Social Groups Mark Forums Read
98 Pathfinder failed smog, high HC Forums > > 98 Pathfinder failed smog, high HC 98 Pathfinder failed smog, high HC
Forgot Password? Join Us!


Pathfinder Nissan Pathfinder Discussion Forum

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 02-11-2012, 06:49 AM
sabbates sabbates is offline
Enthusiast
1998 Pathfinder
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 86
Default 98 Pathfinder failed smog, high HC

My 98 Pathfinder just failed the smog test with high hydrocarbons (HC).

Is this a sign of unburnt fuel? Will new plugs help?

Thanks
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 02-11-2012, 12:37 PM
bennyb53's Avatar
bennyb53 bennyb53 is offline
Moderator
2019 Sentra
2002 Altima
 
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Hawaii
Posts: 2,105
Default

Yes it means unburn fuel so inspect your plugs, plug wires for weak spark. Also vacuum lines for leaks.....spray connections with carb cleaner to detect leaks. If there's no MIL makes it difficult as there are a hosts of possible causes including leaky injectors, rich condition could mean failed/failing O2 sensors. Hope this helps.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 02-14-2012, 05:33 PM
sabbates sabbates is offline
Enthusiast
1998 Pathfinder
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 86
Default

I checked the timing, and it was about 12°. So I set it to the factory recommended 15° BTDC.

Could this have accounted for high HC?
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 02-14-2012, 07:44 PM
bennyb53's Avatar
bennyb53 bennyb53 is offline
Moderator
2019 Sentra
2002 Altima
 
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Hawaii
Posts: 2,105
Default

Its possible. Here's a link that makes interesting reading in understanding emission gases.


http://www.autoshop101.com/forms/h56.pdf
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 02-24-2012, 07:22 PM
sabbates sabbates is offline
Enthusiast
1998 Pathfinder
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 86
Default

A mechanic told me that usually when the NOx and COx emissions are nominal, coupled with high HC, that usually means a bad catalytic converter.

Is this reasonable? I assume my V6 has two catalytic converters, how much should I expect to pay for that?
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 02-24-2012, 08:10 PM
bennyb53's Avatar
bennyb53 bennyb53 is offline
Moderator
2019 Sentra
2002 Altima
 
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Hawaii
Posts: 2,105
Default

Based on your symptoms I won't be so quick to condemn the CAT hence you would have P0420 code. And causes for excessive HC do not list a failed CAT though possible. But you are free to replace your CAT. Look for Bosal, Walker, or Eastern Catalytics at Amazon, Ebay, rockauto.com, or apw.com. Have fun.
Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
failed, high, pathfinder, smog

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -8. The time now is 11:12 PM.

Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
Search Engine Optimisation provided by DragonByte SEO v2.0.42 (Pro) - vBulletin Mods & Addons Copyright © 2024 DragonByte Technologies Ltd.