Failed emissions...confused as to why?

[Aiden]

I am in IL. They require emissions testing.

The report I received said:

Evaporative test result (gas cap test): PASS

OBD (On Board Diagnostic) Result: FAIL

I own a 6 cyl. 2.8 liter automatic 1996 328i with 120,000 on it.

Apparently the check engine light would not come on and that is why the guy told me they failed it. The read out had two error codes on it:

P1421

P1423

I cannot find what these codes pertain to. I talked to my mechanic and he said it could be codes that just were not erased from the system.

So I guess the problem could be anything from a bad CEL bulb to whatever the actual problems are regarding the codes it is throwing.

Anyone have any experience or advise with all of this? Thanks!

 

[Kirby]

P1421 - Secondary Air Injector Valve Circuit Short to Ground
P1423 - Secondary Air Injection Bank 1 Flow Too Low

The engine has an electric air pump that injects air into the exhaust manifold. In theory, the fresh, cool air will cause any unburnt fuel/gasses to be burned. There is an electric solenoid valve that is part of the system. From those two codes, it sounds like it is dead.

The proper procedure is to record the codes, clear them, and see if they get thrown again.

 

[m5runner]

that would be correct

 

[grc]

you just had work done on it, maybe there is a plug not plugged in or something simple? hopefully!

 

[Bmw 325i 7803]

This may not be helpful but I'm gonna add it in anyway. My old 03' 325i stank so badly like gas when starting the engine it almost made me sick, I think some BMW's just (stink) have emmissions problems... Hopefully yours is just an airpump problem, theres BMW's 10yrs older than yours still running. It would be a shame if it graveyarded, the only BMW slightly deserving of that would be my former 03 325i...

 

[epj3]

All cars will have a strong gas smell in the morning. Engines are injected with more fuel when the engine is cold, than when it is at normal operating temperature. Not just that - the oxygen sensor is near useless until about 90 seconds - 120seconds after the engine is started becuase BMW uses heated oxygen sensors. Last, the catalytic converter won't work until it's heated up...so all that extra gas that is dumped into the engine comes right out of the exhaust pipe.

 

[Bmw 325i 7803]

All cars will have a strong gas smell in the morning. Engines are injected with more fuel when the engine is cold, than when it is at normal operating temperature. Not just that - the oxygen sensor is near useless until about 90 seconds - 120seconds after the engine is started becuase BMW uses heated oxygen sensors. Last, the catalytic converter won't work until it's heated up...so all that extra gas that is dumped into the engine comes right out of the exhaust pipe.

Actually my 330i doesn't smell gas on startup... and that 325i smelled gas all the time especially startup and got 10mpg in the city and 24 on the highway. It had lots of problems.

 

[epj3]

Actually my 330i doesn't smell gas on startup... and that 325i smelled gas all the time especially startup and got 10mpg in the city and 24 on the highway. It had lots of problems.

Did you get rid of it through lemon laws or what? I dont remember

 

[Bmw 325i 7803]

I bought the 330i to ditch it and get out of it...(traded) And I've never been happier. [bmwdance]

 

[chief]

I guess the code results just depend on what dianostic program you use. My programme uses the following code definitions:
P1421 Catalyst Damage
P1423 EGI Functionality Test Failed

I agree with Kirby: "The proper procedure is to record the codes, clear them, and see if they get thrown again. "

Note: if the exhaust "stinks" check the vaccume connection with the idle control valve. It is located below and behind the throttle body. the connection has a habit of coming loose or cracking.