FabSwingers.com forum: VW Passat advice please

By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

My hazard switch is no longer working and mot due. It has been removed and put back so I could get the part number which ends in d. Trouble is most parts on ebay end in b and say they are compatible with d. So what's the difference?

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Is it a dildo?.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"My hazard switch is no longer working and mot due. It has been removed and put back so I could get the part number which ends in d. Trouble is most parts on ebay end in b and say they are compatible with d. So what's the difference?

Have a look online at eurocarparts..Thats who i use for my VW, really good..

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

As long as it fits and the connectors are the same it should be fine. I don't think the hazard switch is a Canbus node (which means it would require a specific part number and then coding to the vehicl).

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

Thanks will do

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Have a look online at eurocarparts..Thats who i use for my VW, really good..

ECP or Carparts4less are both really good.

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

Yet to check images for a b versus d but will take a look thanks

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

The b and d part denotes what year car it will fit

Ie 1994 to 1998 is passat c etc gope this helps

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

[Removed by poster at 13/09/15 14:22:08]

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Thought had wandered onto fabs version of top gear

)

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By *icky999Man
over a year ago

warrington

go scrap yard to be sure. you can compare your new one with the old and it'll only cost you a tenner.

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

Went to breakers yard today and the one they had made no difference indicators only worked not the hazard

So have ordered a new one. So fingers crossed.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Went to breakers yard today and the one they had made no difference indicators only worked not the hazard

So have ordered a new one. So fingers crossed. "

Are the hazards on a seperst relay to the indicators? It would be worth double checking (some cars are). If it's a dead relay a new switch won't make any difference.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Went to breakers yard today and the one they had made no difference indicators only worked not the hazard

So have ordered a new one. So fingers crossed.

Are the hazards on a seperst relay to the indicators? It would be worth double checking (some cars are). If it's a dead relay a new switch won't make any difference."

*separate.

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By *UNKIEMan
over a year ago

south east

Euro car parts or go to volkswagen ...never but parts like that off ebay

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Try finding the relay under the bonnet that corresponds to the hazards and make sure it's not loose - seen that before

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Eurocarparts - We use them, they're really helpful.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Eurocarparts is in Bury, near Glasswells.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Try finding the relay under the bonnet that corresponds to the hazards and make sure it's not loose - seen that before "

I've seen them soaked with water too.

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By *icky999Man
over a year ago

warrington

if you've replaced the part it's obviously something else. don't by another one

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"Went to breakers yard today and the one they had made no difference indicators only worked not the hazard

So have ordered a new one. So fingers crossed.

Are the hazards on a seperst relay to the indicators? It would be worth double checking (some cars are). If it's a dead relay a new switch won't make any difference."

No they work on the same relay.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Went to breakers yard today and the one they had made no difference indicators only worked not the hazard

So have ordered a new one. So fingers crossed.

Are the hazards on a seperst relay to the indicators? It would be worth double checking (some cars are). If it's a dead relay a new switch won't make any difference.

No they work on the same relay."

It could still be a dead contact inside the relay. It's unusual to find two dead switches but faulty relays are common.

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"if you've replaced the part it's obviously something else. don't by another one

As the one we tried from breaker's yard was from a same car but unable to check it on that car couldnt tell if there was a possible fault with that one as well

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By *urvelover39Man
over a year ago

Somewhere

Smash it with a hammer

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"Went to breakers yard today and the one they had made no difference indicators only worked not the hazard

So have ordered a new one. So fingers crossed.

Are the hazards on a seperst relay to the indicators? It would be worth double checking (some cars are). If it's a dead relay a new switch won't make any difference.

No they work on the same relay.

It could still be a dead contact inside the relay. It's unusual to find two dead switches but faulty relays are common."

Son took the casing off our original relay and then made contact with the slots and hazards did work but once box was clicked back into place it failed again

So perhaps the contacts need cleaning even if they don't look like they need to be.

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

Euro car parts or go to volkswagen ...never but parts like that off ebay

This part is coming from a company called New car Parts and is only 7.99

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Went to breakers yard today and the one they had made no difference indicators only worked not the hazard

So have ordered a new one. So fingers crossed.

Are the hazards on a seperst relay to the indicators? It would be worth double checking (some cars are). If it's a dead relay a new switch won't make any difference.

No they work on the same relay.

It could still be a dead contact inside the relay. It's unusual to find two dead switches but faulty relays are common.

Son took the casing off our original relay and then made contact with the slots and hazards did work but once box was clicked back into place it failed again

So perhaps the contacts need cleaning even if they don't look like they need to be."

Could be the connectors for the relay in the loom. Get some Servisol Super 10 electrical cleaner spray and give it a spray.

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

Has to be worth a try...thank you for your advice.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Has to be worth a try...thank you for your advice."

You're welcome.

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

Good news the new switch works, but have to turn ignition on and also the indicator lights run a bit slower. Not sure why that is but hey all that matters is it wont fail the mot test

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Good news the new switch works, but have to turn ignition on and also the indicator lights run a bit slower. Not sure why that is but hey all that matters is it wont fail the mot test

That's weird, hazards are supposed to work even without the key. You have an earth fault somewhere which probably caused the first switch to die. The new one might not last for long.

I'd get it checked by an auto-electrician.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Have you checked the fuse ?

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By *ensualtouch15Man
over a year ago

ashby de la zouch

"Good news the new switch works, but have to turn ignition on and also the indicator lights run a bit slower. Not sure why that is but hey all that matters is it wont fail the mot test

Mot fail , it must work without ignition xx

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Good news the new switch works, but have to turn ignition on and also the indicator lights run a bit slower. Not sure why that is but hey all that matters is it wont fail the mot test

Mot fail , it must work without ignition xx"

True but most testers test them with the engine running so might miss it.

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By *ensualtouch15Man
over a year ago

ashby de la zouch

"Good news the new switch works, but have to turn ignition on and also the indicator lights run a bit slower. Not sure why that is but hey all that matters is it wont fail the mot test

Mot fail , it must work without ignition xx

True but most testers test them with the engine running so might miss it."

I have no idea what most testers do as there are a fair number in the country and I don't know most of them, i know what they should do xx

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Good news the new switch works, but have to turn ignition on and also the indicator lights run a bit slower. Not sure why that is but hey all that matters is it wont fail the mot test

Mot fail , it must work without ignition xx

True but most testers test them with the engine running so might miss it.

I have no idea what most testers do as there are a fair number in the country and I don't know most of them, i know what they should do xx"

I should have said "many". One not too far from us missed a missing CV boot once!

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Out of 3000+ MOTs i've occasionally missed a few bits and bobs.

We're only human

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

Have you checked the fuse ?

Yes the indicator fuse was checked before purchasing new hazard relay and works

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"Good news the new switch works, but have to turn ignition on and also the indicator lights run a bit slower. Not sure why that is but hey all that matters is it wont fail the mot test

Mot fail , it must work without ignition xx

True but most testers test them with the engine running so might miss it.

I have no idea what most testers do as there are a fair number in the country and I don't know most of them, i know what they should do xx

I should have said "many". One not too far from us missed a missing CV boot once!"

I went to ATS for a free health check before the MOT later that day. After removing all my wheels to check the discs and pads, the driver's side disc was not like the other 3 which were smooth. I was told the pad had not been fitted correctly and only a 3rd of it was connected to the disc causing a lot of ring marks. They also said NSF drop link was loose, which I saw and also there was some play in the NSF bottom arm but these were advisories.

Go to have the MOT and he has to abort it due to a break fluid leakage on the OSF wheel and couldn't tell me if it was a hose problem or even which hose......which ATS failed to spot. I thought there might be a brake fluid issue as I have had top top it up twice in less than a couple of months but couldn't see a leak nor notice my break pedal working any differenty.

After being advised by the Council run test centre not to drive the car I made a couple of calls and took it to a very helpful garage who spotted why it was leaking, due to a couple of bolts working loose.

Have rebooked mot with this garage for Monday and told them what both ATS and Test centre told me they disagreed with what I had been told.

Let's see what else is discovered as I have been very lucky for the last 2 years that she got thru with no faults so for a 17 yr old car she is brilliant.

As for an earthing problem there may well be as I have had wipe motor issues as well and only works on top speed but that's another story.....

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Out of 3000+ MOTs i've occasionally missed a few bits and bobs.

We're only human

A whole CV boot though?!

It's a pretty obvious thing to miss

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I've missed the odd steering rack gaiter where it goes through the gap above the subframe

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

OP if 2 garages are disagreeing with the original test station ask for a VT17 form.

This is the VOSA/DVSA appeal form although you can print it yourself mentionioning it to them might 'grease some wheels' and they might try to pacify you as they don't need the hassle from DVSA

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

But if you're going to the new garage ask them to watch the test as you have that right just so you can see them do it

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By *imiUKMan
over a year ago

Hereford

When I had a Passat, it was a right shit for minor electrical faults because the main electrical loom sits in the passenger footwell where it can get wet....

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"I've missed the odd steering rack gaiter where it goes through the gap above the subframe

They're easy enough to miss on modern cars with undertrays. Difficult to spot on mine even when the tray is off...

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

First check vw center some times you can get from them cheaper.

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"When I had a Passat, it was a right shit for minor electrical faults because the main electrical loom sits in the passenger footwell where it can get wet...."

Funny you should say that as last year when we had a massive amount of rain,a family member who was a vw mechanic was trying to figure out why wiper motor was failing to work properly. He found a lake under my footwell and the only way that could be drained was for him to drill a few holes. Took weeks for the carpet to dry out and found where the blockage was too that caused it. So think that loom needs exploring.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"When I had a Passat, it was a right shit for minor electrical faults because the main electrical loom sits in the passenger footwell where it can get wet....

It's possible one of the connectors has corroded and is causing an earth short which is the root of your issues.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Don't buy VAG. Selling cars on a 20 year old reputation.

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"OP if 2 garages are disagreeing with the original test station ask for a VT17 form.

This is the VOSA/DVSA appeal form although you can print it yourself mentionioning it to them might 'grease some wheels' and they might try to pacify you as they don't need the hassle from DVSA

First test was aborted he couldn't continue due to the break fluid leak and wasn't charged as he couldn't complete the test.

The other place was what ats call a health check and is free, but for them to miss a break fluid leak is not acceptable. I watched them do the check at ats and always ask if any problems are found on an mot test to show me where they are as I had a break fluid pipe failure a couple of years ago supposedly the front,but was the back!! Had to take car back so he could double check. A right pain in the arse that was.

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"When I had a Passat, it was a right shit for minor electrical faults because the main electrical loom sits in the passenger footwell where it can get wet....

It's possible one of the connectors has corroded and is causing an earth short which is the root of your issues."

I have a feeling you may well be right

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"Don't buy VAG. Selling cars on a 20 year old reputation."

VAG?

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Don't buy VAG. Selling cars on a 20 year old reputation.

VAG?

Volkswagen audi group. They make your car.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Don't buy VAG. Selling cars on a 20 year old reputation."

You wouldn't believe how many I've had to fix. The most serious reoccurring problem seems to be catastrophic engine mounts failure on the Golf and Scirocco. I know a few people who've had failures and their engines have almost ended up on the road.

Should be a recall but in typical German car manufacturer style they're denying its a problem.

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By *icky999Man
over a year ago

warrington

"Don't buy VAG. Selling cars on a 20 year old reputation.

Should be a recall but in typical German car manufacturer style they're denying its a problem."

its almost like golf and scirocco drivers are tw**s who rag their engine upto 30 then take there foot off the pedal and wear out the engine mounts.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Don't buy VAG. Selling cars on a 20 year old reputation.

Should be a recall but in typical German car manufacturer style they're denying its a problem."

I hear this time and time again..across the range/manufacture. If you want a shit car you buy french, you expect it to be shit and its reflected in the price. You don't expect to pay top dollar for crap

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Don't buy VAG. Selling cars on a 20 year old reputation.

Should be a recall but in typical German car manufacturer style they're denying its a problem.

BMW are worse. The faults with the E46 M3 were shocking and very common, yet they never recalled any of them.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

My e36 is great! Best £200 i ever spent!

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

My passat is very reliable. I don't do a lot of miles so very happy with her.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Cars are becoming too complicated for their own good, and German cars live off an old reputation for sure.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Cars are becoming too complicated for their own good, and German cars live off an old reputation for sure."

Amazing how reputations (good or bad) stick with cars.

I've driven nothing but Alfa Romeo's for the past decade and found them to be very reliable and none of them have had any issues with rust, yet most motoring magazines or TV shows will tell you that you'll constantly be at the side of the road in a cloud of steam or the car will turn to dust in the slightest rain shower!

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Often fail to see the appeal of German cars, many are so boring.

Except the Ur Quattro or a Porsche

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Often fail to see the appeal of German cars, many are so boring.

Except the Ur Quattro or a Porsche "

The original Quattro deserves its reputation, it was a groundbreaker. I kind of like the RS6 too but that's about all for German cars. My heart stays with the Italians...

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By *imiUKMan
over a year ago

Hereford

"When I had a Passat, it was a right shit for minor electrical faults because the main electrical loom sits in the passenger footwell where it can get wet....

It's possible one of the connectors has corroded and is causing an earth short which is the root of your issues."

I spent hours in that bloody loom when I had a passat. Once it gets wet, it'sa bloody nightmare.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I've got a VW golf cabriolet I love it really reliable best £700 I have spent and a lot of fun

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

Well she got through mot with just a cpl of advisories so really happy.

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By *icky999Man
over a year ago

warrington

"Well she got through mot with just a cpl of advisories so really happy.

thank f**k for that. this threads doing my head in.

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By *mmabluTV/TS
over a year ago

upton wirral

Go to a local car parts shop do not buy online

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Well she got through mot with just a cpl of advisories so really happy.

thank f**k for that. this threads doing my head in. "

I'm enjoying it so I'll just keep bumping it...

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"Well she got through mot with just a cpl of advisories so really happy.

thank f**k for that. this threads doing my head in. "

Lol so you won't want to know if they find an electrical fault

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Let's hope the emissions checks were ok

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By *icky999Man
over a year ago

warrington

"Well she got through mot with just a cpl of advisories so really happy.

thank f**k for that. this threads doing my head in.

Lol so you won't want to know if they find an electrical fault

go on then?

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"Let's hope the emissions checks were ok

Yes they were and always have been since I have had her (7 yrs)

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"Well she got through mot with just a cpl of advisories so really happy.

thank f**k for that. this threads doing my head in.

Lol so you won't want to know if they find an electrical fault

go on then?

Will get back to you on that, just getting quotes for how much that will cost me for them to find it.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

If you change the plugs, air and oil filters with good quality fully synthetic oil your car should never fail emissions on the MOT.

CATs rarely fail unless damaged or diesel'd

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"If you change the plugs, air and oil filters with good quality fully synthetic oil your car should never fail emissions on the MOT.

CATs rarely fail unless damaged or diesel'd"

Throw in an Italian tune-up every now and again too...

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

When the customer isn't there of course. There is a trick to pass but its not cheating, just understanding the physics

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"When the customer isn't there of course. There is a trick to pass but its not cheating, just understanding the physics"

An engine is an air pump and you need to pump as much air as possible through it on occasion.

I usually take mine a junction or two up the M1 in 3rd...

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

The initial test starts between 2500-3000 rpm but only when it detects revs in that range.

I hold it at 3500+ until you hear a change in the engine note where it starts to growl then hold it there.

This is where the hottest gases are flowing through the cat to cause optimum light off.

When all figures drop suddenly hold at 2700rpm et voila they pass.

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"The initial test starts between 2500-3000 rpm but only when it detects revs in that range.

I hold it at 3500+ until you hear a change in the engine note where it starts to growl then hold it there.

This is where the hottest gases are flowing through the cat to cause optimum light off.

When all figures drop suddenly hold at 2700rpm et voila they pass.

I got a smoke test result, is that the same?Also an oil temp reading as I never had either of them before.

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"When the customer isn't there of course. There is a trick to pass but its not cheating, just understanding the physics"

Never did physics at school but am guessing that's a different sort of physics to the one you are talking of.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Ah you had a diesel smoke test, that is different than the petrol emissions test.

The trick I mentioned is due to thermal transfer from the hot exhaust gases to the Catalytic converter core.

It needs to be as hot as possible for the process to light off.

Imagine passing a lighter flame quickly under your hand, not much transfer.

Now hold it in one place. This is what you are trying to replicate and there is a change in petrol engine note where this seems to be optimum and then the gas readings then begin to drop.

Simply reving the tits off it doesn't do it.

All about the technique

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"Ah you had a diesel smoke test, that is different than the petrol emissions test.

The trick I mentioned is due to thermal transfer from the hot exhaust gases to the Catalytic converter core.

It needs to be as hot as possible for the process to light

Imagine passing a lighter flame quickly under your hand, not much transfer.

Now hold it in one place. This is what you are trying to replicate and there is a change in petrol engine note where this seems to be optimum and then the gas readings then begin to drop.

Simply reving the tits off it doesn't do it.

All about the technique "

Yes knowing the techniques can be very handy

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Indeed. Of course the only car i've actually come across where this doesn't work is naturally my own.

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