New Ontario emssions test implications

[Sport-Tech]

A quick browse through the header/CAI/exhaust subforum reveals there are now dyno-proven mods that can give you some nice torque and power gains. But with Ontario moving this year to an ECU-read-only emissions test procedure it's unclear what the impact on the test results will be especially if you install a high-flow cat. Admittedly with the new regulations checks won't be required for quite a while but it's still a long term issue. Any thoughts from a mechanic or engineer here?

Of course these days making any mods raises major questions about the potential for warranty or insurance claims being denied as well... the safer course may be to wait until the OEMs upgrade the power or do STI/RS models.

[Slartibartfast]

ECU based? This could get interesting. When you have to get an e-test done, Just load up the latest "clean running" ECU flash. ( Call out to @PERRIN_Jeff )

Possible?

[Sport-Tech]

Originally Posted by Slartibartfast

ECU based? This could get interesting. When you have to get an e-test done, Just load up the latest "clean running" ECU flash. ( Call out to @PERRIN_Jeff )

Possible?

is it safe to jump back and forth like that? Maybe if you did a flash only mod, but if the ECU had to be flashed to adjust to hardware upgrades you've made, the original flash might possibly cause big problems (?).

[13 FR-S Veteran]

Uni Chip....problem solved.

[chenshuo]

Originally Posted by Sport-Tech

A quick browse through the header/CAI/exhaust subforum reveals there are now dyno-proven mods that can give you some nice torque and power gains. But with Ontario moving this year to an ECU-read-only emissions test procedure it's unclear what the impact on the test results will be especially if you install a high-flow cat. Admittedly with the new regulations checks won't be required for quite a while but it's still a long term issue. Any thoughts from a mechanic or engineer here?

Of course these days making any mods raises major questions about the potential for warranty or insurance claims being denied as well... the safer course may be to wait until the OEMs upgrade the power or do STI/RS models.

Where did you read that the emission is going to be ECU based? I just sold my Altima Coupe got my emission cert done at DVN and it's still the old way and they're not aware of any ECU based emission test.

[brianc]

I believe as long as you don't have a check engine light you should pass. So a defouler on the pipe would help with that. Apparently they don't do the sniffer test anymore. But if they do a visual check I guess you are still out of luck.

[FRS_Ken]

Originally Posted by chenshuo

Where did you read that the emission is going to be ECU based? I just sold my Altima Coupe got my emission cert done at DVN and it's still the old way and they're not aware of any ECU based emission test.

Already in effect...

http://www.ene.gov.on.ca/environment...OD_102286.html

[7thgear]

i bet some consulting firm somewhere got paid handsomely for figuring out a new way to complicate things


shove a thingamabob up the pipe, do you detect a bad smell? yes/no, next car.

HERP, not that's too fucking simple, lets involve gadgets and buttons!


i love the AWD emissions test: "herp, we don't have rollers for 4wd cars, okay just do idle test and put sticker on car, derp"

[Sport-Tech]

^ I suspect the new test protocol is intended to deal with just that type of situation - plus make it harder for the cheaters...

No doubt the test will be faster now, but will it be less expensive? Not a chance!

[wparsons]

My old jetta was two speed idle tested because they couldn't get it on the dyno without removing the bumper, and it passed with a CEL on

The new test relies on the sensors showing a valid ready state (so if the ECU was just reset you need to drive it enough until the sensors show as ready), and no stored codes.

Now if the ECU firmware/tune is set to ALWAYS return valid and not store codes then when probed through the diagnostic port it would be impossible for you to fail.

It's really not a worry for anyone here for a long time unless you're looking at selling your car, they changed the regulations so that a car has to be 7 years old before needing an e-test. By then it'll have changed again, or someone will have really figured out the electronic side of it to make it EASY.

http://www.ene.gov.on.ca/environment..._075682.html#3

I've heard on another site that some completely catless vehicles are passing (WRX's with flash tunes, upgraded turbos, downpipes, up pipes, etc) the new test easily since the tune is ignoring the downstream O2 and not setting cat efficiency codes.

The new testing method is actually cheaper since every test shop doesn't need to buy and maintain a dyno for the test. It just needs a computer with OBDII cable and the right software. I realize pre OBDII cars still need the dyno, but the bulk of cars moving forward will be done with the new test.

[logoris]

so theoretically if you have one of the lights on due to a mod couldnt you just pop in an obd2 transmitter and use something like torque to clear the codes?

[Sport-Tech]

Originally Posted by wparsons

The new testing method is actually cheaper since every test shop doesn't need to buy and maintain a dyno for the test.

I was talking about user cost - no doubt it's cheaper for the shop but there is no change in the end user fee.

[Jehuty77]

I read you cant just clear the codes in go in, its something like if the Check Engine light is on you auto fail the emissions test.

You only pass if the check engine light has not been on for more then a month, if they see if you've cleared the codes within the last month, its auto fail.

[s2kdrew]

The new law effect from Jan 1, 2013. vehicle have OBD2 are base on computer monitor readinss, and also two speed idle sniffer test. Any DTC store in the computer will not pass the test. If just clear the code and go do the emission test is not possible because all the readiness on the vehicle is not ready for the test, will need a combination of vehicle sitting without driving, city driving and highway driving for the computer to pass all the test. Older vehicle dont have OBD2 will just be two speed idle sniffer test.