Q: Can't pass smog check

asked by on March 24, 2016

My car won't pass a smog check. I had the number two sensor replaced, but it still did not pass. The Check Engine light had been off for awhile.

When you take your vehicle to get a smog check, the smog technician will place your Volvo through a series of tests to determine if your vehicle is polluting the environment. If your Volvo did not pass smog, they will give you sheet of paper providing the test results of the smog check. With the information for this question being a bit limited, I recommend enlisting the assistance of a certified mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, to come by and review these test results. This vital information will tell the mechanic exactly why your Volvo S80 did not pass its smog check and what needs to be done so your car can pass smog.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

Shaking noise when the truck idles, worse when it first starts
(Answer assuming it is a 5.4 Triton Engine) This complaint is one of the most common I have heard over and over again for the Ford F-series trucks with the 5.4 Triton engine and covers many other years besides just...
How do I open the hood?
Opening the hood is very easy: 1. Pull the hood release handle, which is to the left of the steering column. This will release the hood latch. 2. Run your hands under the hood, near the center of the vehicle,...
Water in oil.
Water in the oil usually mean you have a blown head gasket. (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/oil-pump-cover-gasket-replacement) This happens normally when the engine overheats and warps the head causing the water to leak into the oil passages of the head where the gasket meets...
Have to jumpstart my car every day
The vehicle may be having a problem with the A/C relay staying engaged after you shut off the vehicle. Try and make sure the A/C is off and the compressor is not engaged after you shut off your vehicle to...
Overheating
For the sake of clarity, it is important to distinguish when the car is overheating. If it is overheating when the car is moving, then the fan clutch isn't your only problem. If the car only overheats at a stop,...
Master cylinder went out, now there is a loud noise coming from the brakes.
Brake noises are not generally associated with the master cylinder. A failed master cylinder (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/brake-master-cylinder-replacement) can cause a low or spongy brake pedal but generally does not make any noises. If however you hear a loud hissing sound when the...
Not Changing From E Mode To Hybrid
The illumination of the check engine light tells me that vehicles computer has picked up a fault which may shed some light on the problem causing your stalling concerns. Typically it is not good practice to run a vehicle too...
possible transmission problem.
Hi there. Since the transmission fluid is a little dirty, I recommend replacing the fluid with the transmission filter. The torque converter will be working normally at all times and it will not cause the vehicle to slow down when...
I have a 06 Infiniti M45. The service engine light came on. Got the codes of p0420 and p0430. Wondering if I need to replace both O2 sensors.
Hi there. When the codes P0420 (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/p0420-obd-ii-trouble-code-catalyst-system-efficiency-below-threshold-bank-1-by-jamahl-walker) and P0430 (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/p0430-obd-ii-trouble-code-catalyst-system-efficiency-below-threshold-bank-2-by-spencer-clayton) come up, usually the catalytic converter has failed, but before you determine if you need to replace the catalytic converter, consider checking the following: A damaged or failed oxygen sensor...

Related articles

How Is My Car Tested For Emissions?
Emissions Emissions testing is quickly becoming the norm across the US as more and more states and counties realize the need to control and monitor emissions and air quality. However, the process for testing emissions can be confusing (and it...
How to Get Smog Technician Certified in Arizona
Automotive technician jobs include smog certified emissions inspectors. In Arizona, you need to work at an emissions testing station.
Understanding Volvo Service Reminder Indicator Lights
Car symbols, or dashboard lights, are a car service reminder. The Volvo Service Reminder Indicator lets you know when your car needs service.