1997 JAGUAR XJ6 Fuel line

headlights or heated rear window and confirm
that the engine rpm decreases at first and
then increases. This check monitors the ISC
motor as it is signalled by the computer to
increase idle speed due to additional
amperage required from the charging system.
As the headlights draw current from the
charging system, the alternator will create
resistance on the belt as it works to produce
the additional energy. If the rpm does not
increase, check the ISC motor.
23Check for approximately 11.2 volts to the
ISC stepper motor (see illustrations).
Disconnect the ISC harness connector and
working on the harness side, check for
11.2 volts with the ignition key ON (engine not
running). Also, check the corresponding
terminals for the correct voltage amounts. If
the correct voltage does not exist, check the
wiring harness. Refer to the wiring diagrams
at the end of Chapter 12.24The ISC motor or stepper motor can be
checked for correct operation but a special tool
is required to activate the internal coils. Have
the stepper motor checked by a dealer service
department or other qualified repair workshop.
25Reconnect the ISC motor electrical
connector.
Renewal
26Detach the cable from the negative
terminal of the battery (see Cautionat the
beginning of this Section).
27Use a large open-end spanner and
unscrew the ISC motor from the housing (see
illustration).
28Refitting is the reverse of removal, but be
sure to use a new gasket.
Fuel rail and fuel injectors
Note:If there is a distinct knocking noise
coming from the dash when the engine is
idling, the fuel feed hose may have hardenedrestricting fuel flow and causing abnormal
sounds. Replace the fuel inlet (feed) hose with
a new part from the dealer parts department.
Check
29Refer to the fuel injection system checking
procedure (see Section 12).
Renewal
30Relieve the fuel pressure (see Section 2).
31Detach the cable from the negative
terminal of the battery (see Cautionat the
beginning of this Section).
32Disconnect the fuel injector wiring con-
nectors and set the injector wire harness aside.
33Detach the vacuum sensing hose from the
fuel pressure regulator.
34Disconnect the fuel lines from the fuel
pressure regulator and the fuel rail (see
illustration 3.6a)
35Remove the fuel rail mounting bolts (see
illustration).
4•12 Fuel and exhaust systems
3261 Jaguar XJ6 13.23a To check the ISC motor, turn the ignition key ON
(engine not running) and check for the proper voltage amounts
at the harness connector (1989 model shown)
13.23b Later models are equipped with a different shape
ISC connector but the voltage values should be the same
as the early style
13.27 Use a large open end spanner to remove the ISC motor
from the intake manifold13.35 Remove the fuel rail mounting bolts (arrowed) . . .

36Remove the fuel rail with the fuel injectors
attached (see illustration).
37Prise off the clips and remove the fuel
injector(s) from the fuel rail (see illustration).
38If you are replacing the injector(s), discard
the old injector. If you intend to re-use the
same injectors, renew the grommets and
O-rings (see illustrations).
39Refitting of the fuel injectors is the reverse
of removal. Apply a light film of clean engine
oil to the O-rings before refitting them.
40Tighten the fuel rail mounting bolts to the
torque listed in this Chapter’s Specifications.
Fuel pressure regulator
Check
41Refer to the fuel pump/fuel pressure
check procedure (see Section 3).
Renewal
42Relieve the fuel pressure (see Section 2)
and detach the cable from the negative
terminal of the battery (see the Cautionat the
beginning of this Section).
43Detach the vacuum hose from the
regulator.
44Remove the fuel rail and the injectors as
an assembly (see Steps 30 to 39).
45Remove the fuel line from the fuel
pressure regulator (see illustration).
46Remove the fuel pressure regulator
mounting bolts and detach the pressure
regulator from the engine.
47The remainder of refitting is the reverse of
removal. Make sure the fuel lines are secure
and there are no leaks before using the car.
Supplementary air valve
Check
48The supplementary air valve provides
additional throttle valve bypass air during cold
starting and cold running conditions below
15° F. This output actuator is controlled by the
computer (ECU) in response to informationreceived from the coolant temperature sensor,
intake air temperature sensor and other
information sensors working with the fuel
injection system.
49Check for battery voltage to the
supplementary air valve. With the engine cold,
backprobe the electrical connector using a
long pin and check for battery voltage (see
illustration). Voltage should exist.
50Because of the special tools required to
test the supplementary air valve, have it
tested by a dealer service department or other
qualified repair facility.
Renewal
51Remove the intake hoses, the mounting
screws and detach the supplementary air
valve from the engine.
52Refitting is the reverse of removal.
53Be sure to use a new gasket when refitting
the idle-up valve.
Air intake plenum
Note:The air intake plenum is removed and
installed as a complete unit with the intake
manifold. In the event of damage or leaks,
remove the air intake plenum and intake
Fuel and exhaust systems 4•13
4
3261 Jaguar XJ6 13.36 . . . and remove the fuel rail with the fuel injectors attached
13.37 Remove the fuel injector retaining clips from the fuel rail
using a small screwdriver
13.45 Disconnect the fuel pressure
regulator from the fuel return line
13.38b Pick out the old injector seal but
make sure the injector body is not
damaged in the process13.38a If you plan to refit the original
injectors, remove and discard the O-rings
and grommets and fit new ones
13.49 Check for battery voltage to the
supplementary air valve

manifold as a single unit and have it repaired
by a dealer service department. Refer to
Chapter 2 for removal and refitting procedures.
14 Exhaust system servicing-
general information
Warning: Inspection and repair
of exhaust system components
should be done only after the
components have cooled.
1The exhaust system consists of the exhaust
manifold, catalytic converter, the silencer, the
tailpipe and all connecting pipes, brackets,
hangers and clamps. The exhaust system is
attached to the body with mounting brackets
and rubber hangers (see illustrations). If any
of these parts are damaged or deteriorated,
excessive noise and vibration will be
transmitted to the body. Note:The exhaust
system configuration changes with later model
updates. Earlier models (1988 and 1989) are
equipped with a pre-catalytic converter near
the exhaust manifold incorporating a single
exhaust pipe to the silencer. Later models are
equipped with dual exhaust pipes, dual
catalytic converters and silencers.
2Conducting regular inspections of the
exhaust system will keep it safe and quiet.
Look for any damaged or bent parts, open
seams, holes, loose connections, excessive
corrosion or other defects which could allow
exhaust fumes to enter the vehicle.
Deteriorated exhaust system components
should not be repaired - they should be
replaced with new parts.
3If the exhaust system components are
extremely corroded or rusted together, they
will probably have to be cut from the exhaust
system. The convenient way to accomplish
this is to have a silencer repair workshop
remove the corroded sections with a cutting
torch. If, however, you want to save money by
doing it yourself and you don’t have an
oxy/acetylene welding outfit with a cutting
torch, simply cut off the old components with
a hacksaw. If you have compressed air,
special pneumatic cutting chisels can also beused. If you do decide to tackle the job at
home, be sure to wear eye protection to
protect your eyes from metal chips and work
gloves to protect your hands.
4Here are some simple guidelines to apply
when repairing the exhaust system:
a) Work from the back to the front when
removing exhaust system components.
b) Apply penetrating oil to the exhaust
system component fasteners to make
them easier to remove(see illustration).
c) Use new gaskets, hangers and clamps
when refitting exhaust system components.
d) Apply anti-seize compound to the threads
of all exhaust system fasteners during
reassembly.e) Be sure to allow sufficient clearance
between newly installed parts and all
points on the underbody to avoid
overheating the floor pan and possibly
damaging the interior carpet and
insulation. Pay particularly close attention
to the catalytic converter and its heat
shield.
Warning: The catalytic converter
operates at very high tem-
peratures and takes a long time
to cool. Wait until it’s completely
cool before attempting to remove the
converter. It’s a good idea to wear suitable
gloves. Failure to observe these points
could result in serious burns.
4•14 Fuel and exhaust systems
14.1c On dual silencer models, check the
condition of the mount (arrowed)
and the clamps
14.1a The rear tailpipe section is fastened
to the chassis with a special rubber mount
(arrowed) that pivots with road movement.
Check for deterioration and alignment14.1b Check the condition of the flexible
rubber mounts that hang the silencer to
the chassis
14.4 Use penetrating spray on the exhaust
flange nuts before attempting to
remove them
3261 Jaguar XJ6

3261 Jaguar XJ6
6
Chapter 6
Emissions and engine control systems
EGR gas temperature sensor resistance
Temperature:
212° F . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 to 100 k-ohms
400° F . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 to 8 k-ohms
662° F . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250 to 350 ohms
Torque wrench settingNm lbf ft
Crankshaft sensor bolt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 20 Air Injection Reactor (AIR) system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Catalytic converter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
CHECK ENGINE light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . See Section 3
Crankcase ventilation system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Electronic control system and ECU . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Evaporative Emission Control (EVAP) system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Fuel tank cap gasket renewal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . See Chapter 1
General information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Information sensors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
On Board Diagnosis (OBD) system -
description and fault code access . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
6•1
Specifications Contents
Easy,suitable for
novice with little
experienceFairly easy,suitable
for beginner with
some experienceFairly difficult,
suitable for competent
DIY mechanic
Difficult,suitable for
experienced DIY
mechanicVery difficult,
suitable for expert DIY
or professional
Degrees of difficulty
54321
1 General information
To minimise pollution of the atmosphere
from incompletely burned and evaporating
gases and to maintain good driveability and
fuel economy, a number of emission control
systems are used on these vehicles. They
include the:
Air Injection Reactor (AIR) system
Crankcase Ventilation system
Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) system
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) system
Evaporative Emission Control (EVAP)
system
Three-way catalytic converter (TWC)
system
The sections in this chapter include general
descriptions, checking procedures within the
scope of the home mechanic and component
renewal procedures (when possible) for each
of the systems listed above.
Before assuming an emissions control
system is malfunctioning, check the fuel and
ignition systems carefully (Chapters 4 and 5).
The diagnosis of some emission control
devices requires specialised tools, equipment
and training. If checking and servicing becometoo difficult or if a procedure is beyond the
scope of your skills, consult your dealer
service department or other repair workshop.
This doesn’t mean, however, that emission
control systems are particularly difficult to
maintain and repair. You can quickly and
easily perform many checks and do most of
the regular maintenance at home with
common tune-up and hand tools. Note:The
most frequent cause of emission problems is
simply a loose or broken electrical connector
or vacuum hose, so always check the
electrical connectors and vacuum hoses first.Pay close attention to any special
precautions outlined in this chapter. It should
be noted that the illustrations of the various
systems may not exactly match the system
installed on your vehicle because of changes
made by the manufacturer during production
or from year-to-year.
The Vehicle Emissions Control Information
(VECI) label and a vacuum hose diagram are
located under the bonnet (see illustrations).
These contain important emissions specifi-
cations and setting procedures, and a
vacuum hose schematic with emissions
1.6a The Vehicle Emissions Control
Information (VECI) label shows the types of
emission control systems installed, engine
information, etc (1992 model shown)
1.6b Typical vacuum hose routing label
(1992 model shown)

7Start the engine and observe the vacuum
gauge. At idle, there should be no vacuum
present. Raise the engine rpm and observe
the vacuum increase. This is a ported vacuum
source and therefore it should only register
vacuum when throttled.
8Check the operation of the EGR control
solenoid. Check for battery voltage to the EGR
control solenoid harness (see illustration). If
battery voltage is not available, check the
harness. Refer to the wiring diagrams at the
end of Chapter 12.
9If battery voltage is available to the EGR
control solenoid, have the EGR system
diagnosed by a dealer service department or
other qualified repair workshop.
EGR valve renewal
10Detach the vacuum hose, disconnect the
fitting that attaches the EGR pipe to the EGR
valve and remove the EGR valve from the
exhaust manifold and check it for sticking and
heavy carbon deposits. If the valve is sticking
or clogged with deposits, clean or renew it.
11Refitting is the reverse of removal.
7 Evaporative Emission
Control (EVAP) system
Note: Some models may have charcoal
canister vent plugs installed in the canister
from the factory. These blanking plugs must
be removed to allow proper pressure and
release within the EVAP system. Check the
charcoal canister for these additional plugs
and remove them. With the blanking plugs
installed, the fuel tank will collapse causing
rough running and hesitation and loss of
power under load.
General description
1This system is designed to trap and store
fuel that evaporates from the fuel tank, throttle
body and intake manifold that would normally
enter the atmosphere in the form of
hydrocarbon (HC) emissions.
2The Evaporative Emission Control (EVAP)
system consists of a charcoal-filled canister,
the lines connecting the canister to the fuel
tank, tank pressure control valve, purgecontrol valve and thermal vacuum valve (TVV)
(see illustration). Note: 1993 and 1994
models have a purge control solenoid that is
controlled by the ECU. This solenoid switches
vacuum to the purge control valve.
3Fuel vapours are transferred from the fuel
tank and throttle body to a canister where
they’re stored when the engine isn’t running.
When the engine is running, the fuel vapours
are purged from the canister by intake airflow
and consumed in the normal combustion
process.Note: The ECU will set a code 89 if
the purge control valve is defective or the
circuit has shorted.
4The fuel tank is equipped with a pressure
control valve. This valve opens and closes
according to the pressure increase and
decrease in the fuel tank.
Check
5Poor idle, stalling and poor driveability can
all be caused by an inoperative pressure relief
valve, split or cracked hoses or hoses
connected to the wrong fittings. Check the
fuel tank filler cap for a damaged or deformed
gasket.
6Evidence of fuel loss or fuel odour can be
caused by liquid fuel leaking from fuel lines, a
cracked or damaged canister, an inoperative
fuel tank control valve, disconnected,
misrouted, kinked, deteriorated or damaged
vapour or control hoses.
7Inspect each hose attached to the canister
for kinks, leaks and cracks along its entire
length. Repair or renew as necessary.
8Look for fuel leaking from the bottom of the
6•10 Emissions and engine control systems
6.8 Check for battery voltage to the EGR
control solenoid
3261 Jaguar XJ6
7.2 Schematic of the
EVAP system

3261 Jaguar XJ6
12
Chapter 12
Body electrical system
1 General information
The electrical system is a 12-volt, negative
earth type. Power for the lights and all
electrical accessories is supplied by a
lead/acid-type battery which is charged by
the alternator.
This Chapter covers repair and service
procedures for the various electrical
components not associated with the engine.
Information on the battery, alternator,
distributor and starter motor will be found in
Chapter 5.
It should be noted that when portions of the
electrical system are serviced, the cable
should be disconnected from the negative
battery terminal to prevent electrical shorts
and/or fires.
2 Electrical fault finding-
general information
A typical electrical circuit consists of an
electrical component, any switches, relays,
motors, fuses, fusible links, in-line fuses or
circuit breakers related to that component
and the wiring and electrical connectors that
link the component to both the battery andthe chassis. To help you pinpoint an electrical
circuit problem, wiring diagrams are included
at the end of this Chapter.
Before tackling any troublesome electrical
circuit, first study the appropriate wiring
diagrams to get a complete understanding of
what makes up that individual circuit. Trouble
spots, for instance, can often be narrowed
down by noting if other components related to
the circuit are operating properly. If several
components or circuits fail at one time,
chances are the problem is in a fuse or earth
connection, because several circuits are often
routed through the same fuse and earth
connections.
Electrical problems usually stem from
simple causes, such as loose or corroded
connections, a blown fuse, a melted fusible
link or a bad relay. Visually inspect the
condition of all fuses, wires and connections
in a problem circuit before diagnosing it.
If testing instruments are going to be
utilised, use the diagrams to plan ahead of
time where you will make the necessary
connections in order to accurately pinpoint
the trouble spot.
The basic tools needed for electrical fault
finding include a circuit tester or voltmeter (a
12-volt bulb with a set of test leads can also
be used), a continuity tester, which includes a
bulb, battery and set of test leads, and a
jumper wire, preferably with a circuit breaker
incorporated, which can be used to bypasselectrical components. Before attempting to
locate a problem with test instruments,
use the wiring diagram(s) to decide where to
make the connections.
Voltage checks
Voltage checks should be performed if a
circuit is not functioning properly. Connect
one lead of a circuit tester to either the
negative battery terminal or a known good
earth. Connect the other lead to a electrical
connector in the circuit being tested,
preferably nearest to the battery or fuse. If the
bulb of the tester lights, voltage is present,
which means that the part of the circuit
between the electrical connector and the
battery is problem free. Continue checking the
rest of the circuit in the same fashion. When
you reach a point at which no voltage is
present, the problem lies between that point
and the last test point with voltage. Most of
the time the problem can be traced to a loose
connection. Note:Keep in mind that some
circuits receive voltage only when the ignition
key is in the Accessory or Run position.
Finding a short
One method of finding shorts in a circuit is
to remove the fuse and connect a test light or
voltmeter in its place. There should be no
voltage present in the circuit. Move the wiring
harness from side to side while watching the
test light. If the bulb goes on, there is a short Airbag system - general information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Bulb renewal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Central locking system - description and check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Circuit breakers - general information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Cruise control system - description and check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Direction indicators/hazard flashers - general information . . . . . . . . 7
Electric aerial - removal and refitting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Electric side view mirrors - description and check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Electric sunroof - description and check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Electric window system - description and check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Electrical fault finding - general information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Fuel, oil and temperature gauges - check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Fuses - general information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
General information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Headlight housing (1992 to 1994 models) - removal and refitting . . . 19Headlights - adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Headlights - renewal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Heated rear window - check and repair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Horn - check and renewal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Ignition switch and key lock cylinder - removal and refitting . . . . . . 9
Inertia switch - description and check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
In-line fuses - general information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Instrument cluster - removal and refitting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Instrument panel switches - removal and refitting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Radio and speakers - removal and refitting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Relays - general information and testing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Steering column switches - removal and refitting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Windscreen wiper motor - removal and refitting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Wiring diagrams - general information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
12•1
Contents
Easy,suitable for
novice with little
experienceFairly easy,suitable
for beginner with
some experienceFairly difficult,
suitable for competent
DIY mechanic
Difficult,suitable for
experienced DIY
mechanicVery difficult,
suitable for expert DIY
or professional
Degrees of difficulty
54321

wash system, radio memory and the ABS
main feed and pump circuits.
In-line fuses are located through out the
vehicle depending on the year, make and
model. Consult the wiring diagrams at the end
of this Chapter for further information.
In-line fuses also have a blade terminal
design, which allow fingertip removal and
renewal. If an electrical component fails,
always check the fuse first. A blown fuse is
easily identified through the clear plastic
body. Inspect the element for evidence of
damage (see illustration 3.3).
Be sure to renew blown fuses with the
correct type. Fuses are usually colour-coded
to indicate their rating. Fuses of different
ratings are physically interchangeable, but
only fuses of the proper rating should be
used. Replacing a fuse with one of a different
value than specified is not recommended.
Each electrical circuit needs a specific
amount of protection. The amperage value of
each fuse is moulded into the fuse body.If the renewal fuse immediately fails, don’t
renew it again until the cause of the problem
is isolated and corrected. Don’t substitute
anything else for the fuse. In most cases, this
will be a short circuit in the wiring caused by a
broken or deteriorated wire.
5 Circuit breakers-
general information
Circuit breakers generally protect
components such as electric windows, central
locking and headlights. On some models the
circuit breaker resets itself automatically, so
an electrical overload in the circuit will cause it
to fail momentarily, then come back on. If the
circuit doesn’t come back on, check it
immediately. Once the condition is corrected,
the circuit breaker will resume its normal
function. Some circuit breakers have a button
on top and must be reset manually.To test a circuit breaker, use an ohmmeter
to check continuity between the terminals. A
reading of zero to 1.0 ohms indicates a good
circuit breaker. An open circuit reading on the
meter indicates a bad circuit breaker.
6 Relays- general information
and testing
2
General information
Several electrical accessories in the vehicle,
such as the fuel injection system, electric
windows, central locking, etc, use relays to
transmit the electrical signal to the component.
Relays use a low-current circuit (the control
circuit) to open and close a high-current circuit
(the power circuit). If the relay is defective, that
component will not operate properly. The
relays are mounted throughout the vehicle (see
illustrations). If a faulty relay is suspected, it
Body electrical system 12•3
12
3261 Jaguar XJ6 1988 to 1989 relay location details

3261 Jaguar XJ6
MOT test checksREF•11
MExamine the handbrake mechanism,
checking for frayed or broken cables,
excessive corrosion, or wear or insecurity of
the linkage. Check that the mechanism works
on each relevant wheel, and releases fully,
without binding.
MIt is not possible to test brake efficiency
without special equipment, but a road test can
be carried out later to check that the vehicle
pulls up in a straight line.
Fuel and exhaust systems
MInspect the fuel tank (including the filler
cap), fuel pipes, hoses and unions. All
components must be secure and free from
leaks.
MExamine the exhaust system over its entire
length, checking for any damaged, broken or
missing mountings, security of the retaining
clamps and rust or corrosion.
Wheels and tyres
MExamine the sidewalls and tread area of
each tyre in turn. Check for cuts, tears, lumps,
bulges, separation of the tread, and exposure
of the ply or cord due to wear or damage.
Check that the tyre bead is correctly seated
on the wheel rim, that the valve is sound andproperly seated, and that the wheel is not
distorted or damaged.
MCheck that the tyres are of the correct size
for the vehicle, that they are of the same size
and type on each axle, and that the pressures
are correct.
MCheck the tyre tread depth. The legal
minimum at the time of writing is 1.6 mm over
at least three-quarters of the tread width.
Abnormal tread wear may indicate incorrect
front wheel alignment.
Body corrosion
MCheck the condition of the entire vehicle
structure for signs of corrosion in load-bearing
areas. (These include chassis box sections,
side sills, cross-members, pillars, and all
suspension, steering, braking system and
seat belt mountings and anchorages.) Any
corrosion which has seriously reduced the
thickness of a load-bearing area is likely to
cause the vehicle to fail. In this case
professional repairs are likely to be needed.
MDamage or corrosion which causes sharp
or otherwise dangerous edges to be exposed
will also cause the vehicle to fail.
Petrol models
MHave the engine at normal operating
temperature, and make sure that it is in good
tune (ignition system in good order, air filter
element clean, etc).
MBefore any measurements are carried out,
raise the engine speed to around 2500 rpm,
and hold it at this speed for 20 seconds. Allowthe engine speed to return to idle, and watch
for smoke emissions from the exhaust
tailpipe. If the idle speed is obviously much
too high, or if dense blue or clearly-visible
black smoke comes from the tailpipe for more
than 5 seconds, the vehicle will fail. As a rule
of thumb, blue smoke signifies oil being burnt
(engine wear) while black smoke signifies
unburnt fuel (dirty air cleaner element, or other
carburettor or fuel system fault).
MAn exhaust gas analyser capable of
measuring carbon monoxide (CO) and
hydrocarbons (HC) is now needed. If such an
instrument cannot be hired or borrowed, a
local garage may agree to perform the check
for a small fee.
CO emissions (mixture)
MAt the time of writing, the maximum CO
level at idle is 3.5% for vehicles first used after
August 1986 and 4.5% for older vehicles.
From January 1996 a much tighter limit
(around 0.5%) applies to catalyst-equipped
vehicles first used from August 1992. If the
CO level cannot be reduced far enough to
pass the test (and the fuel and ignition
systems are otherwise in good condition) then
the carburettor is badly worn, or there is some
problem in the fuel injection system or
catalytic converter (as applicable).
HC emissionsMWith the CO emissions within limits, HC
emissions must be no more than 1200 ppm
(parts per million). If the vehicle fails this test
at idle, it can be re-tested at around 2000 rpm;
if the HC level is then 1200 ppm or less, this
counts as a pass.
MExcessive HC emissions can be caused by
oil being burnt, but they are more likely to be
due to unburnt fuel.
Diesel models
MThe only emission test applicable to Diesel
engines is the measuring of exhaust smoke
density. The test involves accelerating the
engine several times to its maximum
unloaded speed.
Note: It is of the utmost importance that the
engine timing belt is in good condition before
the test is carried out.
M
Excessive smoke can be caused by a dirty
air cleaner element. Otherwise, professional
advice may be needed to find the cause.
4Checks carried out on
YOUR VEHICLE’S EXHAUST
EMISSION SYSTEM