97 vw golf drive clean emission faiure

[alecdl]

I am thinking of buying a used 97 vw golf. the car has only 97000 kms on it. I took it for the emissions test and failed. The car passed all parts except the NO ppm. the limit is 605 for the car and the machine read 866. I had the oil changed just before i took it in for test. the car has only done about 5000 kms the last year. what should i have done to prepare better

[Brigitte]

Have the exhaust system inspected and fixed.  It's usually the culprit.

Been there, done that.  Got the pass.

Brigitte

[articsteve]

How hot was the exhaust when they did the test?

Heard that some cars need a 1/2 hard run and then an immediate test.

The pervious owner of the 95 Saab 900S I have now left his Saab at a testing place and came back for it.  It had a chance to cool off.  It failed the test.  He ran up the DVP to the 401 and turned around back down to Richmond and it passed.