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2004 Mecury Grand Marquis fails emissions inspection
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ropar
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Dec 15, 2015, 10:48 AM
Post #1 of 18
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2004 Mecury Grand Marquis fails emissions inspection
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My car (2004 Mercury Grand Marquis) failed the emissions inspection - report indicated the Readiness failed and that monitors Catalyst and EGR were "Not Ready". Car has about 59,000 on it. It's an 8 cyclinder
I had a mechanic look at it, he asked if my check engine light went on (it did not). He looked it over, check the fuses along with several other possibilities. He also had me drive the car going from 55 MPH to 40 to 55. All these things made no difference. He contacted another person - they were stuck.
The alternator and battery were changed about 9 months ago. The actuator was replaced about 6 weeks ago. Catalytic Converter was replaced about 5 years.
Any ideas on what could be causing this? Any comments would be appreciated - thanks.
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
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Dec 15, 2015, 12:36 PM
Post #2 of 18
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Re: 2004 Mecury Grand Marquis fails emissions inspection
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Is this to say Check Engine light doesn't work even with bulb check? That's just turning key to run but not starting engine it should light as a check.
If not I don't think it can communicate for real readings and don't if battery was disconnected but not 9 months worth.
This is low miles unless a typo. What killed a converter at those miles? Impact by something, flood water or anything out of the ordinary?
Are driving habits such low mile at a time it never warms up almost always?
Baseline is bulb has to work or should probably say "Not Ready" for a test. What might have happened recently if anything as so far this isn't making much sense to me,
T
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ropar
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Dec 15, 2015, 1:02 PM
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Re: 2004 Mecury Grand Marquis fails emissions inspection
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Thanks for responding. The check engine does light up if I don't start the engine. Not what I meant but a fair question. And keep in mind I had a mechanic look at it. He was good, very good (just not quite enough). It is low miles, 59k. And as far as the converter - Ford had many complaints about them - so they agreed to repair free of charge if there was a problem with it and your car had less than 8 year and I think 80 K. Clearly it met those requirements. Driving habits may be a clue - I got this car with 33 K on it about 5 years ago. Now it has close to 59K, roughly 5k a year.
Don't know what is causing this but appreciate you responding.
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
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Dec 15, 2015, 2:03 PM
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Re: 2004 Mecury Grand Marquis fails emissions inspection
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OK - I'm personally and generally in the same situation. Don't need to drive far or much which alone can be a problem. I'm aware of it and purposely run a vehicle to nowhere on a highway as they don't see that much which does fully warm them up not just the engine but exhaust - converter(s) to be exact.
So low easy use isn't the end all. You still need to pay attention to time, oil and services not mileage related.
For the no CEL light that needs to be found out why if only a blown bulb.
I don't know why you had codes to read AND a NOT READY at the same check?
If only NOT READY I could understand. Perhaps another tech and shop with if he/she will refer you to someone with what was noticed already is the next move.
Where I am the NOT READY still gets you a sticker and 30 days to be ready and doesn't blame emissions as it shouldn't be able to.
Safety issues another game not involved.
In short find out why the bulb doesn't light either blown or another reason. Dang plug in may be the issue for readings not your car totally or totally your car. If you got same results from another machine as only a test might rule that in or out.
TMK those (not your case) if defeating a CEL being on to sell a car was as easy as removing or blowing a bulb on purpose it doesn't work TMK on anything I know of and never tried tricks to fool someone and wouldn't.
In short find out about the bulb is what I'd be doing,
T
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kev2
Veteran
Dec 15, 2015, 2:58 PM
Post #5 of 18
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Re: 2004 Mecury Grand Marquis fails emissions inspection
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some quick questions- everything works ?
engine heats up -195deg thermostat? fuel gauge works? speedo ok? no remote starter? and as tom went over no codes.
I will look for a detailed ford drive cycle... they can be long and specific ...
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
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Dec 15, 2015, 3:15 PM
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Thanks Kev2 for getting involved. There's something probably stupid wrong as much as "ropar" getting coolant flushed and somebody put wrong t-stat in it.
If a script/computer could make an odor I can smell that this is a cared for vehicle and OP (ropar) has a tech trying hard with a funky issue fully interested in seeing this solved not just make a buck more out of it.
Sorry to all if site changes makes the thread a pest to use right now. Just put up with it as it should last forever,
Tom
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ropar
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Dec 16, 2015, 12:01 PM
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Re: 2004 Mecury Grand Marquis fails emissions inspection
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Thank you both for responding. I'm bringing it to a dealer tomorrow. Not wild about that (a feeling of dread actually) but it's not working and my inspection extension expired yesterday. I'll get a ticket which I don't want. My only concern, I hope it's not something with the catalytic converter. That is not cheap. But the telltales - it's not that. Does not idle rough, mileage is good. Car rides fine, no issues starting. I had a few things on the maintenance list in mind - but that's on hold until this is resolved. Thanks again.
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kev2
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Dec 16, 2015, 12:10 PM
Post #8 of 18
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Re: 2004 Mecury Grand Marquis fails emissions inspection
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what is on that maintenance list - as they may prevent the monitor from running test.
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
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Dec 16, 2015, 12:16 PM
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Mixed feelings myself with dealer repair vs independents. Expect higher prices and OE parts not knock of junk at least and hope it was known needed. That early converter is a universal cheaper one was hacked in is probably now the problem if a problem at all?
At least you can get help and a fix for accurate code readings. Most dealers will take on any issue others refuse but now over 10 model years could refuse or some parts not available OE anymore?
The end all is a "Dealer" isn't necessarily with the best techs at all just usually will take on more than others and have more info available if needed - exceptions to all dealer or not,
T
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ropar
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Dec 16, 2015, 1:36 PM
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Re: 2004 Mecury Grand Marquis fails emissions inspection
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Coolant - it's 3+ years old. Transmission fluid is next.
Not really related to this. Thanks for asking...
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kev2
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Dec 16, 2015, 2:28 PM
Post #11 of 18
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Re: 2004 Mecury Grand Marquis fails emissions inspection
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this is the cleanest/easiest drive cycle I have found for ford- try it on way to dealer then they can check monitor status...its free
For all other Ford Vehicles
Pre-Conditioning Requirements:
· Cold soak the vehicle for 8 hours
· No DTCs present
· Fuel fill between 15% & 85 %
Driving Procedure
1) Start the vehicle and idle for four (4) minutes.
2) Idle the vehicle in drive for 40 seconds
3) Accelerate to 45 mph, using ¼ to ½ throttle
4) Drive with a steady throttle at 45 mph for 30 seconds.
5) Stop the vehicle and idle in drive or neutral for 40 seconds.
6) Drive at speeds between 25 and 45 mph for 15 minutes. use 1/4 ½ throttle accelerations. Include the following conditions:
At least 5 stops with ten seconds of idle time.
· At least 3 steady speed sections of 1 ½ minutes duration.
7) Drive the vehicle between 45 and 60 mph for 8 minutes (use high gear).
8) Maintain a steady speed between 45 and 60 mph for 5 minutes.
9) Drive the vehicle between 45 and 60 mph for 8 minutes (use high gear).
10) Stop vehicle, idle for 40 seconds.
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ropar
Novice
Dec 22, 2015, 12:54 PM
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Negative progress. Went to the auto dealer and had no luck. Their proposal was to replace the ERG valve and update the PCM. I thought the PCM could wait but when I questioned whether this would clear up the monitor "not ready" issue, they didn't know. That's not acceptable. In fairness they did work on it though EVAP monitor is now not ready along with the other two. So I've had two mechanics look at this with no success. There's another dealer I'm going to on Saturday, they're pretty decent (wanted them initially however they couldn't schedule right away- told me I had to wait until the end of January). I did notice one thing, car light and dashboard lights do not work with one of the dashboard settings (Light control monitor?). From what I understand - it should not make a difference. They should all work (there's 4 of them). Would that make a difference? That setting is where they use the hand held monitors.
If I can't get an explanation, I may have to get rid of the car - that would be a shame.
(This post was edited by ropar on Dec 22, 2015, 4:32 PM)
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Discretesignals
Ultimate Carjunky
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Dec 22, 2015, 5:42 PM
Post #13 of 18
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I've seen brake on off (BOO) switch and transmission range switch issues cause monitors to not run.
If EGR monitor doesn't ready, the cataylst monitor doesn't execute.
Since we volunteer our time and knowledge, we ask for you to please follow up when a problem is resolved.
(This post was edited by Discretesignals on Dec 22, 2015, 5:57 PM)
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ropar
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Jan 4, 2016, 9:35 AM
Post #14 of 18
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Went to the second dealer. They upgraded the PCM software. Two nights later the check engine light goes on. Had hopes this would flag the EGR valve only to find out it was TAC issue. EGR and Catalyst monitor continue to stay in a 'not ready' state. Repairs will be made to the TAC, it should / may be enough to put me over a 450$ limit. That will give me an inspection sticker for one year (state law). While this will give me some breathing room, one independent mechanic and 2 dealers have not come up with a solution. The second indicated if this does not resolve itself, come back, they'll look at it again (no charge). Very frustrating - but there are worse things in the world!
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
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Jan 4, 2016, 10:08 AM
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Every time you clear these codes the monitors are reset and have to start all over.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
(This post was edited by Hammer Time on Jan 4, 2016, 10:09 AM)
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Discretesignals
Ultimate Carjunky
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Jan 4, 2016, 10:28 AM
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TAC issue? Not sure what you mean.
Since we volunteer our time and knowledge, we ask for you to please follow up when a problem is resolved.
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kev2
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Jan 4, 2016, 11:19 AM
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TAC = Throttle-Actuator-Control. I am more confused knowing that
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Discretesignals
Ultimate Carjunky
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Jan 4, 2016, 11:34 AM
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I don't think electronic throttle control showed up until 2005 on the grand marquis. Kind of odd that you would have TAC codes show up after a reflash.
Since we volunteer our time and knowledge, we ask for you to please follow up when a problem is resolved.
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