I searched and I can't get my VG30 to pass smog! First time I had 134 vs the needed 120 on my HC levels. Next I tried to get the car warmed up really well and got 131 vs 120 but I still need less! Everything else passes fine and I'm fresh off a tune-up and oil change. What am I missing!?

 

Seafoam

 

Does that fix HC levels or are you just padding your post count?

 

All I know is mine failed once, then I did the seafoam into my gas tank, and then I re-tested and I passed. I'm not 100% certain though it was retested on the exact same machine though.

 

check your ECU's codes to see if anything is causing a 'phantom' check-engine light. the lights on our cars basically never light up when there's a problem, but it'll still store codes. I don't know what causes high HC levels but maybe your o2 sensor or coolant temp sensor or something could be bad (or bad wiring like i had), causing it to run rich, etc.

 

High HC implies unburnt fuel

Caused by:

Timing
Ignition system - plugs/leads/cap/rotor
Fuel metering system - ECT/O2/MAF/EGR/FPR/Injectors/ECU.
Engine condition - blowby/intake and TB gunk due to PCV

Basic maintenance/tuneup required

 

a bottle of rubbing alcohol (70% alcohol by volume) in the tank does wonders for high HC

 

How do you access the codes? I got the thing to flash the 5 green and red LED sequence, but could get it to do much more. EF & EC40 of the service manual. I could find a plug location for an external scanner.