1996 Dodge Stratus ES failed NOx at 15MPH, everything else passed, rpm during 15mph was usually high. Why?

96 Dodge Stratus ES (AT) failed NO(PPM) at 15MPH. Everything else passed (excellent numbers for everything else). RPM at 15MPH was unusually high. The RPM at 15MPH was 2737. The RPM at 25MPH was 1833 The last 3 times I smog checked this car in the past 6 years the RPM at 15MPH and 25MPH on ALL the smog check results have been around the same number - 1830 RPM (all of them passed). How come the RPM on this test that FAILED was so much higher. I believe a mistake was made and they ran the car in first gear at 15MPH. If I drive the car in 2nd gear on the road I get around 1800-1900 RPM at 15MPH. Can I ask them to re-do the test in 2nd gear?

Answer:

Yes, I believe you should revisit the smog station and have them retest your Dodge at no charge to you. I'd highly recommend you take the smog inspection reports from the previous smog checks as proof your Stratus may have been test improperly. If the station refuses to retest your vehicle for free, I'd ask them why your car was tested at such a high RPM, and advise them you feel something is wrong and that you will be contacting the Bureau of Automotive Repairs regarding this incident; Although I don't believe it will come to that. They should simply smog test your Dodge again, trying to get it to run the test at 15mph in second gear, as what is normally required on most cars, and hopefully get you passing results again. Good luck.

posted by SmogTips Support