Reasons Behind the Failure of your VW’s Emission Control System From the Experts in Glendale
Posted on July 19, 2019 by europewpadmin
Volkswagen is a well-loved automaker with millions of devoted drivers. However, the company has not been without its troubles. Most recently, the Volkswagen brand has come under scrutiny in regards to emissions testing of its vehicles. The level of pollutants of their recent VW vehicles may or may not release pollutants into the environment during operation.
However, all vehicles can become harmful to the environment if not cared for correctly. In this article, we will take a closer look at your VW’s emission control system (ECS), find out how it works, and discuss what to look for to prevent parts failure.
What is the emission control system?
The emission control system is a collection of parts that all work together to control the levels of harmful or toxic emissions your car produces. Where possible, the ECS converts pollutants into safer emissions, which are released through the car’s exhaust. It does this by using a range of sensors and computers to actively measure and respond to changing emission levels. Using this information, the ECS ensures that the exhaust components respond suitably.
The various components that can be considered part of the ECS are typically as follows. (They may vary slightly depending on the age and model of your VW.)
- Air Pump
- Catalytic Converter
- Check Engine Light
- Exhaust Gas Recirculation
- Automotive Filters
- Gas Cap
- Evaporative System
- Mass Air Flow Sensor
- OBD II System
- Oxygen Sensor
To work at an optimal level, the ECS requires all of the above parts and systems to be working in perfect harmony. If this is not the case, your vehicle will typically illuminate either of 2 lights or both at the same time: the check engine light and the emission light. Both are clearly visible on your VW’s dashboard.
Symptoms and Causes of Failure
The ECS is a complex system that covers a wide range of parts and components. There can be a wide range of causes for failure if the emission control system begins to breakdown. Therefore, while the list featured below does include some of the usual suspects, your vehicle may display alternative symptoms, all of which will need to be addressed in a timely manner and should not be ignored.
1. Time and Use
The ECS uses chemical reactions to convert harmful gases into safer emissions. However, over time, the chemicals required for these reactions can start to lose their potency. Levels of harmful emissions can increase as a result.
2. False Warning
If your car is running as normal with no noticable changes but your emission light has illuminated, it may simply be that a sensor in your VW’s onboard diagnostic system has malfunctioned and is giving you an incorrect warning. You should still have this issue checked out at a professional auto repair shop, however, to guarantee that the warning was only a red herring and to get the sensor fixed so you’ll know if a problem ever actually occurs.
3. Vacuum Hose
The vacuum hose is responsible for keeping harmful emissions from seeping out from your car. The hose can become disconnected, typically due to impact or driving on rough terrain. It can also develop cracks. If either of these occur, the ECS will warn of a failure, and you’ll need to seek repairs.
4. Catalytic Converter
When it comes to ECS failures, issues with the catalytic converter are the worst case scenario. The catalytic converter is integral to the ECS system, as it is responsible for changing the harmful emissions into safer exhaust fumes. Basically, without the converter, the whole system becomes pointless. Because this part is so integral, it can be expensive to repair or replace. It is essential for your safety, the safety of those around you, and for maintaining a clean environment. A common sign of trouble with the catalytic converter is white powder in the exhaust pipe.
Seeking Repairs
If you live in or around Glendale, CA and are worried that your car’s ECS is failing or is in need of inspection, then look no further than Entirely Exotic Motorsports. We are specialists in European imported cars. We have years of experience and a true passion for our craft. Our friendly team at Entirely Exotic Motorsports will ensure the environmental safety of your beloved BMW. Call or stop by today to schedule an appointment.