Saturn computer wont complete emissions test for catalytic converter, egr and o2 sensor.

Engine is way too rich. You will burn that car up. Unburned fuel is getting into the CAT and igniting. Check the injectors.

Here is some info for you to read, besides me explaining what ppm is, i also gave you some info of how to solve this, Ain't that special LOL. Mike

Overall Result: PASS or FAIL. A vehicle with a properly operating engine and catalytic converter will have very low HC and CO readings. However as a vehicle ages the HC and CO emissions will increase and may become erratic. As a vehicle ages it becomes increasingly important to be sure that the engine and converter are fully warmed up before the test to have the best chance of passing the test.

HC (PPM): The parts per million of hydrocarbons (unburned or partially burnt gasoline) in the exhaust.

CO (%): The percentage of the exhaust that is carbon monoxide (CO).

CO +CO2 (%): Complete combustion in the engine or catalytic converter will result in very little carbon monoxide (CO) and a high percentage (up to about 16%) of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the exhaust.

O2 (%): When there is complete combustion in the engine or catalytic converter there is a very little oxygen (O2) in the exhaust. Usually less than one percent. A higher reading indicates a problem with the engine, the exhaust system, the sampling system or the catalytic converter. Vehicles do not pass or fail because of the O2 reading; it is only diagnostic information.

RPM: The engine speed in revolutions per minute (RPM) or N/A.

Cruise Limit: The maximum allowable HC and CO emissions at 2500 rpm. The CO+CO2 (%) must equal or exceed 6. This verifies an adequate sample of the exhaust has been obtained. N/A for O2 and RPM.

Cruise Emissions: The emission readings measured at 2500 rpm.

Cruise Result: PASS, FAIL or N/A.

Idle Limit: The maximum allowable HC or CO emissions at idle. The CO+ CO2 (%) must equal or exceed 6. This verifies an adequate sample of the exhaust has been obtained. N/A for O2 and RPM.



These are the possible problems:

bad o2 sensor
bad EGR valve
bad cat
bad timing
dirty injectors
bad plugs or wires
the less costly fixes include replacement of the o2 sensor and EGR valve i would not clean the EGR I would buy a new one there are very cheap you can pick these up at any local parts store .
also run some injector cleaner through your car at least a full tank of gas and one bottle of injector cleaner should be ran through.
you can also have your timing checked for a relatively low price.
and when you go into to have the vehicle checked make sure the car is been running because your cat convertor has to be warm in order to preform at it peak so do not do it when the car is cold.
all of the above are pretty reasonable fixes the general rule of thumb when you work on your own vehicle is start with the cheapest fix first then go on to the next.

There are two type of emission classes.

Federal and California emissions.

Look under the hood for the emission class sticker.
Smog check station's machine in CA are programmed to handle both types.

You do not need to change anything before the inspection.

==== Side notes: You should check the service record for the last Catalytic converter,O2 sensors and EGR valve change.
Service interval for
Catalytic ~180,000 miles O2 ~150,000 miles EGR ~160,000 miles


If you can locate the last smog test (even from out of state) Check for the
CO NOx

If was you o2 sensor the code would say o2 sensor bad. Your catalytic convertor may not be heating up enough to make the emission computer happy and is sending a trouble code.

P0422 - Catalyst below threshold.

Catalytic converter is clogged or out of medium.

Replace it.


ACTUAL DIAGNOSTIC:

Fault Code Definition
Code P0422 indicates that the Bank 1 Main Catalytic Converter's emissions efficiency has fallen below the minimum allowable limit. This threshold is tracked by a Catalyst Monitoring Oxygen Sensor located on or near the outlet of the Catalytic Converter.

Symptoms

* Check Engine Light will illuminate
* In many cases, no abnormal symptoms may be noticed

Common Problems That Trigger the P0422 Code

* Defective Catalytic Converter
* Engine misfires have damaged the Catalytic Converter
* Internal engine damage resulting in high oil consumption and/or a leaking Head gasket has damaged the Catalytic Converter

Common Misdiagnoses

* Oxygen Sensors are replaced when the real problem is a damaged Catalyst
* Catalyst is replaced when the real problem is internal engine damage, which is producing elevated emissions levels
* Catalyst is replaced when a misfiring engine is the real problem



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Have an auto parts store check for the code. It is possible that you have a bad O2 sensor or your catalytic converter is clogged.

P0422 - Catalyst below threshold.

Catalytic converter is clogged or out of medium.

Replace it.


ACTUAL DIAGNOSTIC:

Fault Code Definition
Code P0422 indicates that the Bank 1 Main Catalytic Converter's emissions efficiency has fallen below the minimum allowable limit. This threshold is tracked by a Catalyst Monitoring Oxygen Sensor located on or near the outlet of the Catalytic Converter.

Symptoms

* Check Engine Light will illuminate
* In many cases, no abnormal symptoms may be noticed

Common Problems That Trigger the P0422 Code

* Defective Catalytic Converter
* Engine misfires have damaged the Catalytic Converter
* Internal engine damage resulting in high oil consumption and/or a leaking Head gasket has damaged the Catalytic Converter

Common Misdiagnoses

* Oxygen Sensors are replaced when the real problem is a damaged Catalyst
* Catalyst is replaced when the real problem is internal engine damage, which is producing elevated emissions levels
* Catalyst is replaced when a misfiring engine is the real problem



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MAP sensor, Maybe, but doubt it.

When the misfire monitor detects a misfire, it will trigger the check engine light with the specific cylinder number as the last digit in the P030X code. For instance cylinder 1 misfire is P0301, cylinder 2 is P0302 etc. In this case we are left with a P0304 in the computer memory. Which is cylinder 4.
Possible Causes:

Fuel injectors, related wiring, sensors and computer issues
Running out of gas, or poor fuel quality
Evaporative emissions system (EVAP) concerns: fuel vapors leaking into engine
Incorrect Fuel Pressure
EGR system concerns: leaking EGR valve or restricted ports
Base engine concerns: low compression, valve train problems and timing issues
Ignition system concerns including, but not limited to:
Faulty spark plugs
Faulty coil or related wiring
Ignition module or related wiring issues
Ignition related sensor faults or wiring issues
This maybe causing PO420 code to go off.
Which is:
P0420 Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 1)

There is one O2 (oxygen) sensor in front of the catalytic converter (called upstream), and one behind it (downstream). When the engine is warmed up and running normally the upstream oxygen sensor reading fluctuates and the downstream one is fairly steady. In the case where both readings are fairly steady, a P0420 check engine light code is set.

Possible Causes:

Oxygen (O2) sensor not working correctly
Damaged or leaking exhuast (pipe, manifold, catalytic converter)
Damaged catalytic converter

P0422 - Catalyst below threshold.

Catalytic converter is clogged or out of medium.

Replace it.


ACTUAL DIAGNOSTIC:

Fault Code Definition
Code P0422 indicates that the Bank 1 Main Catalytic Converter's emissions efficiency has fallen below the minimum allowable limit. This threshold is tracked by a Catalyst Monitoring Oxygen Sensor located on or near the outlet of the Catalytic Converter.

Symptoms

* Check Engine Light will illuminate
* In many cases, no abnormal symptoms may be noticed

Common Problems That Trigger the P0422 Code

* Defective Catalytic Converter
* Engine misfires have damaged the Catalytic Converter
* Internal engine damage resulting in high oil consumption and/or a leaking Head gasket has damaged the Catalytic Converter

Common Misdiagnoses

* Oxygen Sensors are replaced when the real problem is a damaged Catalyst
* Catalyst is replaced when the real problem is internal engine damage, which is producing elevated emissions levels
* Catalyst is replaced when a misfiring engine is the real problem



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yes egr valve is a common thing on this saturn. very pricy and yes you need the rear o2 sensor good luck i have a used egr if interested off a sl2