NCT failure. Unsure what to do next?

TallGlass

So I put my car in to be tested. 1.4 vvti Toyota Corolla 00. The tester said he couldn't do the emissions test as he couldn't keep the car at 3000 revs it would jump up the revs by itself. Any ideas on what could cause this? I put a bottle of diptane in with 10€ worth of petrol. I don't think it is the problem as I noticed this issue before. What would cause the revs to jump by themselves?

Also I was waiting 2 months for the test and never got a free test, even thought I was waiting over 28 days. The girl on the counter was unbelievable, no manners at all. Talking on the phone in polish(not that it makes a difference), when I asked her about the free test it was like how dare you talk to me while I am on the phone. So rude, place looked so dirty, could do with a repaint, failing 8/10 people from what I could see. Another thing I arrived at 3:05, got out about 4:15. Only seen my car enter the testing area around 3:40, the guy in front of me and behind me had gone at this stage. The NCT thing is getting beyond a joke, I don't mind retesting but I am going to have to wait yet again for 6/8 weeks for a test date.

Can the Dept of Transport not step in here and order applus to open more locations the place was jammers and that was North point 2.

Atlantic Dawn

Is the car driving normally? Is it burning oil?

TallGlass

Atlantic Dawn wrote: »

Is the car driving normally? Is it burning oil?

Its driving normal. I asked on here before about the throttle and was told it was normal. I could be changing gears and its like the car dosent register I have come off the accelerator, its like a delay of 2/3 seconds.

CJhaughey

Is the throttle body butterfly sticking?
Take the throttle cable off and see if it pivots freely.
Then check the cable is running free and not binding.

Pa994

Clutch

Stheno

Pa994 wrote: »

Clutch

I'd say clutch too

Meeoow

What size bottle of dipetane did you put in? A bottle sounds like too much with tenner petrol.

nd

I think the revs do auto rise on gear change to help with gear change.

Open your bonnet and stick a bit of folded over paper here


to hold open the throttle a little. Then start the car. Does it maintain a steady rev?

TallGlass

Pa994 wrote: »

Clutch

Why clutch?

Stheno

TallGlass wrote: »

Why clutch?

In my experience a clutch that is failing is hard to keep steady and can be jumpy

Pov06

There's nothing wrong with an NCT centre failing 8/10 cars. Clearly the cars can't even pass MINIMUM requirements and are unsafe for the roads. As far as I'm concerned, they're doing a good job.

TallGlass

Stheno wrote: »

In my experience a clutch that is failing is hard to keep steady and can be jumpy

Weird thing is when I got the car the guy said the clutch was gonna need changing, so wondering if they will solve my issue. I tested it earlier and it will hold all revs except 3000, literally 3000 it will not hold jumps to 3400/3600.

Atlantic Dawn

Pov06 wrote: »

There's nothing wrong with an NCT centre failing 8/10 cars. Clearly the cars can't even pass MINIMUM requirements and are unsafe for the roads. As far as I'm concerned, they're doing a good job.

Exactly, last time I was up there was 5 cars that failed because bulbs in lights were not working, some worse than others like the headlights, others less serious but fails like reg lights. It does take a particular idiot to take a car in for the test with the most basic of items not tested to be working.

Pov06

Atlantic Dawn wrote: »

Exactly, last time I was up there was 5 cars that failed because bulbs in lights were not working, some worse than others like the headlights, others less serious but fails like reg lights. It does take a particular idiot to take a car in for the test with the most basic of items not tested to be working.

I always tend to have a reserve of W5W bulbs and a set of H4s in the glovebox. The W5W bulbs only cost a euro each so it's no excuse to just buy like 5 and leave them in the car.

TallGlass

Pov06 wrote: »

There's nothing wrong with an NCT centre failing 8/10 cars. Clearly the cars can't even pass MINIMUM requirements and are unsafe for the roads. As far as I'm concerned, they're doing a good job.

Ok I accept your argument. I don't accept the poor levels of service, waiting 2 months for a test date, the centre been in poorly condition, the service agent on arrival. Ah but sure, 'there doing a good job'. If it was a food outlet I would eat elsewhere but I don't have that choice.

Stheno

TallGlass wrote: »

Weird thing is when I got the car the guy said the clutch was gonna need changing, so wondering if they will solve my issue. I tested it earlier and it will hold all revs except 3000, literally 3000 it will not hold jumps to 3400/3600.

Clutches are considered a consumable part usually so unless the warranty specifies it then no

You'll have to pay to get it fixed
Funny story my first ever holiday with the oh we went to Donegal

Day we were due to leave the clutch went we were told to drive home in low revs

It was a long trip

Pov06

TallGlass wrote: »

Ok I accept your argument. I don't accept the poor levels of service, waiting 2 months for a test date, the centre been in poorly condition, the service agent on arrival. Ah but sure, 'there doing a good job'. If it was a food outlet I would eat elsewhere but I don't have that choice.

It's really easy. Book your NCT test 3 months before the due date and you'll get a nice selection of dates you can choose.

I've done my NCT test a week ago and the NCT is only due on the 10th June. No problems :rolleyes:

Why do you care if the NCT centre is unfit for eating? The test takes about 30 minutes maximum and it's not like you're going there to eat a dinner. I hope you don't expect your local garage to showroom clean.

whizbang

Throttle Position sensor - remove the black plastic sensor, and soak it with contact cleaner/lubricant, or whatever you can get your hands on.

WD40 works temporarily, but I wouldn't trust it long term.

TallGlass

Pov06 wrote: »

It's really easy. Book your NCT test 3 months before the due date and you'll get a nice selection of dates you can choose.

I've done my NCT test a week ago and the NCT is only due on the 10th June. No problems :rolleyes:

Why do you care if the NCT centre is unfit for eating? The test takes about 30 minutes maximum and it's not like you're going there to eat a dinner. I hope you don't expect your local garage to showroom clean.

What are you talking about? Did you miss the fact I just said I booked the test 2 months ago? The only date available was today. The test took 15 mins actually, it was about 25/30 mins waiting for them to test my car in the first place is my problem, which you again missed. My last point about eating which again you missed is my option to get my test somewhere else another company for example is removed because these guys are the only company allowed legally test my car and there service level is brutally bad cause they have a monopoly in this area.

Pov06

TallGlass wrote: »

What are you talking about? Did you miss the fact I just said I booked the test 2 months ago? The only date available was today. The test took 15 mins actually, it was about 25/30 mins waiting for them to test my car in the first place is my problem, which you again missed. My last point about eating which again you missed is my option to get my test somewhere else another company for example is removed because these guys are the only company allowed legally test my car and there service level is brutally bad cause they have a monopoly in this area.

When was your NCT due?

greasepalm

go get retest done somewhere else,a clutch wont stop the car from revving.tps sounds good.

TallGlass

Pov06 wrote: »

When was your NCT due?

I bought the car two months ago with no NCT, as soon as I got the car I booked it in for its NCT again for the third time, the best place I was offered was two months which I took. Unlike other people that take the test I don't have the option of been able to switch dates around, I would have loved to ring them up for a better date than I got but I had not got the time. Also it is not my concern, I am told a test date then that is my test date. I shouldn't have to follow up with the NCT for better dates, they can ring me up if that's the case.

I don't really get your point on this? Are you actually defending the NCT waiting list here and trying to say I am at fault for wanting to get my car tested? I am going to have to go again waiting for a retest and again I will now have to follow up with the incapable NCT system because I need a retest in 28 days. Can you imagine, the chances of realistically getting a retest without having to make one phone call to the NCT for a realistic date? A date that is not set by me, but by there own protocols. They shouldn't be putting time limits on retests if they can't even honor them to begin with.

I honestly can't believe your defending there waiting lists and trying to blame me ? REALLY?

TallGlass

Stheno wrote: »

Clutches are considered a consumable part usually so unless the warranty specifies it then no

You'll have to pay to get it fixed
Funny story my first ever holiday with the oh we went to Donegal

Day we were due to leave the clutch went we were told to drive home in low revs

It was a long trip

Sounds like a long trip.

I don't mind changing the clutch, I have a good background with cars, but would like to know its the clutch before I change it.

I was thinking also TPS, but any TPS failure I have seen its never not been able to hold revs, it was that it couldn't keep the engine alive it. The TPS sensor would be so erratic it would cause the car to jitter and cut out.

Reading over this online, some sources say the test is done at 2000rpm, wonder why the tester was trying 3000rpm? Just curious why 3000rpm and not say 2700rpm. Surely this would be proxy then for getting cars past/failing the emissions test by under doing/over doing the RPM? Interesting.

Stheno

Go onto the site now and you'll have your choice of dates they release cancellations this time of night

JohnBoy26

Pa994 wrote: »

Clutch

Stheno wrote: »

I'd say clutch too

Stheno wrote: »

In my experience a clutch that is failing is hard to keep steady and can be jumpy

How did ye come to this conclusion? Any time I've taken my car for an nct the car was revved in neutral for the emmisions test. No use of the clutch required.

TallGlass

Meeoow wrote: »

What size bottle of dipetane did you put in? A bottle sounds like too much with tenner petrol.

I think its 1 liter, I never normally Dipetane any car for an NCT. I was in Consort and the bottle was there so I just said I will try it.

Been honest, I really don't think it caused my problems as I feel this issue was there before but has only been highlighted now as the NCT test guy can't get it to hold its RPM at 3000.

Guessing here, but I have drove DOHC cars before and its like there is an issue with it switching its cams with the VVTI, like its doing it harshly, cause I would imagine the switch would happen at 3000RPM.

Graham 1324

Clutch

TallGlass

Stheno wrote: »

Go onto the site now and you'll have your choice of dates they release cancellations this time of night

Booked it in again, cheers.

Got a much better date this time, seems retest dates are more realistic.

TallGlass

JohnBoy26 wrote: »

How did ye come to this conclusion? Any time I've taken my car for an nct the car was revved in neutral for the emmisions test. No use of the clutch required.

Graham 1324 wrote: »

Clutch

I am thinking along the same lines as Johnboy26 here? I don't understand the clutch been the issue? But looking at all that is stated here, it seems most people are saying clutch.

JohnBoy26

TallGlass wrote: »

I am thinking along the same lines as Johnboy26 here? I don't understand the clutch been the issue? But looking at all that is stated here, it seems most people are saying clutch.

Your problem isn't the clutch. It could well be worn but it has no effect on the emmission test.

slimjimmc

TallGlass wrote: »

Sounds like a long trip.

I don't mind changing the clutch, I have a good background with cars, but would like to know its the clutch before I change it.

I was thinking also TPS, but any TPS failure I have seen its never not been able to hold revs, it was that it couldn't keep the engine alive it. The TPS sensor would be so erratic it would cause the car to jitter and cut out.

Reading over this online, some sources say the test is done at 2000rpm, wonder why the tester was trying 3000rpm? Just curious why 3000rpm and not say 2700rpm. Surely this would be proxy then for getting cars past/failing the emissions test by under doing/over doing the RPM? Interesting.

It might have something to do with this:

NCT Test Manual wrote:

For vehicles first registered on or after the 1st January 1994 raise the engine speed to 2,500 rpm or to a speed specified by the vehicle manufacturer and hold for a minimum of 30 seconds

El Guapo!

It's not the clutch.
I'm baffled as to how people here can so definitely tell you it's the clutch. This is a perfect example of the point I was making here recently about "Google Mechanics" and getting advice from an Internet forum.
Bring it to your garage and get it checked out. Could be something as simple as a filthy throttle body.

saabsaab

Can't see it being clutch. Could be a few things throttle sensor or even dirty fuel line /filter blocked etc.

Toyotafanboi

JohnBoy26 wrote: »

How did ye come to this conclusion? Any time I've taken my car for an nct the car was revved in neutral for the emmisions test. No use of the clutch required.

That only took 3 pages. I was reading on in disbelief.

Special Circumstances

Isn't there some known thing with those corollas and no load rpms?
I'm sure colm_mcm has mentioned it before, although maybe it only applies to low idle.

biko

Not sure what tester meant by jumping revs.
Can you try to keep it steady at 3K yourself and see (in neutral)?
If revs are going up and down it's called hunting and looks like this

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l-qAWcbZ2Gc

dr.fuzzenstein

El Guapo! wrote: »

It's not the clutch.
I'm baffled as to how people here can so definitely tell you it's the clutch. This is a perfect example of the point I was making here recently about "Google Mechanics" and getting advice from an Internet forum.
Bring it to your garage and get it checked out. Could be something as simple as a filthy throttle body.

Some google mechanics and at least one guy having a bit of a troll.
OP, it is NOT the clutch! Revving a car in neutral has NOTHING to do with the clutch!
So, to recap, NOT the clutch! I think someone is having a bit of a laugh deliberately spreading information they know to be rubbish. And others joining in the fun.

power pants

El Guapo! wrote: »

It's not the clutch.
I'm baffled as to how people here can so definitely tell you it's the clutch. This is a perfect example of the point I was making here recently about "Google Mechanics" and getting advice from an Internet forum.
Bring it to your garage and get it checked out. Could be something as simple as a filthy throttle body.

100% must be annoying for the real mechanics on here reading what google mechanics with absolute no knowledge other than a passing interest are able to diagnose and give the wrong advice out so freely.

dr.fuzzenstein

power pants wrote: »

100% must be annoying for the real mechanics on here reading what google mechanics with absolute no knowledge other than a passing interest are able to diagnose and give the wrong advice out so freely.

You don't even have to be a mechanic, a basic understanding of how a car works and a tiny bit of logic will suffice.
Love the username.

power pants

fwiw I was going to suggest the lambda sensor. This is when you rev the car the little box behind the front fog light will emit a code to the clutch and compromise the head gasket located on the sunroof

biko

El Guapo! wrote: »

This is a perfect example of the point I was making here recently about "Google Mechanics" and getting advice from an Internet forum.

Although this is all true we don't claim to be anything else

Charter

* This is a public forum used by people with no idea what they are talking about.
Don't assume the advice given is correct. Maintenance tips offered by forum members, whilst helpful, may not necessarily be correct solution, so if in doubt then contact your nearest dealer or qualified mechanic.

El Guapo!

biko wrote: »

Although this is all true we don't claim to be anything else

Charter

Ah yeah I realise that. Not getting at anyone in particular.
It's great that people can come on and get advice and a lot of it is very helpful. It's just when people say "X is your problem" when they're way off can be very misleading to people who know very little about cars. And this can lead to the problem of people ordering parts online and getting things replaced based on the wrong advice.
If someone doesn't know what the problem is then dont guess.

Pa994

TallGlass wrote:

Its driving normal. I asked on here before about the throttle and was told it was normal. I could be changing gears and its like the car dosent register I have come off the accelerator, its like a delay of 2/3 seconds.

Not the best explanation but still saying clutch

Squidgy Black

Pa994 wrote: »

Not the best explanation but still saying clutch

:rolleyes:

Toyotafanboi

Vvti engines do that. The revs spike for a second if the engine load is suddenly reduced to make gear changes more seamless.

It doesn't stop any other vvti passing the test though. It isn't the problem here.

TallGlass

I'm actually fairly decent with cars, but came on here for some advise (the clutch needs replacing I was told so that's how that one got in under my radar). Just as I thought, it could be a dozen or so things that could be causing the problem. Been good with cars isn't just about knowing what to do to fix them, it about knowing when sometimes you've got to bring it to the professionals. Will bring it to the garage during the week let them investigate the issue.

Thanks for all the replies. If anyone is interested will post the cause of the issue.

dr.fuzzenstein

If it is the clutch, keep it, because i will eat it.

TallGlass

dr.fuzzenstein wrote: »

If it is the clutch, keep it, because i will eat it.

Sure :pac:

greasepalm

simple test for slipping worn out clutch put car into 3rd gear pull up handbrake and rev car to about 2000 revs and let clutch pedal up slowly,if engine stalls clutch is good,foot off clutch pedal clutch slipping simple.
i would question the 3000 rpm high idle test,thought it was around 2500?

joujoujou

As been said, it's NOT a clutch.

I had exactly the same NCT fail couple of years ago, same model.

Cleaned MAF sensor, throttle body, ISC valve, put new spark plugs (K16R-U11), and new air filter from Mr. T.

Passed.

I had K&N filter insert, so after test just put it back in and kept genuine filter just for NCT - using it every year since then.

TallGlass

joujoujou wrote: »

As been said, it's NOT a clutch.

I had exactly the same NCT fail couple of years ago, same model.

Cleaned MAF sensor, throttle body, ISC valve, put new spark plugs (K16R-U11), and new air filter from Mr. T.

Passed.

I had K&N filter insert, so after test just put it back in and kept genuine filter just for NCT - using it every year since then.

Cheers, but been honest with the retest date set for 2 weeks from this weekend, I am going to leave it into the garage for them to dick around with. If I had the time I would but on a deadline with an NCT retest date.

But in saying that it would be no harm to do the plugs and change the oil too.