Failed Emissions ("Not Ready")

[godzillatemple]

Brought my car in for its annual inspection, including emissions check. It only has 27K miles on it, so I thought it would be a breeze. Technically, it didn't actually fail -- apparently, the car wouldn't report the required information for a variety of different things, like "Catalyst Monitor" and "O2 Sensor Monitor." It just generated a "Not Ready" message instead.

The guy at the station said this had to be due to me either replacing the battery or fiddling with the on-board computer sometime in the last 100 miles or so, and that I should drive the car for another 200-300 miles before bringing it back for a re-inspection. The thing is, though, I haven't touched the battery or the computer since I bought the car a year ago.

Having said that, though, the one thing I did do recently was pull Fuse #11. I didn't think that was tied into the Emissions Control System in any way, but maybe it is. Does anybody know? If I have to wait a bit before going back, not a problem. But if the fuse pull isn't the cause, then I'm afraid it won't matter if I drive 1000 miles before going back...

[jetech00001]

yes it reset the computers wait and drive it a while it should be ok.

[godzillatemple]

All right, thanks. I wish I had known that before...

[jetech00001]

Originally Posted by godzillatemple

All right, thanks. I wish I had known that before...

your welcome glad we could put your mind at ease.

[robertd]

For those that have a very modified exhaust such as mine with long tube headers, high flow cats, dual Magnaflow 3 inch cat back system, you will still throw codes even with the defoulers that will light up the check engine light (MIL light) every 50-60 miles of normal driving.

To pass emissions, do not flash your car for at least 60 miles and then simply reset the catalyst error codes just before you test and you will be fine.

[donneeo]

Drive the car at 55 mph for ten minutes. Check it by turning the car on but do not start the vehicle if the service engine light does not start to flash after 30 to 40 seconds but stay solid the monitors are now ready.

[kolson]

Originally Posted by donneeo

Drive the car at 55 mph for ten minutes. Check it by turning the car on but do not start the vehicle if the service engine light does not start to flash after 30 to 40 seconds but stay solid the monitors are now ready.

I have installed long tube headers, high flow cats and predater tuned my 300c back in 2008 and now getting smogged for the first time and having problems with CEL and low performing cats. I turned off the O2 sensor following a prior forum discussion to prevent the CEL, which it did but now I am getting a "not ready" O2 sensor and CATS failing the test.

Will try turning the O2 sensors back on and head in for a test before I get a CEL.

I purchased the product and had the install and tuned here in the BayArea and no one ever mentioned the down stream risks. Stupidly, I do not have the stock exhaust system. Now I am concerned I need to back to stock. This could get expensive. Any advice?

[robertd]

Originally Posted by kolson

Will try turning the O2 sensors back on and head in for a test before I get a CEL. Any advice?

You will not pass. You will fail with the emission test facility informing you that your car is exhibiting a not ready indicator because you have to drive with the back o2 sensors on for about 50-70 miles or so before they register ready. I have the same setup with blower, cams, etc.

Lucky for you, passing is simple with the Predator. Enable your back O2 sensors right away, put 70 miles on it and ignore any warnings, don't even bother to reset them....until you are in the parking lot where you take it for testing. They will plug in the OBD test tool and you will pass perfectly. Did it twice, no problems.

[BTR]

Been there done that, Im in mass as well, do u have a printout of the inspection sheet for the obd diagnostic monitor results?

There is a specific procedure you must follow to clear all the "not ready"

Just realized this thread is super old. Oops.

But yes, anything you do like pulling fuses or resetting engine codes you will likely have to start the procedure over again.

[robertd]

Originally Posted by BTR

Been there done that, Im in mass as well, do u have a printout of the inspection sheet for the obd diagnostic monitor results?

There is a specific procedure you must follow to clear all the "not ready"

No, it is really simple. Just clear the error codes after driving it with the rear o2 sensors on for 50-70 miles, that's all. Wait until you are in the parking lot of the station when you do it. You will pass.