Not Ready Errors

[bluescorpion]

Hi All
I have a 2000 Ford Explorer XLS that won't pass inspection here in NC. I have 5 "Not Ready" errors:

Catalyst
02 Sensor Heater
EGR System
Evaporative System
02 Sensor

I replaced the EGR and then got "MIL Commanded-On" - FAIL
Any ideas?

 

[lobo411]

Have you scanned for codes?

Here's a link to the conditions required to tick off the readiness tests:

http://www.obdii.com/drivecycleford.html

 

[scrivyscriv]

Put a scanner on it and see what your O2 sensors are doing.

 

[bluescorpion]

I'm not sure if this is what you meant, but I went by the local auto parts store and had them check for error codes. The guy said that the only code he could get basically said that the vehicle needed to be driven to clear it. I'm going to drive it later this week and then try another inspection. Keeping my fingers crossed.

 

[lobo411]

I'm not sure if this is what you meant, but I went by the local auto parts store and had them check for error codes. The guy said that the only code he could get basically said that the vehicle needed to be driven to clear it. I'm going to drive it later this week and then try another inspection. Keeping my fingers crossed.

Each test costs you $$, right? You'd be smarter to buy a cheapo scan tool for $14 on Amazon. This scan tool can tell you whether or not your vehicle is ready for a smog test, and if there are incomplete Readiness Tests, it can tell you which ones.

https://www.amazon.com/Autel-MaxiScan-MS300-Diagnostic-Vehicles/dp/B001LHVOVK

 

[sehaare]

Have you scanned for codes?

Here's a link to the conditions required to tick off the readiness tests:

http://www.obdii.com/drivecycleford.html

You need to go to this link and read it before you just go drive your car. There are a lot of conditions that have to be met to clear each test.

 

[bluescorpion]

I'll give that a shot lobo. I was curious though. Would a faulty catalytic converter cause this as well? I was told this outside of the forum.

 

[lobo411]

A bad cat shouldn't affect the readiness tests. Basically, the car just needs to be run under certain conditions to allow it to test the emissions system.

A bad cat might result in a check engine light, and you'll fail smog for that reason. But until you scan for codes, you can't be sure if there's a problem. For one thing, the computer checks for a bad cat by comparing the pre cat oxygen sensors against the post cat sensor data. If one of those sensors is bad, then the computer will set a cat related trouble code, but you might really just need to replace the faulty sensor. All of this is just guessing until you pull the codes, though.

You might not have any problems at all. You might just need to run the car under the speed and traffic and temperature conditions outlined in the link.