'You need a scan tool to check readiness status. You may be able to 'get the smog check station to verify readiness is set with a scan tool 'before they put the truck on the dyno and run the smog test procedure. ' It only takes a minute. Else, I hear Autozone offers free scan tool 'hookups at their stores. You just need to make sure the person who 'checks for readiness status knows what to look for. ' 'The time required to set readiness codes after a battery disconnect 'could be one day or one month; it all depends on how you drive the 'truck. The most difficult readiness bit to set will be the EVAP 'monitor. That's the monitor that checks for leaks in the fuel tank. 'The EVAP monitor will usually require a cold start followed by a 'steady cruise. Each model/make is different but the generic advice 'for setting readiness is "by driving the vehicle for several days 'under a variety of normal conditions." ' 'The good news is that you can still get by the smog check program with '2 or less unset readiness bits - that is if you live in 'California...I'm not sure what other states are requiring for 'readiness bits. So if you can verify with a scan tool that all OBD II 'monitors have run with exception of 2, 1, or 0, then your truck is 'ready to be taken in for testing; providing the Check Engine Light 'isn't on or pending codes are not present. ' 'Hope this helps, ' 'tom
Thanks, Tom, for the detailed explanation.
Yes, Autozone does check the codes for free, I have seen them check for codes on my Explorer 2000 several times (trying to diagnose rough idle). As I stood there watching, once the scan tool establishes communication, it displays 'no codes'. I never saw it display anything else (my check engine light has never been on).
Does 'no codes' means readiness codes are set, OR scan tool has to be in a different mode to check for readiness codes? (how could I help the Autozone guy if he does not know how to look for readiness codes ?)
I am in PA, the new emissions check system introduced this year is publicized as consisting of 'OBD Check' and 'Gas Cap Check' there is NO dyno involved. I do not know technically what could they get out from OBD if the check engine light has never been on, on a vehicle?
Could you kindly educate us as to the above noted issues.
As always, Thanks in advance.
Matt
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