Emission Question: Not Ready Codes





What causes the Not Ready codes and what dol I have to reset to clear them for next test? I assume the codes are DTC related.
I understand the car has to go through a number of start/restarts and driving after not ready codes have been addresses.
Last edited by Chalky; Jul 5, 2007 at 11:29 PM.
Start by posting your codes, and I'm sure some members will lead you in the right direction.
I think his issue is more of a component failure problem, which will actually block certain portions of the tests.
For instance, you have to pass the 02 readiness tests before you can test and pass an egr readiness test.
And sometimes it wont set a code, because it needs to test and fail a test on more than one key cycle to set a code. So, if it fails once, but passes the next, then it can be very hard to pass all the readiness tests, or clear a P1000, which is the same thing.
If you havent passed all the readiness tests, the computer has a code for that. A P1000. so, the object is, is to clear that P1000, which means completing all the tests, or what referred to as an OBD2 drive cycle. which has all kinds of specifics. Like cruising at 50 mph but not greater than 58 mph, and hold the throttle steady for 2 minutes or so. something like that, I may be off a little on the specifics.
and yes, some of them require a cold start, at less than 100 deg F.
Also, some tests are run after you turn the key off and walk away. This is why any OBD2 car we do any diag work on, we test drive several times, until all the tests have been run and cleared.
You cannot return a car to someone without clearing all of them because there is still a possibility of something being wrong and the CEL coming on several key cycles later.
Sorry for the long post.





Not sure but someplace I missed something. After a few changes today, my system readiness test was all good.
This was the first time the car had to go in for emissions testing. I also know of cars running much nastier cams and tune than mine that passed with flying colors.
I gained some knowledge form the posts as well.
Thanks
I think his issue is more of a component failure problem, which will actually block certain portions of the tests.
For instance, you have to pass the 02 readiness tests before you can test and pass an egr readiness test.
And sometimes it wont set a code, because it needs to test and fail a test on more than one key cycle to set a code. So, if it fails once, but passes the next, then it can be very hard to pass all the readiness tests, or clear a P1000, which is the same thing.
If you havent passed all the readiness tests, the computer has a code for that. A P1000. so, the object is, is to clear that P1000, which means completing all the tests, or what referred to as an OBD2 drive cycle. which has all kinds of specifics. Like cruising at 50 mph but not greater than 58 mph, and hold the throttle steady for 2 minutes or so. something like that, I may be off a little on the specifics.
and yes, some of them require a cold start, at less than 100 deg F.
Also, some tests are run after you turn the key off and walk away. This is why any OBD2 car we do any diag work on, we test drive several times, until all the tests have been run and cleared.
You cannot return a car to someone without clearing all of them because there is still a possibility of something being wrong and the CEL coming on several key cycles later.
Sorry for the long post.
Its that or you're doing something wrong.
As for a component failure, all it needs to be is out of range enough that the pcm doesnt like what it sees, but will not set a cel, or code, for at least two key cycles, and that kicks in whats referred to as a blocking strategy, which prevents portions of the readiness monitor from running.
Additionally, your efi live or auto x-ray probably doesnt have the capability of displaying pending codes (OE software). These are codes that the pcm WANTS to set, but requires failures on two consecutive key cycles.
If it sees something it doesnt like on one key cycle, it sets a pending code. If the same thing happens again on the next key cycle, you get a code, and a cel, IF its a class A code. That would be emissions related. See, on top of all this, the pcm can set codes and not even turn on the cel.
So, it is possible to have a component problem, not have a code, at least that you can identify, and have it block portions of the readiness monitor.
I used to teach this stuff to other professional techs.
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

I ramble about nothing. The basis of OBD2 hasnt changed.
How long have you been doing this FOR A LIVING?
What exactly have I stated thats "meaningless?"
What have I stated thats BS?
How many cars do you diagnose PER DAY?
As for the latest testing equipment, I have more money in one drawer of my tool box than you have in your entire car. Multiple o-scopes, multiple scanners, multiple current inductive probes, injector flow tester.
The list goes on.
You have no clue buddy.
I do this for a living, not a hobby. I diag cars for other professional shops. How about you? I work with OBD2 cars EVERY DAY.
Anything else you gotta say?
Last edited by edcmat-l1; Jul 9, 2007 at 08:12 AM.
CURRENT subscription, updated every 90 days.
Notice the last paragraph. If you cant read it, I'll repeat it, in bold no less.
If there is an impending failure, the system may require more time to run the diagnostic than was alloted in the set procedure. If the test does not run after numerous attempts AND NO DTC IS SET, REVIEW THE APPROPRIATE SCAN TOOL DATA LIST AND THE SERVICE INFORMATION FOR AN INDICATION OF WHY THE TEST DOES NOT COMPLETE.
So, how about telling everyone again how out of current I am.
just FYI, I make my living being right.
My reputation is based on my accuracy. I do not regurgitate internet hearsay and claim to be something I'm not. I have been a diagnostic specialist for better than 15 years, and have taught the same. OBD2 fundamentals have not changed since its inception in 1996, when I, as well as other professional techs began rigorously training to make sure we kept up.
CURRENT subscription, updated every 90 days.
Notice the last paragraph. If you cant read it, I'll repeat it, in bold no less.
If there is an impending failure, the system may require more time to run the diagnostic than was alloted in the set procedure. If the test does not run after numerous attempts AND NO DTC IS SET, REVIEW THE APPROPRIATE SCAN TOOL DATA LIST AND THE SERVICE INFORMATION FOR AN INDICATION OF WHY THE TEST DOES NOT COMPLETE.
So, how about telling everyone again how out of current I am.
just FYI, I make my living being right.
My reputation is based on my accuracy. I do not regurgitate internet hearsay and claim to be something I'm not. I have been a diagnostic specialist for better than 15 years, and have taught the same. OBD2 fundamentals have not changed since its inception in 1996, when I, as well as other professional techs began rigorously training to make sure we kept up.
(waiting for your idiotic response)









