I failed my first emmissions test after resetting the CEL and not waiting long enough - I went back a couple days later and the guy told me I should wait 200 miles? That seems longer than normal - I got one free retest left, but Im pretty sure if I wait too long Ill get the CEL back and fail. Anyone know how long these resets take?

 

No set time, it's a matter of different driving patterns or "Drive Cycles" Do a search on Drive Cycles and you can get the list of everything . If you reset the computer codes for ANY reason, these monitors will also reset.

 

This is just one example of a drive cycle, not necessarily a C5.
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http://autorepair.about.com/library/faqs/bl765h.htm

 

Dont disconnect your battery either. Sets the same NOT READY flags

I have an ACTRON 9180 Code reader. Its one of the advanced code readers and it reads and gives you EMISSIONS READY STATUS..

Autozone uses the ACTRON code readers to read your DTC's for free. Drop by the store and see what model code reader that there using and see if that one can display emissions status.

Its not normal for me to recommend a code reader but,,,,I had to purchase this one to read the DTCs on my 06 Coupe LS2. The C6 does NOT allow you to access the DTCs like the C5's do.

Hope that you can check your emissions status there and see if its ready.

BC

 

I have a test loop that I drive frequently. It is 17 miles, has 4 stop signs, 10 traffic lights, and 5 miles of freeway. My readiness tests always reset in this loop. I do alot of tuning and have checked this many times!

 

Here is the drive cycle to reset it:

General Motors (specific) OBD II Drive Cycle

Performing a GM OBDII Driving cycle:

1. Cold Start. In order to be classified as a cold start the engine coolant temperature must be below 122°F (50°C) and within 11°F (6°C) of the ambient air temperature at startup.
Do not leave the key in prior to the cold start or the heated oxygen sensor diagnostic may not run.
2. Idle. The engine must be run for two and a half minutes with the air conditioner on and rear defroster on. The more electrical load you can apply the better. This will test the O2 heater, Passive Air, Purge "No Flow", Misfire, and - if closed loop is achieved- Fuel Trim.
3. Accelerate. Turn off the air conditioner and all the other loads and apply half throttle until 55mph (88km/hr) is reached. During this time the Misfire, Fuel Trim, and Purge Flow diagnostics will be performed.
4. Hold Steady Speed. Hold a steady speed of 55mph (88km/hr) for 3 minutes. During this time the O2 response, air Intrusive, EGR, Purge, Misfire, and Fuel Trim diagnostics will be performed.
5. Decelerate. Let off the accelerator pedal. Do not shift, touch the brake or clutch. It is important to let the vehicle coast along gradually slowing down to 20 mph (32km/hr). During this time the EGR, Purge and Fuel Trim diagnostics will be performed.
6. Accelerate. Accelerate at 3/4 throttle until 55-60mph (88-96 km/hr). This will perform the same diagnostics as in step 3.
7. Hold Steady Speed. Hold a steady speed of 55mph (88km/hr) for five minutes. During this time, in addition to the diagnostics performed in step 4, the catalyst monitor diagnostics will be performed. If the catalyst is marginal or the battery has been disconnected, it may take 5 complete driving cycles to determine the state of the catalyst.
8. Decelerate. This will perform the same diagnostics as in step 5. Again, don't press the clutch or brakes or shift gears.

 

Last time I had to have the e-test, my C5 was not ready due to having recently uploading a new tune from EFI Live. I first ran the emissions readiness test in EFI, started the GM OBD II Driving Cycle, ran through most of it in ~15 minutes, stopped on the side of the road and ran the readiness test again. I had two Not Ready's - decided to chance it since several states allow one or two Not Ready's. I drove to the testing station, they hooked the cable under the dash and she passed. They quit testing here the next year.