My 2003 F150 4.6 wouldn't pass emissions testing last week due to the OBDII not being ready to test. I knew that would happen as I had just reset the code (I get a CEL anytime after a heavy rain - I think it is a bad coil coming). After I reset and drive for a while, I don't get any codes and everything is ready but the EVAP.

I reset the computer on Friday. Let it sit overnight. Filled the gas tank Saturday. Sunday I drove a 200 mile round trip. Ran the cruise control at 60 for a good 50 miles. I did some local running around. All things that should have/could have triggered the EVAP system to run.

Where is the best place to start looking for problems? I changed the gas tank a couple years ago and I think everything is tight on it. Should I just change the gas cap in case it is the culprit?

Any advice appreciated.

Thank you.

 

First, resist rebooting the computer so often unless there is a reason to do so.
By doing this you cause the computer to restart all diagnostics over again each time.
Even clearing a code will cause the same action.
The EVAP takes a long time to do all the phases of it's complex tests.
Unless there is a code pointing to a trouble with that system allow it to run to completion.
Good luck.

 

I've had the same issue for over a year now after spark plug change. Tried new gas cap, fill ups, run down the gas to as close to empty without actually running out of fuel. Only things different is I passed emissions here since they let you get away with one not ready, and I don't have cruise control. Good luck Ray.

 

Most jurisdictions allow one or two "Not Ready" moitors, depending on year and model.

Check the rules applicable to YOUR location so that you know what they are. No need in wasting time and resources on something that is a "don't care".

BTW, the EVAP test can't run when the fuel level is < 15% or > than 85%. Keep it between 1/4 and 3/4 for best chances. Also, outside temp must be above 45-50 so the test often doesn't run in the winter.

 

I usually just run with the CEL light on (when it comes on after a heavy rain) and only reset the computer because I was due for a sticker. I don't drive the truck but a couple or three hundred miles a month on average and wasn't expecting to get a sticker at all due to the rust and other issues. But, it passed all the safety stuff and now all I need is to get the emissions retested. I have 60 days so I will just let it go for a couple weeks and see if it gets ready by then.

Thank you for your help.

 

Good to know. Thank you for the information. I will look into the rules for emissions testing here. Appreciate it....

 

When a CEL is on get the code read so you have some idea what's going on.
Monitors 'only' not complete (code 1000) do not light the CEL.
Only a trouble code sets the CEL on.
Again, a clear, reset, or power down for any reason even if there is no CEL will cause the PCM to go into full diagnostics and result is a long time for the EVAP to clear providing it does not detect a fault.
Good luck.

 

I forgot to update this thread. I drove the truck for a week or so, a few short trips around town. The EVAP never did show as being ready. Took it back to the gas station where I get my inspections and asked the guy whether it would pass with the EVAP showing not ready. He said he thought it would. It passed.

Looks like I have to keep it for another year. Hopefully the bed doesn't fall off before then.

Thanks for the help, gents.

 

Good to hear they will pass you.
The EVAP is one of the most complex systems that test out.
It has 4 test Phases of which there are many tests in each phase.
There is hardware, hoses and sensors involved in various combinations for each phase so the test takes quite some time under various test conditions.
If any hardware has developed age degradation the test may still pass but take a longer time interval to complete.
If a specific test fails a code and Cel is set to let you know.
Good luck.

 

How the F$%# do you deal with this BS? My van is a 2004 E350 and only has 30K miles. Evap says "not ready. My tags are expired so all this driving that is recommended for an unknown amount of time/miles is exposing me to a traffic ticket for driving with expired tags. I live in California and they allow NO not readies for a smog. What do I do????????

 

You need to take it to a shop that can " force " the monitors to run . A good shop can fix any issues and make sure the monitors are completed Good luck !

 

Thanks JWC. I thought I would for sure hear "move out of California". Not a bad idea BTW

 

Well .. I would not live in Califreakafonica , but , home is where you lay your head . Your rig can be fixed ! You just need the proper shop/ people to help . Best of luck !

 

In Ford's document for your year 04 there are 14 pages devoted to how the EVAP system is tested.
You can see how complex the testing is from the number of pages.
It takes a tech who knows how to use his test equipment to look at live data for all the test ID's and test numbers to interpet a value that is out of limits, then make the effort to fix the indicated faulty part in the test sequence.
Finding a shop that has a tech and that will allow the time can be a problem.
From this you can get an idea of why this test can be problematic especially in your state where they allow no room for minor issues, trying to create a government run perfect society..
I'm sorry but no dealer can just over ride the testing the PCM is programmed to do.
It's set up this way to prohibit getting around the system.
Your state is responsible for all this On Board Testing known as OBDII testing years ago with the federal EPA making it mandatory for all vehicles made or imported and marketed in this country.. It all started back before 1974 because your fine cities became smog polluted.
Now you have some idea what's going on.
.
The programs progressed from test running the vehicles on roller called the I/M 240 Test to measure direct tail pipe emissions, to the present computer control that can do all the testing and report the troubles by code of test readiness by just plugging into the data connector.
If this isn't enough, there are capabilities NOW to transmit vehicles troubles while you drive so you can be notified by the authorities you have a problem and to have it repaired.
They are just dying to make it mandatory for everybody.
Good luck.

 

Wow, Blugrass, what a comprehensive reply. I really appreciate your input. Thank you very much.
"Government run perfect society", California is about as far from that as is possible.