Hello all... FTE is a total life saver, for starters. thanks to all... wonderful site.

My 99 4.6 Expo (197,000 and runs like a champ! this is the first problem I've ever had with it....) was throwing P0401 EGR and wouldn't pass smog a week ago because of the CEL being cleared too soon before. After clearing the codes, naturally the computer needs to reset the various systems. The smog guy showed me that my Catalyst, EGR, and Evaporative Systems were showing NOT READY and I couldn't retest... Upon following the priceless advice found on this site, I pulled the T.B. and intake elbow today and cleaned the clogged EGR ports. No more code, runs great. THANKS FTE! I've driven it about 60 miles so far today after the fix with no more codes, no more CEL. Now when I check the OBD II with my scanner to see that all systems are online and ready for smog test, all systems are now showing READY (which took about 15-20 miles to come online, first the EGR, then Catalyst) except for the Evap System, which still shows NOT READY. I had gotten a P0450 code, which on my scanner told me Auxillary Emmisions System, a couple of times in the past that 'went away' . My gas cap seals with a good hiss (is that good?) when I open it and all my vacuum lines are now rock solid. I always say if there's ever a doubt then there is no doubt, and this Auxillary Emmissions and Evap System NOT READY seem like they are related. I have not gotten the P0450 code in quite some time (months). Browsing forums turns up anything from Evap pressure sensors being bad to charcoal cannisters to crusty lines on filler necks... I was just wondering if I should just keep driving, do I need more miles before the system totally resets itself and makes the Evap System ready, or is it components of the Evap System causing it to not reset or where I should start.... Thanks in advance!

 

yes you need more miles for it to reset also you need to have between 1/4 to3/4 of a tank of gas . if it is full it cant run the test to set the monator to ready.

 

Hey thanks doncd37... I fixed the EGR and had just a bit under a 1/4 tank. So before I drove around I filled it up. So looks like I still have a bit of driving to do. I'll take your advice and post the results in a bit. Thanks.

 

Other pre-requisites include a cold soak and proper environmental temperature.

It may take several daily drive cycles before the EVAP test runs.

Steve

 

Hey SHO89 thanks for coming in on it... it's been about 150 miles now and Evap still has not gone READY yet. You mentioned a cold soak? What might that be? And the temp around here (Palm Springs) is 100 to 110 everyday so far this month for my environmental temperature. So there really isn't ANYTHING cold about this place right now. I'm now around a bit above half a tank, going by what doncd37 said. I guess I'll just keep driving and driving? Is there anything else I should be looking out for or be doing to help it kick on?

 

Parking the vehicle overnight is sufficient to satisfy the cold soak requirement (6-8 hours). It's probably too hot, entry conditions include a max temp of 90-100F to run the test.

Check your state's testing requirements as to respect with the completeion of the OBDII monitors. As an example, Missouri's program will allow a pass with one or two (model year dependent) OBDII monitors reporting "not ready".

Steve