So, Finally have all of my MIL codes repaired, however I am failing SMOG for non complete self test(s). SMOG guy (test only per state of CA) said that they should complete within 40 miles tops, I had driven 100mi that day, and drove an additional 100 today and still incomplete. Is there a reset for the OBD II other than removing the battery cable(which I did after replacing the Air injection temp sensor)? As of now I am going to drive it tomorrow (another 100mi) and go in for the free retest, and as long as all the self tests have completed I should be able to get my sticker for another 2 years.

Greg

 

The self tests are actually tied to drive cycles not distance, so what you want to do is make a lot of small trips where you drive and then stop and shut off the motor... Start up and drive a little more and stop and shut off again.. etc. Reseting the computer is exactly what you don't want to do here, you need to buildup some history not wipe it out.

 

Well, drive(s) that have been made since clearing the MIL are:
15 miles home 5p yesterday
30 miles to jobsite1
25 miles to jobiste2
15 miles to jobsite3
10 miles back to job2
20 miles to smog shop(self tests still not complete)
20 miles home
Tomorrow it will likely be the same, but no time for the re-test. Will try for retest thurs.

I'm glad I didn't disconnect the battery cable again tonight.

Greg

 

A cycle is ,after being shut off, when restarted, the temp. raises at least 40F and reaches 160F, although it seems odd because that's still below what it takes to enter closed loop function. Speaking of closed loop , if a thermostat prevented an engine from leaving warm up cycle and entering closed loop , although it should product an ECT out of range error code, how would the KOER self scan ever complete w/ the PCM never actually becoming active. Are you sure your reaching 190-195F? I've cleared my KAM and tested OK after alot fewer miles. Like barely twenty!

 

Thats interesting. In 4/2007 I installed a 160 deg t'stat. Could that be my problem? I dug a little deeper into my scan tool to find out what parts of the self test are complete and what are incomplete.

Misfire-complete
fuel system-complete
comp component-complete
catalyst-not complete
heated cat-not supported
evap sys-not supported
2nd air system-not complete
a/c refrig-not supported
O2 sensor-not complete
O2 sensor heat-not complete
EGR complete

Should I start with the T'stat then move to O2 sensors? Where do I go next (aside from DMV to pay fees and get extension)

Thanks,
Greg

 

i would put the correct thermostat back in.

 

Will try that first. I had no idea that installing a cooler opening t'stat would have anything to do with the computer. If that doesn't get me through, I'll start with the o2 sensors...

Greg

 

Now that I see your results, All incomplete tests listed there aren't active components until closed loop function begins. Did your MPG take a dump after thermostat changed? I don't know what engine you have. my 302 calls for a 195F. I really recommend getting a Mr. Gasket "Performance" Thermostat. Their $3-$4 more but it reaches it rated temp. in 1/2 the time and prerry much stays at the temp. after installing mine I thought my guage was going bad as after the needle got to op. temp. it barely fluctuated. After checking w/ infrared temp reader, found guage correct. Coolant temp. had become very static so I got used to the guage's needle looking like it was glued to the dial. After the correctly rated thermostat is installed, you'll go into cloosed loop and the o2's will become active. but being dormant for 1 1/2 yrs. their probibly pretty fouled. Pick up a can of Electronic contact cleaner pull the o2's and douche them through the probe inlets very well. Also remove MAF sens. and spray the tiny p.u. coils (don't touch w/ fingers) and put em all back. There's some potential complications pertaining to passing smog. Anybody knowledgeable about the effects of running continuously in warm up mode w/o entering closed loop since March 07, feel free to comment. although correct to some degree, the less the better so he can get thru smog which likely is hanging up reg renewal also. I'm thinking 160F, low combustion chamber temps., over rich air/fuel ratio = incomplete combustion resulting in heavy combust. chmbr.deposits that spikes emissions levels on test also resulting in the cat becoming toxic(useless). the higher the octane used, The worse the resultant conditions. Is it only the next test free ?

 

It's not a good idea to spray anything on the sensing element of an O2 sensor. It shouldn't be fouled, though, because the heating element works all the time, even in open loop mode. The only thing different about open loop is that the computer ignores the O2 sensor output signal.

 

No fuel economy change with the 160 t'stat. I paid my DMV fees today, and got a temp extension good thru the end of Feb. I have the 4.9 engine, and I passed the tailpipe portion of the emissions no problem. Only thing hanging me up is the self tests, which I'm gonna go check out again after a few more days. I have the new *proper* thermostat and gasket and sealant but havn't the opportunity to take care of it. Tonight I'm flying solo with the kids...maybe tomorrow...

Thanks again,
Greg

Just rescanned and same readiness tests are not complete.

 

Smog shop owner is a pretty nice guy, and he put it back on the machine again to see if the tests were ready twice now, and maintained that once the readiness tests complete he would retest free, and since I already passed the tailpipe portion, it should do the same once the OBDII self tests complete.
Greg

 

So, my wife got home early and I bit the bullet and changed out the T'stat tonight as I want to get this taken care of sooner rather than later. 13 mile test drive. Readiness tests results as follows with 195 deg t'stat changeout.

misfire=done
fuel system=done
comp component=done
catalyst=not done
heat cat=n/a
evaporative sys=n/a
2nd air sys=not done
a/c ref=n/a
o2=done
o2 heater=done
egr=done
2 down 2 to go...

results before t'stat

Misfire-complete
fuel system-complete
comp component-complete
catalyst-not complete
heated cat-not supported
evap sys-not supported
2nd air system-not complete
a/c refrig-not supported
O2 sensor-not complete
O2 sensor heat-not complete
EGR complete

Greg

 

So, by the time I had driven to work today All readiness tests were complete! So I took off work a little early and drove straight to the Smog station.

I PASSED!

Better yet, no DTC's have resurfaced. I may keep this truck another year or two after all.

Thanks for all the wisdom.

Greg

 

so it looks like the thermostat does matter.

glad you got it to pass.

 

Better yet that it was just an additional $15 in parts to replace.

Greg