How to check if emissions ready for testing - Cars & Trucks

unable to answer since each state has different laws and rules governing their inspection emissions testing -also if oil is being burnt will change and usually fail an emissions test in most states --have vehicle scanned just scanned and check for any codes and emissions readiness- also check oil level and condition may simple need an oil change --

Before an OBD test or auto diagnostics can be done, most of the emission control system monitors have to complete their checks of the emission control equipment. Depending on the age of your vehicle, if one or two monitors have not yet completed their checks, the vehicle is not ready for an OBD test. If this happens, you will need to drive your vehicle further to allow these monitors to finish testing the equipment. The amount and type of driving needed varies according to the vehicle.

Depends on which state or municipality you live in. Check with your local regulations. Most require that all, or a specific number, of monitored systems are Ready or OK, and I think that all require that the CEL works but is not lit when the engine is running.

For OBD 2 there are thing's the cars computer check's for emissions , there called monitors . When these monitors run an set the vehicle will be ready to pass an emission test . OBD Readiness Monitors Explained OBD Auto Doctor Scantool Garage Read this if you would like to know more . Normal driving will set the monitors in time or you could try an speed up the process with a drive cycle

Take it to autozone or another place like it and have them read the codes and tell us what they are.

Has the battery been disconnected, or has it gone dead? Every time the battery is disconnected, all trouble codes are cleared, the check engine light is turned off, and all system monitors are reset. For the monitors to get back to a 'ready' status, the vehicle needs to go through one or more (sometimes quite a few) drive cycles.
When you go to the emission station, they check for codes, AND also check to see how many of your monitors are in a 'ready' status. (This keeps people from disconnecting the battery, and thus clearing any trouble codes, in order to pass emission tests).
If you have not disconnected your battery for a while, but the monitors are still not showing 'ready', you need to have a qualified shop check out your computer and other electronic systems.

is the check engine light on? was it on prior to you taking it through emissions?
if you erase codes on the computer it takes up to 50 miles for the O2 sensors to be ready

What does "not ready" mean?

A service technician will turn off the dashboard "check engine" light after most repairs. This resets the vehicle's emission system components to "not ready". The status remains "not ready" until the vehicle's computer has had adequate time to review the repaired component. This happens after the vehicle is driven for a period of time established by the manufacturer.

If the vehicle's emissions system status is "not ready" when it is presented at the E-Check station during the initial test cycle, a tailpipe emissions test may be conducted. If the vehicle is transferred to another test type, the vehicle must remain on the different test track until the vehicle passes the emissions test or receives a waiver. For example, if the vehicle undergoes an OBD II test and fails, it cannot be downgraded to a tailpipe test on a re-test; the vehicle must pass the OBD II test.

For initial and subsequent tests, if a dashboard light is on when the vehicle is presented at the E-Check station, the vehicle will fail the test.

How can the vehicle status be made ready?

When a vehicle is driven through its normal drive cycle, the computer reviews the emission control
system and if the vehicle was properly repaired, the system resets itself to ready. A normal drive
cycle includes operation at both cruising speeds and in stop-and-go traffic for up to a couple
weeks. This process should be followed before bringing the vehicle in to be tested.

the computer needs to be reset by performing a code erase then drive 500 miles

When you rest your codes there is a series of tests your ECU has to go through before you can pass emissions. this is done some people can reset the code and go before its sets the code again. on the 96 you can have 2 tests not complete for it to pass. basicly you have to drive the car a couple days for the tests to pass.

check the readiness tests wait until only 2 have not passed. then you should be good.so drive and check.

Michael
ASE certified
PLZ rate.