2000 GC Emissions Problem

[Grimachi]

Live in Henry County Georgia where 96 and newer cars have to go through emissions each year. The problem I am having is the van is showing not ready to test before I can actually get the emissions tested. Apparently I have 3 sensors that will not reset and I have to have two of them cleared by the computer(?) before they can run the actual emission test. Have been to several mechanics and the answer I get is to just drive the car for X number of miles (depending on who you ask) and the computer will reset them and then you can test. No matter what I do the sensors will not reset. There are no codes showing the van will fail the emissions test. I feel like I have driven the tires off this stupid van and nothing. I am now driving on an expired tag because I can't get the test done and there is nothing wrong with the emission system!

HELP!!!

[jpb53]

There is a specific way the vehicle has to be driven; it is called a drive cycle. You can try driving it as per the directions a couple times and if it still will not test your van does have a problem. Is it a Flex Fuel vehicle?

[Alphabravo]

Is your battery weak? Every time the battery dies or is disconnected, you'll be back to square one on that ECM. It won't be ready to test, and you'll have to drive it for so many miles so it can run through all its montoring conditions before you can test.

I had this happen to me when I went for inspection. The mechanic left the lights and ignition on for a long time. It needed to be jumped and driven before it could be tested.

You may also want to check your IOD fuse in the Power Distribution Module (fuse box). It controls the power after the ignition is off and I think it feeds the ECM.

Good luck.

[Grimachi]

Originally Posted by jpb53

There is a specific way the vehicle has to be driven; it is called a drive cycle. You can try driving it as per the directions a couple times and if it still will not test your van does have a problem. Is it a Flex Fuel vehicle?

Thanks for the info and no it is not.

[Grimachi]

Originally Posted by Alphabravo

Is your battery weak? Every time the battery dies or is disconnected, you'll be back to square one on that ECM. It won't be ready to test, and you'll have to drive it for so many miles so it can run through all its montoring conditions before you can test.

I had this happen to me when I went for inspection. The mechanic left the lights and ignition on for a long time. It needed to be jumped and driven before it could be tested.

You may also want to check your IOD fuse in the Power Distribution Module (fuse box). It controls the power after the ignition is off and I think it feeds the ECM. Good luck.

The battery is the first place we started. The first guy that tried to test it said the battery had been dead at some point within the previous 3 days of the test, which it wasn't. The battery is a little over a year old and we just replaced the cables a couple of weeks ago, so that isn't the problem. Can you tell me where to find the IOD fuse? Thanks!

[jpb53]

Power to the computer for memory is supplied by fuse #5 which is a 20 amp fuse located in the PDC in the engine compartment. The IOD fuse is not used for the PCM memory.