why clearing your check engine light will NOT pass emissions

[@patrickoleary8782]

Answered my question!! Sometimes, a calm voice in the dark is what is needed.

[@markj9027]

You provided info (& answers to questions) not addressed in the manual. In particular that the red flashing icon means the cars system isn't yet ready to be tested and basically the car needs to run longer to test properly. At least I couldn't find the info. Bravo!

[@STBRetired1]

You've given me a better understanding of my Zurich ZR11 scan tool. Thank you.

[@MOODYSTYLE]

That's what I just bought a week ago

[@feedthegorillal.6697]

I ran into the same problem and went, "oh crap" after clearing my error codes and then seeing all the read icons at the top afterwards. Thanks for the info.

[@angelsantiago4223]

That's right that happened to me a few times I buy and sell cars from the auction and Also when you change the battery you need to drive it for a some miles before you take it to the smug

[@TicMoney1985]

I’ve seen many ppl clear codes and pass inspection

[@jamarspellman581]

Your lying

[@RC-hg9dw]

@@jamarspellman581 T.C. Crawford is absolutely right... I've done it twice and passed! But after doing it two times it wouldn't work the third time because the computer remembers.

[@kingshaun2x]

@@RC-hg9dw how did you do it

[@kingshaun2x]

@@RC-hg9dw what did you use??

[@RC-hg9dw]

@@kingshaun2x I didn't use anything, although someone did tell me in the past to put high percent bottle of rubbing alcohol in gas tank with gas if you are worried about smog. This is what I wrote in comments in another spot... "From what I have heard from other people the drive cycle is different for different cars. But I passed twice in a four year period doing this after driving 80 miles straight and then straight into emissions without shutting my engine off so the light doesn't come back on. You cannot shut your engine off (NOT ONCE) when you do the drive cycle for my particular car and have to drive it directly into emissions after that 80 miles without shutting it off.. Although it did not work for me the third time as I thought it would no matter how much I tried. I was told the computer codes remember and it would not work again without getting the issue fixed."

[@RC-hg9dw]

Well once you clear the engine lights then you have to do a drive cycle depending on what car you have. And yes it does work if you do the drive cycle after.

[@u2fkeys665]

By that time the light will come back on...

[@myyoutubechannel3161]

How many days does the drive cycle take ? Thanks again.

[@RC-hg9dw]

@@u2fkeys665 from what I have heard from other people the drive cycle is different for different cars. But I passed twice in a four year period doing this after driving 80 miles straight and then straight into emissions without shutting my engine off so the light doesn't come back on. You can't shut your engine off when you do the drive cycle for my particular car. Although it did not work for me the third time as I thought it would no matter how much I tried. I was told the computer codes remember and it would not work again without getting the issue fixed.

[@ShakespeareCafe]

The manual outlines the drive cycle requirements. I have the Zurich 13 and it has a smog status LED lights. Also, if you disconnect the battery prior to a smog test it will fail because, again, you need to go through some drive cycles to re-aquire the data

[@barneycarparts]

Yep I changed battery in 2001 Sienna and got "No Codes present in module". I heard I have to drive 150 miles at mostly 45 MPH for a drive cycle to reset .On IM Readyness I had CAT and O2 errors. I put some "pass or dont pay" engine/CAT cleaner in 1/2 tank drove 19 miles and CAT and O2 errors went away. Now I have to drive more miles to get the drive cycle reset. I have a small evap error but it will still pass smog in Placer county CA. They say don't try to pass SMOG with that cleaner in your tank because it doesnt burn right like gas. Also they say, run fresh Premium 92 octane at SMOG time because it burns hotter for CAT cleaning. 170k on the Sienna.

[@willmiller2387]

I have the same scanner. Excellent video! Thank you!

[@johnruiz670]

Hey thanks bro. You explained the scantool very well 👏 I'm John from los Angeles

[@shaunschooler9109]

I was reading the comments, it's crazy that some people are saying that they have passed smog test after ONLY clearing the test.... In California we can't to that, the test facility will usually hook you up to a computer, then fail you because the monitors aren't ready. Then they USUALLY charge you and tell you to come back and pay again. I have had this happen several times.... I now only go to a test facility that checks the readiness first

[@u2fkeys665]

Hi I have a question what do you mean readiness first? I would appreciate your response.

[@mabbaticchio]

Here's a thought. Car makers with the fancy displays in the car, why not show the trouble code somewhere along with the check engine light? Just a curiosity question.

[@garrettm5160]

Thank you so much brother saved me some stress

[@awebuelo]

I live in Southern Cali and two years ago a buddy of mine reset the codes so the light would come off and told me to drive 24 miles the night before I went to do my smog the next day and then I did pass

[@user-vj9qz3br6l]

Great explanation you definitely sound like you know some stuff

[@waldipup9010]

I think what some say is that if you clear ch eng light and drive around for awhile there may be a window where monitors are ready and ch eng light hasn't returned - yet! So if you have a scan tool to keep checking for this window , and rush to get emissions inspection when monitors are ready and ch enf light hasn't returned yet , you can pass . Also , that the window will work if only 1 monitor not ready . Is this wrong? Some have said it works . Of coarse , fixing the problem is in many cases important , but being able to get a drive sticker an immediate concern .

[@Boosted_Street_Civic]

Yes that’s correct !

[@larrywheels762]

Won't the scanner at the smog check show I cleared the codes?

[@blaiklockrr]

I took my 2006 Nissan Xterra to the Nissan service center for check engine lights. The code called for replacement of both front and rear passenger side 02 sensors. They cleared the codes but failed smog. The smog guy says to do a drive cycle to get OBDll ready. Dealer won’t listen and they keep replacing unnecessary parts. They have my car now for a week. Crazy.

[@SACRAMENTO_916]

I had check engine light on 3 codes appear so i fix the problems i drove it 60 miles check engine light came off so i took it to the smog didnt pass because monitors incomplete do to CAT and EVAP

[@josephdewuhan]

Some say that in New York, one can still pass the test if there is only one NOT READY in I/M check.

[@MBRage69]

True.

[@milescunha5286]

Can’t find one video on what the red and green circles with one or two letters that talk about those.

[@reddden1]

Hey I fix my check engine light and it did not come back on I did about 100 Miles so I am good now

[@B-S1999]

I just scanned my car and same one's are blinking but no codes found and I've got the yellow light on the scan tool like you do instead of green. Does the yellow light just mean I need to do a drive cycle then scan it again

[@williambarbery8308]

Thanks a lot sir now I know how scanners work, is not a magic tool that makes all your error codes disappear for good, I have 2 scanners and up to now did not know how to use it

[@tinoceja4995]

Thank you so much very useful information

[@robertr2577]

good stuff thanks, now I completely understand!

[@jerrymontalbano3222]

On my 2012 Dodge Caravan, I changed both the thermostat and driver's side blend heater door actuator (AC/heater under dash) because of clicking and operation of controls. afterwards, I cleared the DTC codes with reader. I've driven the car since May for about 200 miles. Still my dtc reader says no codes detected and my car fails inspection sticker. What are my options/reason why/how I can proceed to get it reading again so I can get inspection pass. Thanks

[@kyle-kelliher]

You need to drive the car more, like a trip about 100 miles without turning it off. Essentially what’s happening is you’re not driving far enough in a single trip to complete the readiness tests.

[@billwhite5853]

Look up drive cycle on the internet for you van, and it will tell you the conditions to drive. Like on some test you have to accelerate up to a certain speed and coast, or accelerate and brake. There is a certain driving condition for each I/M readiness monitor in order to pass.

[@lakers.714]

Idid clear it lastnight and still pass it here in California

[@marlzz8126]

Worked for me the first time I did it. Second time not so much

[@Tec-fv2xb]

I cleared my cel and still pass 🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️

[@ericdavisii3912]

Where at

[@chanlu4588]

Me too I do that all the time, had p0420,p0430 and p0300 and I’ve still passed emissions, not sure what this guy in the video is talking about

[@fernandogaxiola5414]

Thanks for the info- on zurich zr13 about clearing codes. I have a 1999 blazer 4.3L I am having difficulty with starting and excessive fuel smell at tail pipe

[@kyle-kelliher]

It’s always tough to diagnose a car off a KZbin comment. But, id start by checking for spark issues.

[@littlemonzte5824]

I have the same vehicle and I say, it might be your CAT. I was having a similar issue with the fuel smell at tail pipe- so I got a new cat and now it smells like wine lol. Don't know about your starting issue though

[@becauseamerica9679]

So the red flashing eggs on top mean pending? I was trying to take my transmission off of limp mode and lost all my data now I have to do a drive cycle smh. I thought I bought some codes back to life lol

[@gabasta1]

Thank you brother you answered my question 👍

[@littlemonzte5824]

I had all my monitors green, except the O2 Sensor Heater and I did another drive cycle and it didn't go green. I had the check engine light on for a P0446 Code (EVAP Emission Control, System Vent Control Circuit) ; and a P1870 Code (Transmission Component Slipping) : I was told it might pass smog even with the light on and the O2 Sensor Heater code incomplete. I reset my codes because I got tired of looking for the issue and putting money into my vehicle to try and fix whatever issue it had. It just has the EVAP and O2 Sensor Heater incomplete now , do you think if I do a Drive Cycle in the cold morning both will turn on and the light will stay off so I can finally get my vehicle smogged here in Northern California? What do you recommend I do? Mechanics around here, just give me BS- that they can fix the issue and then reset the codes and i'll pass smog.

[@kyle-kelliher]

Short answer is you need to replace your o2 and figure out the evap problem to have a shot in hell at passing. California don’t play games on emissions.

[@littlemonzte5824]

I replaced the O2 sensor that goes next to the CAT , before I went to try and see if it would pass smog and everything passed - except the OBD and my mechanic said it was because of the sensor I had just put in a bit earlier that day. he told me to drive it around the freeway and to go back, so I did that and then he told me that EVAP wasn't running and that I needed to keep driving more, i don't know if he was telling me the truth or not. Days go by and I keep driving it and going in and he kept telling me to drive it more- then the light popped up and i got it checked at autozone and they said a transmission component slippage. sooo??? wtf? then I got an OBD2 and i saw that the EVAP issue had appeared, so I did a drive cycle in the cold morning and the EVAP went green, but not the O2 Sensor Heater - and the code was still displayed on the obd2. California is crazy. what are your thoughts on this?

[@kyle-kelliher]

it sounds like your evap solenoid has an intermittent issue. I would replace that solenoid. the o2 sensor heater could be a wiring issue somewhere. you'd have to get into it and see if there is a short or a bad wire to it.

[@Luckyboyee777]

Technically CARB allows EVAP status to be non ready. Look it up, some smog tech are just picky or CARB is saying one thing and fining SMOG centers anyway for money.

[@jimarcher5255]

Very informative.

[@todaysupdate6824]

Hi, my check engine light on today . It say catalytic converter defect . But I have change it one month ago . Anyway I erase the code and check engine light gone . So my question is will it come back again. If so how long it will take to come back. Thanks Golf 5 ( 2008 ) 1.4 patrol engine I drove with bad kat about a week but no engine light on and after I drove another week without Kat no engine light on . When I change my both Kat and drove 500km not engine light. Then I put fuel injector cleaner and drove another 150 km . And after engine light on and it says on my obd2 Kat defect

[@kyle-kelliher]

Aftermarket catalytic converters can cause the CEL to come back. It might take multiple drive cycles to come out.

[@todaysupdate6824]

@@kyle-kelliher hi I also notice if I drive over 120km ph my car RPM goes over 3800 . And 130 km RPM 4000 in 5th gear . Is it normal ?

[@todaysupdate6824]

@@kyle-kelliher hi thanks for your reply. Today I drove about 28 km . I notice my fuel consumption down to 6.21/100km before it was 7.4/100km . Still no engine light on . I am so confused because , i am planning to travel 1500 km in next month.

[@sofakingco_ol7381]

Best way to pass is to donate to them & they will pass u 👍🏼😂

[@garyhall6294]

Lmao. Was just thinking about that.

[@cersblog4491]

very helpful thank you!

[@GarageGuru]

Great video, I learned something. Thanks you for posting !!

[@TOOFERMAC53]

It's late and dark at night😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆

[@Riptide886]

there is a new dad system, you cant just clear the codes and pass smog like the old days. The system needs to clear certain check points before the dad system will make you pass.

[@mcrayfourd]

I clear the codes all time and always passes inspection

[@FRJ1982]

After tou clear the codes do you have to drive around a bit or just take it straight to the smog shop?

[@jazpurgarcia831]

What state u live and year and make of your vehicle?

[@coripuckett5596]

I live in WV we dont have these issues....

[@bayanahyahawadah7804]

Question My check engine light was on in my 2000 Toyota Solora it "COULD" Have been the gas cap (SHESSH I GUESS I'LL NEVER KNOW😕)because it was lose. I cleared the codes (LIKE A NON MECHANIC)not knowing I would fail smog 😡 thanks to 👉DIY KZbin VIDEOS👈now my cat light is blinking on the scanner how will I know if there is a possible problem with the cat if there's no codes stored.. 👉Seriously A Woman who dosn't know👈 Thanks in advance for your help.☺

[@kyle-kelliher]

So, basically, you didn't do anything that bad. But, this is how it SHOULD be done. You start by checking the trouble code. Address the code presented. So, in your case, the only codes that could possibly be fixed by tightening/replacing a gas cap would be EVAP related. So, for the purposes of this example lets just assume that tightening the gas cap would fix it- you still would need to clear the codes to turn off the light in most vehicles. After doing that, you will have to complete a full drive cycle. The catalyst monitor will either present ready OR will give you a code to address. If its not ready you need to drive more. In reality, the way the PCM monitors your catalyst is with o2 sensors. So, you might want to go ahead and replace those first- especially if you have a car with a $1200 cat. I know, that could end up costing you an extra $150 even if you do that work yourself, but you dont have a crystal ball here and its kinda a cheaper bet to make than replacing the cat right away. As far as being a "woman who doesn't know" guess what- guys arent born with this knowledge. If we can learn, so can women. Don't let your gender hold you back. It's a machine, it doesnt care who is working on it.

[@bayanahyahawadah7804]

@@kyle-kelliher Indeed I agree not going to bet against you on replacing the sensor..I work on cars my stepdad taught me as a kid nothing big I can change oil.replace alternater transmission fluid fuse Not anything electrical I've never seem to fix the problem I did make it worst..Sheesh 😀 I'm a lover of Old School Muscle cars 😊 Anyhow Thanks a Million for your Advice I'll leave a update on the fix.

[@kyle-kelliher]

@@bayanahyahawadah7804 yeah no problem! Luckily you haven't cost yourself anything but a couple clicks of a gas cap and some mileage on your car.

[@bayanahyahawadah7804]

@@kyle-kelliher I did a complete drive cycle the light is off now 😀lm gonna upload a video to share and hopefully save someone from spending money... Thanks again

[@polorosario1193]

For this code only need run the car’s couple miles, the car’s upgrade

[@angelc7984]

If the light is yellow on the scan tool or pending, will still pass?

[@kyle-kelliher]

Angel C you should ignore the lights, you need to pay attention to the monitor status and trouble codes.

[@angelc7984]

Kyle's cars there are a lot of codes, but there all pending. My scan tool light is yellow not red. Will it still pass?

[@kyle-kelliher]

Angel C depends on what state, but in general, no. As i said in this very video, had you actually watched it.

[@kyle-kelliher]

@Glenn John learn how to read.

[@theoxygen876]

Is the ZR 11 a good scan tool to use on a hybrid vehicle?

[@kyle-kelliher]

Well, it’s fine to use on a hybrid IF you’re just trying to pull codes for the gasoline power train, abs, or srs system. Some hybrids will allow access to trouble codes related to the electric drive system. but even if it does DO NOT attempt to service those parts yourself. The amount of voltage stored will kill you if you make a mistake.

[@theoxygen876]

Kyle's you are correct but the good thing is that I have actually done some work around that area where the battery and voltage is concerned as I have actually taken it out and separated it from the car twice, but I really need something that will give me more than just a few chords as I mentioned previously but I totally love watching your reviews and if anything comes to mind please do not hesitate to point me in the direction

[@kyle-kelliher]

Well it really depends on what you’re looking to diagnose on your car. I don’t think it’s any worse than any other non manufacturer specific scan tool for the job. There are some for more money that can do a few more functions but ultimately the only way you’re going to get any real hybrid specific functionality is to spend thousands on the real manufacturer specific equipment.

[@kyle-kelliher]

The Oxygen please tell me if you have a requests for videos. I always struggle to come up with stuff to film that people actually want to see

[@redcell2287]

Thanks man

[@iamstable4591]

My state ask for my vin # only and 💥 you pass

[@Wolf.of.Gotham]

Very informative, thank you making this video

[@jerrymontalbano3222]

Whoa. I don't take 100 mile trips at age 75. 8-) Here's my issue: A blinking Monitor icon, "EV", yellow LED indicator light, No DTC's presently stored in code reader's memory. Also, NO Engine light is presently showing on dashboard.

[@kyle-kelliher]

Your evaporative emission monitor isn’t complete. You need to drive it further to allow the PCM to complete that monitor, maybe not a whole 100 miles but longer than you have been driving it.

[@jerrymontalbano3222]

@@kyle-kelliher - I'm an old guy who doesn't have anyone to drive 150 miles at a time. Someone has to design a system easier than that. Remember, too, I don't have an inspection sticker/brake tag to dare cops from giving me a $250 ticket for an expired one.

[@kyle-kelliher]

I really don’t know what to tell you, the readiness monitors have to complete in order to get it to pass, there’s not some magic trick I can tell you to do.

[@jerrymontalbano3222]

@@kyle-kelliher Thanks for your input, Kyle. Not everyone can afford or travel these days go to Biloxi and back to try and satisfy a computer's travel recommendations. I suppose my b****ing is aimed towards manufacturers who devise a system to waste gasoline/oil/tires and one's patience when a system which can detect a driver's habit of running around town which should be able to satisfy a module. Pitiful and a genius is not needed to think this one out. 8-)

[@newwavepressure6478]

Anyone out there know if this reads trans fluid temp dont know it i commented this in another vid but im about to order one just to check my trans temp to know how much fluid to put in on my 06 dodge charger Daytona

[@kyle-kelliher]

No it doesn’t.

[@dragonsnatch1146]

I cleared mine and failed because they hooked it up to a computer and the drive cycles wasn't complete. Older cars you'd probaly be ok

[@myyoutubechannel3161]

How long does it take for a drive cycle to complete?

[@dragonsnatch1146]

@@myyoutubechannel3161 it depends sometimes 30 miles sometimes 100 miles. I bought a code reader for 40bucks and it tells you when its done.

[@myyoutubechannel3161]

@@dragonsnatch1146thanks again appreciate it. I cleared my check engine light And the check engine light has not come back on.i drove the car over 100 miles. And it has been 1 month and no check engine light .. Where can i go to check to see if the drive cycle is complete? ?

[@dragonsnatch1146]

@@myyoutubechannel3161 you can borrow a code reader from auto zone. I bought one from O'Reilly and its under im: readiness in the menu.

[@dragonsnatch1146]

@@myyoutubechannel3161 if its been a month your probally good.

[@kennylavay8492]

clearing the codes are only good if you are selling your vehicle and the poor sucker who knows nothing about clearing codes or does not hook up a code reader before buying the vehicle will be in for a good screwing when trying to pass the IM yearly test.

[@chriscannova2393]

Clearing your codes will only make you fail Put seafoam in your intake through a vacuum line make sure you get someone that knows what they’re doing then put it into your gas tank drive it through make sure you get someone that knows what they’re doing then put it in your oil then change it and you have a brand new car intake alone will pass the smog

[@Lindenbum]

I don’t live in a socialist state. I’m good to go.

[@teevcee77]

but what if the check engine light came on several months ago but then went off without getting any work done to it, will my 2004 truck still fail the smog test?

[@kyle-kelliher]

If the readiness monitors are complete and no codes in the module it won’t fail for that particular reason. They will check for codes though, the light might have went out but there could be codes stored.

[@robbyjones7631]

teevcee77 If the light went off, the computer no longer Sees the problem. A Actron CP9690 is a good tester. It checks live, record, emissions readiness tests, oil light reset, ABS, SRS, and MORE! The screen is large and easy to read. It is well kit. It has code connect to diagnose cars. It works from 1983-2013 and is updatable with the computer cable you can get from EBAY or Amazon. It retains the memory after unplugging from the vehicle for later review. It has cables for OBDI for Ford GM., Chrysler, and 2 Toyota. It has a OBDII cable. It comes in a black pouch. You enter the make and year and engine size. Then select which test. If the CTS says it's 33° and really it's 88°, the CTS is bad. That can cause high idle and excessive fuel consumption. It also has freeze frame. It has oxygen sensor tests and graphing with 2 colors to show your test and a normal test result.

[@myyoutubechannel3161]

@@kyle-kelliher if you do a drive cycle and all monitors are complete and the check engine light does not come back on then what? Say if you did have a check engine and you cleared it .. But it did not come back after the drive cycle.

[@chanlu4588]

Wrong, I’ve passed many emissions clearing engine codes right when I get there. And I still done it recently. False video.

[@kyle-kelliher]

You didn’t pass legally. Here’s the specific language from the CA emissions inspection handbook- “Pass/Fail Criteria: The EIS or OIS may include an assessment of the OBD II system’s ability to communicate, the readiness of system monitors, diagnostic trouble codes, vehicle identification, existence of system modifications and the MIL command status.” You can view the book here, the quoted section appears on page 18: www.bar.ca.gov/pdf/smog-check-manual.pdf

[@danielsmith1660]

Most KZbin videos about are a lier about auto is a scam!