SureTrack Community Fix: Just The Right Drive

Real Fixes from the SureTrackĀ® expert information resource are documented issues from actual shop repair orders and community discussions. Read on to see how SureTrack can help you correct issues that are not easily diagnosed using OEM information alone. SureTrack is currently available free with the purchase of a current Snap-onĀ® diagnostic software version.

You’ve got a car at your shop that you’ve sold to a customer but you can’t deliver it because it won’t pass state inspection because of an emissions monitor not setting. You’ve tried everything you can think of so you now ask your fellow community techs for help. SureTrack community member kweston had a Chevrolet Impala in their shop that tried everything to get the monitors to set. They posed the question to the community, and with the help of fellow community member DAG1365 and others, they were able to resolve the issue quickly.

The following Community Fix summarizes the interaction between members of the community that led to the solution.

Vehicle
2012 Chevrolet Impala LS 3.6L

Title
O2 and EVAP monitors not ready, performed specific drive cycle.

Complaint
Vehicle won’t complete O2 and EVAP monitors so it won’t pass state inspection.

Diagnostic Steps Performed/Parts Replaced
Replaced EVAP Vent solenoid to repair Small EVAP leak. Cleared codes and drove for several drive cycles with cold overnight soak. Next day O2 heater and catalyst monitors ran and completed along with fuel components. 500 miles later and still has incomplete O2 and EVAP monitors. Disconnected battery for 15 minutes. Performed the exact same procedures again with the same results (O2 and Evap not ready) No codes or pending codes. Tried leaving car in warm shop for 18 hours and then perform drive cycle again to no avail. Been driving this car daily for 3 weeks. some days 15 miles and other 50-60 one way trips. Car has been sold but can’t deliver because it wont pass state inspection. What is causing the monitors not to set.

Best Answer from Community Member DAG1365
2006 and newer GMs have to have first crank and straight to highway or road that 60 mph can be reached for 3 to 4 miles, then pull over and sit for 60 seconds with vehicle in drive.

Cause
Backed car into driveway at my home. Let car sit overnight. Next morning started car and immediately drove car at speed (cruise set at 58mph) for 4 miles. let car coast to 20 mph. Stopped car on shoulder for a few min and the O2 and EVAP monitors completed. I’ve been a shop owner/Tech for over twenty years and have repaired 100s of automobiles with emissions issues. Learn something new every day. Thanks for the help!

Correction
Performed specific drive cycle to set monitors. Car passes state inspection now.


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About the Author

Nick Taylor

Nick Taylor is the SureTrack Community Administrator and a Senior Applications Specialist at Mitchell 1 with over 25 years of experience with electronic repair data systems. Nick previously worked in the automotive dismantling and engine rebuilding industries.