2006 Chevrolet Cobalt ECM/PCM codes reset

PHILLIP001

MEMBER
2006 CHEVROLET COBALT
81,400 MILES

Good Afternoon,

I have recently tried to get my TX state inspection sticker renewed for my '06 Chevy Cobalt. They stated that all safety features pass and no codes need to be cleared, however, my car failed the inspection because the car "doesn't have history" in the computer. They stated that the vehicle needs to be driven approx. 200 miles give or take depending on when the vehicles computer becomes "comfortable" with the information that it has in order to properly communicate with the state inspection computer. My first question is, is this statement true? If so, from your experience, would you be able to give me a more definitive number of miles to drive or do you have a better way of fixing this issue? Any and all time taken to review this is greatly appreciated. Please and thank you, and have a great day!

Respectfully,

Phillip

1 Reply

CARADIODOC

MECHANIC
33,752 POSTS

Never heard it described like that before but I think what they're referring to is a series of self-tests the Engine Computer performs when the right conditions are met. Those tests take the place of the manual emissions tests they have to perform on older cars. They are usually called monitors. The assumption is if you drive long enough you'll meet the conditions needed to trigger the various tests. Examples of those may include things like driving at a steady highway speed for a specific length of time after the engine is warmed up, a brief burst of wide-open-throttle, a lengthy coast, and things like that. You may also find some recommendations in the owner's manual or you may get some help from the dealer.