2003 awd Astro NY emmissions not ready codes EVAP cat

RIDEMOUNTAIN

MEMBER
2003 ALL OTHER MAKES ALL OTHER MODELS

2003 astr 84k Mechanic cleared check engine light and 3 of 5 "not ready codes" Have driven 500 mileswith numerous rechecks and 2 notready codes remain. Evap and Cat
He states I need to drive the car at 50 then drop speed to 20 between 3-15 times after a 15 minute warm up. I have done this as well as drive 50 for5 min, then 40 for 5 min then 20 for5 minetc. Can this nonsense be what our dealers are charging us for to reset these not redy codes. What can I do, I am driving without an inspection sticker because the NYS computer would not issue a temporary even though every thing else is fine.

5 Replies

SERVICE WRITER

MECHANIC
9,123 POSTS

It may seem like nonsense, but the powertrain management systems are good. For the most part.

Regarding the nystate inspection. IF you look on your reciept, it should state (in red usually) that that is your temporary "sticker" providing that you ONLY failed for monitors not being set AND it was overdue for inspection.

If you were not overdue, the old sticker should still be in place. It is ONLY removed if overdue.

Couple tips that may help are to have the fuel tank between 1/4 and 3/4 full, start from a cold engine that has sat for 8 hours or better.

It is possible that it may need a software upgrade. It should have set after 500 miles for sure.

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Saturday, March 24th, 2007 AT 7:55 AM

RIDEMOUNTAIN

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Van was overdue for inspection, sheet does not say this is your temporary but I expect an officer would understand the dilemma.(I hope)
By start from a cold engine are you referring to the driving portion of 50-20 or the testing portion with hookup.
I truly have gone more than 580 miles since, and if it needs a software upgrade, how and where is this obtained?
Thanks for your help in this matter

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Saturday, March 24th, 2007 AT 10:18 AM

SERVICE WRITER

MECHANIC
9,123 POSTS

There is something very wrong with this scenario if you came in for inspection the first time, was overdue and the monitors were the ONLY thing keeping you out. Our station is very in tune with the inspections here in Niagara Falls. There is somthing wrong here

The software upgrade I think is through the dealer. IF you call them with your VIN number they may be able to tell you. They can be jerks about it, but you never know. Another possiblilty is to go to the service station that failed you and ask them to call with your VIN and ask about that as the shops have a different relationship than folks do.

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Saturday, March 24th, 2007 AT 11:41 AM

RIDEMOUNTAIN

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Finally cleared one of the last 2 not ready codes yesterday and got my inspection sticker.

After a total of 650+ miles and after driving down the highway 50mph let off gas coast to 20 mph without touching brakes then back up to 50mph remaining at each speed for about 40-60 sec. For about 14 cycles. This is what the "dealer" reccomended although they stated after a 15 minute warm up.
I however took the forum advice and began as soon after an 8+ hr rest as it took to get to the hgwy.
I didnt test it before the "special" drive so I cannot be fully sure that it wasnt just the miles that caused it to pass.

Any how, I thank you for your time and input for this matter. And I hope that someone else will benefit from my experience, as it has been over a week of "senseless" worry for my wife (her van) and myself.
Final advice. If your check engine light is on, get it cleared a before your inspection runs out to avoid the same. PEACE!

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Sunday, March 25th, 2007 AT 7:04 AM

SERVICE WRITER