my 2000 Nissan Maxima in for a smog test after replacing the battery. I was told that it did not pass because the CAT and the O2 sensor was not ready. How can I correct this issue?

 

Drive the car until one of two things happens; a) Both sensors are ready, or b) The CEL light comes on. You can speed up the process by following the driving sequence in the User Manual.
At this age of our cars, it is very likely that one (or both) of your precats need replacement. Guess how I know? ..... During the last 5 years, I was forced to replace my precats twice. I am praying that I don't have to do it again next yer, when my next inspection will takes place.

 

Drive it at all varying speeds for 30 minutes or so. If you had an OBDII scanner, it would tell you if all monitors are ready. Most AutoZone's will hook up their scanner and check it for free too.

 

once you reset a code or replace a battery, it will take about 30 miles of city and highway driving style to register the sensors. I just had to do the same thing. I replaced my evap canister on the last weekend of September, reset the CEL to clear the code and drive it some miles before I took it in for inspection (and it did pass).

if you have one of the Bluetooth odb2 readers, you can download apps to tell you when they are all registered (or any code if the CEL comes on).

 

These are the results from the smog test. I've droven the car on the highway and in local traffic for a while. How many miles should I drive the car to reset these codes?

 

I drive about 30-50 miles before I tested. I think the golden rule is its safe after 50-100 miles. The car needs to go through different scenarios before it reregisters.

 

I'm glad I live in Florida, we don't have any inspections. once a car's warranty runs out I just gut the cats.

the rear bank cat was a pain the *** to gut.

 

I used a big spade bit the 2nd time I did one. It eats right through, then I chiseled the sides out.

 

18" wood spade bit, and chisel works too, i ended up chiselling with the drill

 

It's not really about the miles. It's about hitting all the different cycles/scenarios that the ECU is looking for. I wouldn't go back for another test until you confirm that your monitors are ready.

 

You and I live in California, so our options are much more restricted.
Legally, we are not allowed to remove/gut the cats. As your papers indicate the inspector checks both that the monitors are ready AND that the engine has not been tinkered with (that's the visual part of the inspection).
As I said, I was forced to replace both of my pre-cats, twice. I am afraid you may have to do the same thing (unless you register your car in another state, or bribe somebody, or other illegal ways .... ).
If you decide to do the replacement: It can be done for about $700-850. I bought the pre-cats from Rockauto, and I found a shop that did the replacement for $250.

 

Wizard is right. Get an ODBC reader and make sure your monitors are ready before you go for another inspection.
Also, the User Manual (link in my signature below) has an "official" Nissan procedure for completing the monitors. It starts on page 10-21. It's a PITA to go through, and not necessary IMHO. When the cats are good, simple driving does it.
Personally, I think your pre-cats are weak/bad, and you'll be forced to replace them. Sorry, but that's the price we are paying for clean air here in California.

 

Or....gut them and use 02 sim spliced in under the engine cover like a normal person lol

**** california and stupid *** hippies.