So my Max has been sitting for close to 4 months now. This is because the alternator is dead. I just have not been able to get around and repair it. The registration expires at the end of Aug so really soon and of course it needs emissions tested. The battery is not dead but it also not start the car. If I switch batteries quickly and then take it to get tested will it pass or will the ECU instantly clear out when I disconnect the battery and deam the "systems not ready"? I think the Alty charges above 2k RPM as the lights go off if the tach goes that high. The testing place is 2 miles from my house and we have 3 batterys at my house so getting stuck anywhere is not a major concern.

BTW: Emissions check in AZ is a simple OBD reading, and a gas cap pressure check. And I last time it started it had a KS code but it had that last time it went into emissions and passed.

Opinions are helpful! thanks
Ian

 

Yes, the ECU will reset if you disconnect the battery to install a new one.

But, if the car has no issues, then the System Readiness Test will probably complete itself on the drive to the test. If not, then shortly thereafter.

 

Thanks!
But are you sure it would become ready that quickly? I thought I read it can take anywhere from 50-300 miles to become ready again...

 

i reset my ecu right before the test because i had a CEL. passed without a problem. but that was in NJ

 

My friend reset his light and went to get his car tested, and they failed him because the system was not ready yet. There is an x amount of time or miles that it takes for the ecu to reset, and they will know if u just reset the light. However depending on code, you can test a few days after reset, and usually the system is ready again before the check engine light pops back on for a code. Idk if its miles driven, times started, or what that lets the system be ready faster, but yeah they will fail if u reset and go right away.

 

I too am plauged by the ECU Readiness. The only code i can pull is for the knock sensor. It's a little frustrating. The car was "rejected" a week ago, and again, rejected today. no so cool.

 

i had a code and switched batteries and it does reset your ecu... and then i failed emissions here in PA.. over and over and over.. stupid knock sensor. Finally fixed it... but you need to drive quite a bit for the the ecu to be "ready" its not a couple of miles. i had to drive at least 50+ miles. However, there is no set time for it to be "ready" ... you must drive a certain amount of time at certain speeds and decelerate and accelerate at certain rates etc. Basically, if you want it to be "ready" as soon as possible, drive on various types of roads and change your driving style frequently, i.e. drive on highway accelerating and decelerating as well as drive on roads with many lights. Disparity in your type of driving and types of roads will help the ecu readiness. Good luck!

 

My dads car was sitting for a while before he put it up for sale and got it e-tested. It passed with flying colors.

 

Thanks guys haha this was in August but I drove the car hard all the way to emissions and it passed I figured that would allow the system to ready itself again! Traded it in a month later due to to many issues... Mods can lock solution found!

 

My car never would pass the readyness test, despite 3 computers, two evap valves, and three knock sensors. I even relocated the knock sensor to the upper intake manifold, and it still failed. Finally got the state mechanic to look at it, after 9 months. He trouble shooted for about 3 hours before he sniffed the tail pipe. She was blowing roses.
Come to find out some of the early 96 models still used some of the 95 non-computer controlled emissions system parts. Try to get them to sniff the pipe if you have this problem again.

I also found a solution, I moved Georgia, where there is no testing.