How Long To Drive After Reset Computer To Pass Emission Test?

How to Pass Emissions Test

Like virtual meetings and daily app updates, emissions tests are a fact of life these days. To help reduce air pollution, most states now require your vehicle to pass an emissions test, or smog test, to ensure that the emission system is functioning properly. Thankfully, manufacturers have gotten better and better at building clean vehicles—and maintenance experts can now share more than ever about how to pass emissions tests.

If you have a test coming up, here are 5 big things to keep in mind. (We’ll even answer that burning question, “Can you pass inspection with check engine light on?”)

1. Failing an Emissions Test Can Have Consequences

Unlike the tests you remember from school, an emissions test isn’t graded on a curve—your vehicle either passes or fails. Depending on where you live, failing a test can be costly: a failed test usually prevents you from renewing your vehicle registration, making it impossible for you to legally drive the vehicle until repairs are made. Because emissions tests come so frequently (every 1-2 years in many states), it’s critical to keep your vehicle in good working condition and know how to pass emissions tests.

2. Cars Are Cleaner, But 10% Still Fail Emissions Tests

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that today’s vehicles are up to 99% cleaner than those on the road in the early 1970s. But that doesn’t mean that every vehicle measures up to the current standards. Experts say that about 10% of vehicles fail their emissions tests, especially older vehicles and those that have not had proper maintenance.

3. Simple Steps Can Help You Pass a Test

Even if you’re driving an older vehicle, or haven’t followed your maintenance schedule to the letter, there are some things you can do before an emissions test to increase your chances of passing. Remember these helpful tips as your test approaches:

jiffy lube employee replacing a car battery

  • Let your car warm up before the test: Warmer engines are more likely to pass the emissions test, so make sure to drive for a while before you arrive at the testing center. This way, your vehicle’s engine will reach the right operating temperature and be running efficiently during the test.
  • Take care of routine maintenance: If you haven’t had an oil change performed recently, your engine oil may be contaminated, which could hurt your vehicle’s performance during the test. Talk to the highly trained experts at your local Jiffy Lube ® about how to pass emissions tests. They can complete an oil change, filter change and other maintenance recommended by your manufacturer.
  • Drive 100-200 miles after maintenance or battery replacement: If you’ve recently replaced your car’s battery or had maintenance work done, it’s important to put some miles on the car to help the vehicle’s memory prepare for testing. Drive at least 100 miles after maintenance and at least 200 miles after a battery replacement or disconnection to help reset the system.
  • Properly fill your tires: Depending on which testing equipment is used in your state, proper tire pressure can improve your vehicle’s stability and increase your chances of passing the test.
  • Try using a fuel additive to pass emissions tests: Fuel additives, which can be selected while choosing a gasoline type at the gas station, have been shown to improve emissions by dislodging carbon deposits inside the engine.

4. You Won’t Pass Inspection with Check Engine Light On

Don’t take an emissions test while your Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) is illuminated. This light, often called a “check engine light” in vehicles made before 1996, generally indicates an engine problem that will impact your emissions test. It could be a relatively minor problem with the gas cap or spark plugs, or something more serious like a leaky gas tank. In any case, never try to pass inspection with check engine light on. Instead, get your vehicle repaired at a Jiffy Lube service center before you head to the emissions test. Usually, even having the MIL illuminated is grounds for a failed test.

5. Proper Maintenance Will Help You Pass Emissions Tests

The biggest thing to remember about how to pass emissions test? Expert maintenance keeps your vehicle running correctly and prepares it for testing. Bring your vehicle to your local Jiffy Lube for an inspection by highly trained technicians. The team can perform a safety inspection, visual inspection, and tailpipe test and present service options if needed. Or if your vehicle has failed a test, the technicians can complete the appropriate repairs and provide you with a compliance certificate.

Knowing how to pass emissions tests is essential for every driver. But you’re not in this alone. Jiffy Lube technicians are always ready to answer your questions and to help fix emissions problems. Just stop by one of the 2,000 Jiffy Lube locations across North America.

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Dive into some of the other most frequently asked questions about emissions tests.

Find out more about the vehicle inspection services available at Jiffy Lube.

Please note: Not all services are offered at each Jiffy Lube location. Please check with your local Jiffy Lube service center or visit jiffylube.com for specific services offered.

How Long To Drive After Reset Computer To Pass Emission Test?

Car, Truck and Vehicle How To Guides – Vehicle Freak

When you take your car in for an emissions test, the technician will likely ask you to reset your computer. This is a common procedure, but do you know how long you should wait before driving your car again?

You need to drive your car for a distance of about 100 miles or more after resetting the computer to pass an emissions test. This is because it takes time for the computer to relearn your driving habits and make the necessary adjustments.

How Long Do I Have to Drive My Car After Resetting the Computer?

After resetting your computer to pass an emissions test, you should drive a distance of about 100 miles or more for the computer to relearn your habits. If you don’t have time to do this, there are a few things you can do to help pass the test.

First, make sure your car is warmed up before taking it in for the test. This means driving it around for at least 30 minutes to get the engine up to operating temperature.

Second, avoid short trips as much as possible in the days leading up to the test. These types of trips don’t give the computer enough time to properly adjust.

Third, keep an eye on your gas mileage. If it drops significantly, this could be an indication that your car is not running as efficiently as it should be.

What Are the Consequences of Resetting My Car’s Computer?

In case you reset your car’s computer in order to pass an emissions test, there are a few consequences that you may face.

For one, doing so may void your warranty. And two, it’s important to understand what exactly will be reset when you do this. Otherwise, you could end up causing more harm than good.

Most cars have two types of computer systems: the powertrain control module (PCM) and the emission control module (ECM). The PCM is responsible for controlling the engine, transmission, and other major systems.

The ECM, on the other hand, is responsible for monitoring and regulating the emissions system.

Resetting either of these modules will cause all sorts of settings to be reverted back to their defaults. This includes things like fuel injection timing, idle speed, and transmission shift points. In other words, your car will essentially be starting from scratch.

Also, it is important to note that you may be subject to legal penalties if you are caught resetting your car’s computer to pass an emissions test.

If I Don’t Drive My Car Often, Will That Affect the Results of the Emission Test?

Suppose you don’t drive your car often, that shouldn’t affect the results of the emission test. The computer will need to be reset if the car hasn’t been driven for a while, but as long as you follow the proper procedure, it should be fine.

Just make sure to give yourself enough time to complete the drive cycle before taking the car in for the test.

What Happens If I Don’t Drive My Car For Long Enough After Resetting the Computer?

Provided that you don’t drive your car long enough after resetting the computer, it’s possible that the emission test could come back as failed. This is because the computer won’t have had enough time to properly run through all of the tests.

If this happens, you’ll likely need to reset the computer again and go for another drive before retesting.

What Is a Drive Cycle For Emissions?

A drive cycle is a specific set of driving conditions that are necessary for the computer to properly run through all of the tests. This includes things like starting the car from cold, driving at different speeds, and idling for extended periods of time.

The drive cycle can vary depending on the make and model of your car, so it’s important to consult your owner’s manual before attempting it. That being said, most drive cycles will take between 30 and 45 minutes to complete.

Keep in mind that you’ll need to let the car cool down for at least an hour after completing the drive cycle before taking it in for the test. Otherwise, the results could be skewed.

How Long Does It Take to Reset an EVAP Code?

When you have an EVAP code, it can take up to two weeks for the light to reset on its own. However, if you want to reset it sooner, you can do so by disconnecting the battery for at least 30 seconds. Keep in mind that this will also clear any other codes that may be stored in the computer.

Can You Pass Emissions With Stored Codes?

No, you cannot pass emissions with stored codes. The computer needs to be reset in order to clear the codes and properly run through all of the tests. Otherwise, the emission test will likely come back as failed.

How Long Does It Take For an O2 Sensor to Reset?

It can take up to 800 miles for an O02 sensor to reset. However, this will vary depending on the make and model of your car. Consult your owner’s manual for more specific information.

Can You Pass Emissions With Service Engine Light On?

No, you cannot pass emissions with the service engine light on. The light indicates that there is a problem with the emission system, which needs to be fixed before the test can be passed.

Why Do I Have Codes But No Check Engine Light?

If you have codes but no check engine light, it’s possible that the codes are from a previous problem that has since been fixed. However, it’s also possible that there is an issue with the computer itself. In either case, you’ll need to have the car checked by a mechanic to be sure.

Can I Still Drive My Car If It Doesn’t Pass the Emissions Test?

Presuming that your car doesn’t pass the emissions test, you can still drive it. However, you may be subject to legal penalties if you are caught driving a car that doesn’t meet emission standards.

It’s important to note that some states require cars to pass an emissions test before they can be registered. If your car doesn’t pass, you won’t be able to register it until the problem is fixed.

How Often Do I Need to Test My Car’s Emissions?

The frequency of emission testing varies from state to state. However, most states require that cars be tested every one to two years.

What Are the Consequences of Failing an Emissions Test?

Suppose you fail an emissions test, you may be required to have your car repaired at your own expense. In some states, you may also be required to retake the test after making the repairs.

What Are the Consequences For Driving With a Not-Reset Computer?

In case you’re caught driving with a not-reset computer, you may be subject to a fine. However, the consequences will vary from state to state.

What Is a Passing Score For the Emissions Test?

A passing score for the emissions test varies from state to state. However, most states require that your car’s emissions fall below a certain level in order to pass. Consult your local DMV for more specific information.

Do Car Computers Reset Themselves?

No, car computers do not reset themselves. However, they can be reset by disconnecting the battery or by using a special tool called a code reader.

Conclusion

If you’re wondering how long to drive after resetting the computer to pass an emission test, the answer is that it depends on a few factors. However, in most cases, you’ll need to let the car cool down for at least an hour before retesting.

Additionally, keep in mind that you may need to complete a drive cycle in order to properly reset the computer. For more specific information, consult your owner’s manual or a qualified mechanic. Finally, remember that you cannot pass emissions with stored codes or with the service engine light on.

You may also be interested in these articles:

https://www.jiffylube.com/resource-center/how-to-pass-emissions-testshttps://vehiclefreak.com/how-long-to-drive-after-reset-computer-to-pass-emission-test/

Author

  • Samantha Cole

    Samantha has a background in computer science and has been writing about emerging technologies for more than a decade. Her focus is on innovations in automotive software, connected cars, and AI-powered navigation systems.

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