Help- can't pass smog on my Ford V10

[Rick Flores]

I have a 2003 Class A National w/Ford V10. I had a dead battery and recharged it and it's fine, I also use a 'scan gauge' which shows "not ready" but no codes. When I took it last week to get it smogged the owner had to replace one of the oxygen sensors. He then told me to drive it to reset the on board computer. I have had it back to the shop for smog the last 5 days and I've now put over 275 miles on it. It still won't pass - their gauge says it's gone down from 5 "dots" to 3 but I've still got to get rid of 2 more "dots" before CA will pass it. The owner is trustworthy and he can't understand why it's not passing either with all these miles to get the computer to reset. I've also tried the "cold" start method that Ford recommends, still not working. The owner now says perhaps I need to do a diagnostic on it....would like opinions and your suggestions....do I need to keep driving??? How long before this gauge will reset along with the OBDII...thanks

[swilcox]

Rick, this is going to sound strange, but, how long has it been since the Anti-freeze been changed? I've heard that Ford's will build up a charge in the anti-freeze and the Computer will react to it and cause problems. Just a thought.

[TXiceman]

Quote:

Originally Posted by swilcox Rick, this is going to sound strange, but, how long has it been since the Anti-freeze been changed? I've heard that Ford's will build up a charge in the anti-freeze and the Computer will react to it and cause problems. Just a thought.

HUH???? This is one that I would like to hear the explanation for!


Ken

[Triker56]

Is it legal for the owner to sell a vehicle that won't pass?

[ksg5000]

I am no car mechanic - but a quick call to the service manager of any Ford dealer should resolve your "how long to reset" question.

[GOLDWINGER2]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rick Flores It still won't pass - their gauge says it's gone down from 5 "dots" to 3 but I've still got to get rid of 2 more "dots" before CA will pass it. The owner is trustworthy and he can't understand why it's not passing either with all these miles to get the computer to reset. I've also tried the "cold" start method that Ford recommends, still not working. The owner now says perhaps I need to do a diagnostic on it....would like opinions and your suggestions....do I need to keep driving??? How long before this gauge will reset along with the OBDII...thanks

You need to test it on the CA smog system, let it fail and get the print out. Identify what category you failed in and then you can fix the problem.
My smog guy can tell me over the phone what the issue is by me reading him the measurements. He's been certified since 1973, his shop is test only, but he has skills.
J

[Dirtbuster]

If this is an OBD2 issue, a scan gauge will clear the code on the computer. The O2 can also be read manually to see what's going on. Take it buy an Autozone, Advance, or other auto store. They can clear the code for free. There could possibly be 4 O2 sensors on your engine. Maybe the wrong one was changed!

[Topflite51]

Do as Dirtbuster suggests. Get the codes that are stored and go from there.

[somekevinguy]

I've never heard of driving a car to reset the computer. He should be able to clear any old codes himself. Disconnecting the battery will clear codes which having a dead battery should have the same effect. That is weird that your scan gauge isn't working. Are you sure you are using it right? It is weird that his smog machine is able to connect to it. One other thing is that when you disconnect the battery or have a dead battery the computer loses what it has learned for controlling idle etc. There is a procedure in the owners manual to relearn everything. I forget exactly how it goes but it is something like idle in park for a certain amount of time, then idle in gear and then with the AC on etc. Something like that.

[tderonne]

Sounds like your struggling with a P1000 code (ScanGauge shows this as "not ready"). I don't have time to explain right now, I'll post again later, but Google it and you should find a decent explanation.

[GOLDWINGER2]

There are many, but this site will get you started.
Scan Test is Incomplete P1000
J

[WOODYDEL]

For a few bucks try a fuel additive. Some claim to enable your car or truck to pass. I won't say which one only because I've never failed an emissions test ever. Your mechanic sounds more like a parts replacer. Maybe it's this........


As I stepped away the "dead battery" came to mind. If this vehicle has been sitting your fuel could be the problem. The only product which can "FIX" fuel is Star Tron an enzyme formulation I have used for years. Just a thought.

[sknight]

EGR and EVAP can be total PITAs to complete the self test. Catalyst can be troublesome but within 275 miles it should have passed.

Have him recheck it and write down what readiness tests it hasn't passed then let us know. We'll go from there.

[Rick Flores]

Thanks to all who replied to my help question...I'm looking into your suggestions and will keep you posted.