LvnTheDrm

Ok...have to vent: While Jordan ("Flat 6 Performance") was kind enough to lend me his Innova OBDII Scanner 2-years ago for CA Smog Test prep--this year I decided to step up and get my own Scanner (Cen-Tech OBDII Multilingual Scanner from Harbor Freight tools).

Due to travel schedule, only had today to get car smogged and registered. Plugged in new Scanner...and..."Link to Vehicle Failed." Uggh. Never gotit to work. Off to local indy shop (BF) to use their scanner. 5 codes not set. Had brought along my printout of the BMW Drive Cycle (which I had successfully completed 2 years ago)...so, I set out. Unfortunately, different routing than 2 years ago, and had some trouble with lots of starts/stops/lights, etc.

Return to shop for post-cycle test: 5 codes not set. Uggghhh! Finally just swung by DMV and paid registration fee--but did not receive updated sticker (not until it passes smog).

3.5 hours dedicated to this silly situation (on a work day!), and the great state of CA--who, in their infinite wisdom--has NOT granted an exception to those of us with '96 OBDII mis-reads--and who do NOT exceed pollution levels. It's just a COMPUTER issue. And, tomorrow, they are likely voting to raise state gas excise tax another 3.5 cents...which will officially make us the highest gas tax state in the Union. And they wonder why people are leaving the state in droves (not to mention recent voter-approved 13.3% state income tax!)...

I am normally a very positive person--so, a negative rant like this is unlike me. Thought it would help me feel a bit better--but, it really doesn't. Sorry.

M. Schneider

Its Okay,,, Every little thing will be back to normal, Its Okay.

We here at Rennlist section ODBII,,,,,We're are hear for ya.

Slow Guy

OK, allow me to play devil's advocate here...
You've known about this issue for at least 2 yrs since you used someone else scanner last time and yet you don't see fit to buy a $75 reader for yourself until you cheap out and buy a HF reader (that apparently doesn't work) and test it before you actually need it?

Look into the Innova line of readers, I've used one for several years. http://www.codereader.com/

As has been posted before, one successful run is not going to set the readiness indicators, it takes 2 successful runs.

EckFe1

Sorry to hear about your negative day.
BTW, did you forget to hit the key fob button to allow the OBD reader access? Only works if drive block has been disabled.
About gas prices, I went into shock when I moved from California to Germany. My first tank of gas was equal to $ 9.-/gallon and it keeps rising. You will be spending some $ 180.- just to fill up.
At least the Autobahn and mountain roads make up for it.
I'm sure it'll all work out for you.
Ed

mcipseric

Last month I changed my battery and had 5 codes not ready for my smog test. We drove the 3 hour TRE New Year's day canyon run and all but 1 code reset. All good, you can have up to 2 readiness codes not set and still pass smog.

I agree, CA is in downward spiral. We are looking for a way out, tough when our business is here. Other option to live in this socialist state is to make so much money so that all financial issues go away :-)

Go enjoy one of the paid privileges of living in CA and find the fantastic canyon roads and get your 993 therapy.

JB 911

Maybe this will cheer you up. Re: venting.

In high school I took a mandatory health class. One week we were learning about anger management and the instructor asked us to all picture ourselves finding out some really bad news that would make you really angry them anom. write on a piece of paper how you would handle it. Well I was not alone in the instant idea to write something bizarre that I would never do. I had just seen a movie (and who says teen age kids aren't impressionable) so I wrote I would throw a glass into the fireplace as hard as I could. Needless to say when he read them out loud to the class he paused at a few of them before reading lol.

Not rec the glass method lol, but hopefully you'll get it done.

Here in Texas, at 25 years of age (which is only 8 more years for a '96) we become safety only and all the electronic stuff is ignored. DO they have a rule like that in Ca? Or do you wear that ball and chain forever?

Quadcammer

not really. If the ecu has not been able to test these five sensors, how is it to know that everything is functioning properly.


I've never had any problems setting the monitors

levtron

Same in Mass. After 15 Years, Only a "LIT" CEL will trip you up. Mine always passes, but it was nice not to worry about it last year ...

At least your driving. Its too cold in Boston... and way to much salt on the roads... And so some of us must wait... and wait... and wait...

Kika

I hear you, and feel for you, but Bill is right, this wasn't a surprise.

Smog test results are valid for 90 days in CA, so you essentially have 3 months prior to when the registration is due to get the car through smog. I know it doesn't make you feel better now, but in 2 years, you will probably schedule it out better to meet your own schedule.

FWIW, I use an Actron 9180 to read my codes and determine whether or not my readiness codes are set. It will also reset the CEL, it was a little over $100, well worth the information I get out of it.

Dan V

With my cheapo $16 OBD2 scanner, I need to connect the scanner, drive the car a couple of minutes, and reconnect via the app, sometimes multiple times, before the scanner will connect to the engine ECU. I guess the off-brand scanners are flaky that way. and yes, it did take me 2 trips of the drive cycle on 2 different days to get the 5 readiness self checks to complete.

LvnTheDrm

Bill--

Thanks for reminding me about the 2 runs...I appear to have done it successfully (3 codes) 2years ago with 1 run--forgot this time it usually takes 2. Didn't feel I "cheaped out" with my purchase: there were 3 levels of scanner: $49/$79/$119--and I went middle of the road at $79. Even asked the sales clerk about the item...and was reassured it worked well (he may have been biased--but, I took him at his word).

And--knowing about the issue (and my CEL light had illuminated)...I had my SAI ports cleaned by local Indy recently...So, I wasn't totally irresponsible. Though, admittedly, I did procrastinate a little too long...

LvnTheDrm

Yes--did the Fob thing...thanks.



Here in Texas, at 25 years of age (which is only 8 more years for a '96) we become safety only and all the electronic stuff is ignored. DO they have a rule like that in Ca? Or do you wear that ball and chain forever?[/QUOTE]

I believe it's a ball-and-chain that will accompany my CA ownership for eternity...

Interesting...by "reconnect via the app" I am guessing you mean re-starting from the unit (like powering off and then back on)? I hadn't tried that. On the road until late next week--so I'll give that a GO when I return. Thanks!

Lorenfb

Generic OBDII scanners only provide the status of the readiness tests (monitors)
at the completion of the multiple trips. One really needs access to the Porsche
factory testers to monitor the completion process and thus determine where
problematic issues occur during the trips, e.g. CAT efficiency not completing.

Read here under 'Porsche 993 Cycle Flag Basics';
http://www.systemsc.com/codes.htm

Slow Guy

Lvn, I'll give you one thing to be glad about your situation, here in TN we have to get our cars tested every year (not every 2 like CA). It's not a statewide inspection like most states but limited to the metropolitan areas of our 4 largest cities (Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville & Chattanooga).

Update: This just happened to be a story in the Nashville paper today, seems we're even more special than I thought. There are only 6 counties in the entire state that require emissions testing, and 5 of them are in the Nashville metro area. the 6th is Chattanooga. I guess Memphis and Knoxville are off the hook.

I've been lucky w/ both my 993's (1 previous) and have never had a problem getting them to pass however I haven't been as lucky w/ the '97 M3. This last time the M3 wouldn't set the readiness indicators telling me I had a small vacuum leak even after I had replaced all the parts associated w/ the vacuum system, up to and including the main rubber fuel line hose to the gas tank. Just before I was to run out of time to get it tested we had a couple of cold days (I've heard before colder weather seems easier to get the indicators to set). Since my scanner pretty much stayed in the M3 during this time I checked it and sure enough all codes set, I drove straight to the inspection station and passed.

Anyhow, I don't believe TN has a referee as in CA, so if we can't get it to pass we have to provide documentation that we've spent a certain amount (~ $500 I think) to get it to pass or we don't get our tags. This would be a pain to me since I do all my own work so I would have to pay a shop to re-do what I had already done.

So, you really don't have it so bad in CA, at least not in my opinion. No doubt, it is a hassle for both of us. I'm just glad I don't have to fight with it on the 993 like I do on the M3.

pp000830

I feel your pain! Unfortunately the goal of the CA government seems to be to make it so expensive and bothersome to live there that everyone who is not employed by the government leaves and so it becomes unnecessary for the government to provide any service at all.