Emissions test

[Slatewear]

My wife's mini van needs our usual Wisconsin emissions test. I know it won't pass. Same problem as before. Cure last time was a new gas cap. But, I need to reset the "ck engine" light before she goes in. Someone told me if you unhook the battery for 20 minutes, then hook it back up, it cycles through the ck engine process, and if the new cap is on, it will be fine. Is this true?

[BornInAFord]

What kind of minivan is it? Some, like the Honda Odyssey, have a feature that allows you to press in the trip odometer reset and hold it while inserting the key to "on" and letting the computer cycle through the codes. If the code is real, the light will come back on the next time whatever tripped the code before trips it again. If the code is a phantom code (or fixed), then the light blinks like it is supposed to, then turns off. Worth a shot.

A few VWs have a feature of unplugging a specific fuse while the engine is running, then restarting the engine after plugging it back in to reset the CIL. May want to google for more info on whatever your make is.

Good luck!
Daniel

[Slatewear]

Sorry, it's an 03 Chrysler Town & Country

[festang]

96 an newer obd2 system if you fix the problem that is wrong with vehicle it will automatically reset the check engine light after the driving cycle is complete. different models take longer to reset most of them is 50-100 miles of driving time

[66kcoupe]

+1

happens to my 02 Grand Caravan alot when my wife dosen't get the gas cap on just right. Computer will recycle and reset after a predetermined period of time and the light will go off. If the emissions test is done thru the OBDII port it will have to be driven long enough (15 to 20 cycles I think) to ensure the state that the light was not just turned off the day before.

[Maxum96]

Go to your auto parts store and rent the computer to reset your codes. I did that for my F150. Got my money back when I returned it.

[1109RWHP]

Replace the cap, clear the code and drive it for a few days. You can check the rediness status for the OBD checks with a scan tool. I think for your year car you can have two that have not set and still pass but that may only be for PA where I'm at. It must go through a couple of run cycles from a cold engine to operating temp and a mix of city/ highway driving. You might be able to find an OBD drive cycle procedure on the internet for your car, it will help you get the tests reset.