A month or so ago I disconnected the battery on my 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan. It is an extra car and apparently it has not been driven enough as it failed Georgia emission with disconnected battery. I get one free retest so I want to make sure the van is driven enough and ready for testing. How can I tell? I read somewhere if you turn the ignition to ON but don’t start the car after a few seconds the check engine light will flash for a few seconds then come on solid. This flashing indicates the car is NOT READY for testing emissions yet. Is this true?
I keep driving the van but so far the check engine is still flashing when I do the above test.
Also Is there any other way to check for this with with a read only scanner?
By the way the check engine light does not come on while the car is running or driven. Thanks!!! Jim.

 

I don’t know all the available scanners out there, but I have an Autel AL329 that will indicate system readiness and read live data and I/M info. I would think a phone app and dongle can also access it.

As for actually getting the system ready, all the required system monitors must run before the system is ready for inspection testing. These usually include monitors for the O2 sensors, EGR & EVAP systems, ignition and fuel systems (misfires), and converters. The paperwork you received for the first test should specify which monitors must run.

This can usually be accomplished by going for a drive that includes 10-20 minutes of city and 10-20 minutes of highway driving, then allowing the van to sit over night; however some monitors may require 2 or 3 drives to complete. What’s important is making sure the engine reaches operating temperature every time it’s started.

I can’t say for sure if the CEL flashing at key on engine off indicates system status; however the AL329 is reasonably priced so if you want to be sure, I’d recommend getting a scanner anyway. It’s sure to come in handy for future use as well.

 

The test I mentioned is valid and in the owners manual. I’ve always wanted a scanner. I’ll browse for the one you mentioned. Thank you!

 

Yes to what GumbyRT says the enabling conditions of the various monitors varies per model and year. You wipe out all the info when you battery disconnect. Just to add to what GumbyRT said besides just driving I've had vans that needed to idle hot for up to 30 mins. to complete that last on board monitor. It's a bit of a crap shoot unless you know the exact perimeters required for each monitor. So yes even a cheap scan tool will tell you the I/M readiness and what hasn't passed yet. How to make it happen takes a little research or time.

 

This should help anyone who has cleared their ECU on just about any vehicle:

Chrysler & Dodge: Drive Cycle Procedures to complete OBD Readiness Monitors

Posted on January 17, 2014 by dewokChrysler Drive Cycle Information

All Monitor Drive Trace
Pre-Conditioning Requirements:
– MIL must be off
– Cold start (Note: cold start temperature is undefined)
Driving Procedure
1) Warm engine up for five minutes (must reach closed loop)
2) Drive (with steady throttle) at a speed between 40 and 60 mph for 8 minutes.
3) Stop and idle for 3 minutes.
4) Drive (with steady throttle) at a speed above 20 mph for 2 minutes.
5) Turn key off, leave off for ten minutes (to run O2 sensor heater monitor).
Note: Due to the limited preconditions provided with this drive trace, NCVECS recommends using the monitor
specific drive traces for Chrysler vehicles.

Catalyst Monitor Drive Trace
Pre-Conditioning Requirements:
– MIL must be off.
– No DTCs present.
– Fuel level is between 15% and 85% full.
– ECT above 70º F.
– Engine must have run at least 90 seconds
– Engine between 1,350 & 1,900 rpm.
Driving Procedure
1) Idle vehicle for five minutes (to reach closed loop operation).
2) Drive with a steady vehicle speed between 30 and 45 mph for 2 minutes.

EGR System Monitor Drive Trace – Vacuum controlled
Pre-Conditioning Requirements:
– MIL must be off.
Driving Procedure
1) Idle vehicle for five minutes (to reach closed loop operation).
2) Drive with a steady vehicle speed between 40 & 60 mph for 8 minutes.

EGR System Monitor Drive Trace – Electronic
Pre-Conditioning Requirements:
– MIL must be off.
– MAP must be between 0-60 KPa.
– Engine speed between 500-850 rpm.
– ECT is above 180º F (90º C).
– No misfire temporary (pending) or matured fault present.
– A/C clutch, PS Switch and Cooling fans do not change state (turn off).
Driving Procedure
1) Idle vehicle for five (5) minutes (to reach closed loop operation).
2) Drive with a steady vehicle speed between 40 & 60 mph for 2 minutes.
3) Idle vehicle for three (3) minutes.
Note: This monitor evaluates EGR flow based on a change of engine roughness (idle stability).
Conditions causing un-stable idle will prevent this monitor from running.

Evaporative System Monitor Drive Trace
Trace 1: Standard Type
Pre-Conditioning Requirements:
– MIL must be off.
– No Evaporative DTCs present.
– Fuel level is between ½ and full.
(Note: monitor may still run with tank fill between 15% and 85%).
Driving Procedure
1) Idle vehicle for five minutes (to reach closed loop operation).
2) Drive with a steady vehicle speed between 30 and 45 mph for 2 minutes.
Trace 2: Leak Detection Pump
Pre-Conditioning Requirements:
– MIL must be off.
– No Evaporative DTCs present.
– Fuel level is between 30 & 85 % full.
Driving Procedure
1) Cold soak vehicle, start and idle vehicle for 4 minutes.
2) Drive in-town (stop and go) for 5 minutes, using smooth accelerations and decelerations.
3) Stop and idle vehicle for 4 minutes.

O2 Sensor Monitor Drive Trace
Pre-Conditioning Requirements:
– MIL must be off.
Driving Procedure
1) Idle vehicle for five minutes (to reach closed loop operation).
2) Drive with a steady vehicle speed above 25 mph for 2 minutes.
3) Stop and idle for 30 seconds.
4) Smoothly accelerate to a speed between 30 and 40 mph.
5) Repeat steps 3 & 4 five (5) times.

O2 Sensor Heater Monitor Drive Trace
Pre-Conditioning Requirements:
– MIL must be off.
Driving Procedure
1) Idle vehicle for five minutes (to reach closed loop operation).
2) Shut engine off and leave vehicle off for ten minutes.

 

You can go into any Auto Parts Store ang get a free emission Readiness Check .... i know AutoZone does it so does Advance Auto Parts ....