PA Emissions Failure - Not Ready for Testing

[AdmRose]

I went to get my PA Emissions Testing today and my '04 Vibe failed emissions testing. The reason they gave was the OBD said "Not Ready for Testing." The usual reason is because of a dead battery recently but I've had no such problems. I haven't had any power issues with my Vibe recently or ever. The only thing I could possibly think of that would be causing it to fail is I have Progressive's Snapshot device plugged into my OBD port. The only reason I can think of that that would affect it is Not Ready for Testing basically means that the computer doesn't have enough driving data to determine emissions. Seeing as the Snapshot records driving data internally I could only guess that somehow the device is causing a disconnect between the vehicle and the OBD. Any thoughts?

[04shadowvibe]

try driving the car for a bit before taking it in for the test. I know I cleared a check engine light on my buddies buick and it would not pass emissions but after he drove it about 50 miles it passed. It may have something to do with the progressive thingy but i dont know anything about thoes. Gotta love PA emissions, we have it and a few blocks from me is a different county and they do not require it, what a crock of crap!

[AdmRose]

I drive 300 miles a week easily, in all types of driving conditions. I also haven't had a check engine or any warning light. The only reason I can think of it being the Snapshot device is because that is literally the only thing that has changed since my last emissions inspection.

[beemerphile1]

If it is the Progressive "big brother" watchdog then Progressive should be aware of it. Ask them.

[djkeev]

If the OBD II device has codes pulled and reset, it is not eligible to be counted as real data for an emission test program until a number of miles have been driven. I seem to recall it is a series of trips totaling around 100 miles or so until the not ready status is turned off and any codes in the unit or lack of codes in the unit become valid.This feature is in place to prevent people from clearing codes and rushing to get a valid emission sticker before the codes reappear. It forces people to FIX the issue, not simply mask it over.My guess is that this 3g tracking device (if it is 3g) has somehow pulled your codes and deleted them or the computer is thinking that it has happened because of the constant presence of the unit in the OBDII port.Unplug it for a week, go back to inspection. You'll be fine.Honestly, I'd rather pay $100 more a year for insurance than to disclose every movement I make in my car for 6 months!!!! Don't get me wrong, I'm an older safe driver, have GPS, EZPass and a Cell Phone, do not have "big brother" issues but I really don't want my every auto control and braking action to be constantly monitored!! This would not at all be unlike my Mother sitting in the back seat not saying a world but glaring at me as I drive!! EWWWWW!!!!!!No thanks!Dave

[AdmRose]

Ok. Pulled the Snapshot unit out. I'll update after I get re-tested if it worked or not.

[AdmRose]

Here's an update. After two weeks with the Snapshot device off I had my Vibe reinspected and this time it passed with no problems. Though its only circumstantial, I believe that the Snapshot device will cause issues in the '04 Vibe when it comes to emissions testing.

[djkeev]

Quote, originally posted by AdmRose »Here's an update. After two weeks with the Snapshot device off I had my Vibe reinspected and this time it passed with no problems. Though its only circumstantial, I believe that the Snapshot device will cause issues in the '04 Vibe when it comes to emissions testing.Glad to hear that you've got it successfully sorted out!Dave