Readiness Monitors

Readiness Monitor 30 Day Extension

Those failing only for  too many “Not Completed” readiness monitors can legally drive their vehicle for up to 30 days beyond expiration of vehicle’s registration to reset the monitors.

• Keep vehicle test report to prove you are resetting monitors to law enforcement.

• Avoid 5$ per month late registration fee by starting inspection process ASAP.

• Safety Inspection must be “Pass” if required by model year or you may be ticketed for driving on expired plates.

What is a Readiness Monitor?

Readiness monitors show when the vehicles computer has self-tested the emissions control system. This self-test determines if the emissions system is working properly or not. If a number of monitors have not done the check (see below), the “Readiness Result” will be a “Fail”.

What causes a Readiness Result:"Fail"?

We automatically give vehicles with known manufacturer readiness monitor issues exceptions.

Exceptions:

Gasoline powered vehicles that report a catalytic converter diagnostic trouble code (P0420 to P0439) on an emission inspection must report a Catalytic Converter: Completed on a subsequent inspection to allow a Readiness Result: Pass, provided all other monitor Completed criteria (noted above) have been met on that same inspection. This is done to ensure that any repair(s) made to resolve the cause of the catalytic converter diagnostic trouble code (such as replacement of the catalytic converter) has truly resolved the cause of that code.
Note: For a cost-based repair waiver, if no repair was made to resolve the catalytic converter code(s), but repairs meeting cost-based waiver criteria have been made that have resolved the cause(s) of any other diagnostic trouble code(s) reported on a pre-repair emissions inspection, the requirement for a ‘Readiness Result: Pass’ may be waived. Call 314-416-2115 to discuss this before submitting the waiver application.

Gasoline powered vehicles that report an O2 Sensor: Unsupported or a Catalytic Converter: Unsupported will report both an OBD Communication: Fail and a Readiness Result: N/A with the monitor status noted. All gasoline powered vehicles require both the O2 Sensor and Catalytic Converter to be Supported, documented by a Completed or Not Completed status being reported on the inspection document. The Unsupported status of either monitor is generally caused by faulty programming of the vehicle’s emissions control computer. This generally requires the emission control computer to be reprogrammed to resolve. Costs to reprogram the emissions control computer are not applicable toward a repair waiver. Call 314-416-2115 if you have questions or concerns regarding this type of reported emission inspection outcome.

Diesel vehicles that report all monitors as Unsupported will report both an OBD Communication: Fail and a Readiness Result: N/A with the monitor status noted. The Unsupported status of every monitor is generally caused by faulty programming of the vehicle’s emissions control computer. This generally requires the emission control computer to be reprogrammed to resolve. Costs to reprogram the emissions control computer are not applicable toward a repair waiver. Call 314-416-2115 if you have questions or concerns regarding this type of reported emission inspection outcome.

Why does a monitor report "Not Completed"?

The monitor will report "Not Completed" until the vehicle's emissions computer finishes the self-test of the monitor. The vehicle needs to be driven in a way that allows the self-test to complete.

Common reasons monitors are "Not Completed"?

• Battery replaced or disconnected.
• Memory cleared by a repair shop (removal of Diagnostic Trouble Codes).
• Power or grounding issue to the vehicle's computer.
• Requirements for emissions system testing were not met, such as operating temperatures.
• Problem that has yet to turn on the "Check Engine" light.
• Improperly installed aftermarket system.
• Software update for vehicle's computer.

Why does my vehicle fail when monitors are "Not Completed"?

The readiness monitor test is a "Fail" because the vehicle's computer hasn't tested itself. The emissions test itself checks readiness monitors to determine if the vehicle's emission system is passing or failing. The vehicle will fail until the required number or types of readiness monitors are tested.

How do monitors go from "Not Completed" to "Completed"?

Driving 4-7 days in city and highway usually resets the monitors. Vehicle must meet basic operating criteria and complete its manufacturer drive cycle for a particular monitor. Check your owner's manual for drive cycle information.

What if monitors don't reset after weeks of driving?

You may need to repair your vehicle. Go to a qualified emissions technician to have them diagnose the reason. Tell them if the check engine light was on and why, and if repairs were made.

Can I get a waiver for readiness?

No, there are no waivers for readiness as per EPA guidelines.