Nick_Vergara

So the story is that I just got a new C5 corvette and am having a blast riding that beauty until I needed to get it inspected. Now it is worth mentioning this beforehand, the dealership which I bought the car showed me and the car has a Borla cat-back exhaust with long tube headers, though they don't know anything past that. So I took it to get inspected at the NJ DMV and the Catalytic converters, Evaporative system, secondary air injection, oxygen sensors, and oxygen sensors - heaters all showed NOT READY. The guy told me to drive it but I had already driven it at least 200 miles since I got the car. I then of course went on forums and found that if someone changed the battery (which I checked and it did not have an OEM battery), then I would have to do the GM driving cycles. Specifically, I followed these instructions:http://www.obdii.com/drivecycle.html
I just finished my third driving cycle and still, the codes are still present for all of them! Am I doing something wrong on the cycles? Maybe the exhaust modifications are to blame?
At this point, I just want to figure out why these codes are still popping up and any advice would be greatly appreciated!

zipity

What part of NJ are you located in? There are some independent inspection stations that may be able to help with the inspections and tests.

Nick_Vergara

I live in Central Jersey, around Princeton.

C5 Diag

I’d check to see if you have any current or pending DTC’s...you can access these trouble codes through the DIC...these DTC’s can cause these monitors not to set !!...BTW, EVAP monitor is hardest to set so be sure your gas tank is 1/4 to 3/4 full !!

Vetteman Jack

Moved to C5 Tech.

Dave68

I believe long tube headers eliminate the pre-cats. That's why they were illegal in California. Also, my 01 had a failed smog check valve every 2-3 years. It is near the firewall and very difficult to get to without removing the intake.
Did you pull up any specific codes?

k24556

OK please list the specific PCM related codes. Then we can see if you are running rich or lean, It is going to be very hard to diagnose if we can’t see fuel trims,misfires, and be able to trouble shoot the EVAP system. For example, the purge solenoid could be damaged, causing a vacuum leak and preventing readiness on EVAP. I’m NOT saying this your issue at all, just that usually there is only ONE problem, so with codes someone might see a common thread. Without a scan tool, though, you are shooting in the dark.

petersm

Hi
Does the have real cats in the EX If you will never get it through. It may lo like it has them but someone may have gutted them along the way. I would check that.

Luck
.

Nick_Vergara

Can I access these codes through the DIC on the corvette or do I have to get a good scanner tool to get the specific PCM codes? I am somewhat new to this, also I am pretty sure the catalytic converters are still on as the mechanic that checked it out before purchasing the vehicle said it should pass inspection in NJ no problem. One thing I am unsure of is whether or not the previous owner also put in a camshaft (although probably if they did exhaust and headers) and then if he proceeded to get it properly tuned.

petersm

Hi
It sounds like you just brought the car. I would go back to the dealer and tell him ti fix the problem. I think that in NJ a dealer is not allowed to sell a car if it won't pass emissions. Not sure on that as I left NJ a long time ago

Nick_Vergara

Problem is, the car wasn’t bought here in NJ but I drove all the way out to Ohio and did the PPI over there.

k24556

yes all the codes can be read on the car’s DIC. you will need a good scan tool to evaluate fuel trims, 02 sensor performance, and evap.. A good scan tool will also report emissions readiness,

petersm

Hi
I don't think that matters. If this the first time you took it to emissions since you brought it. Send me a pm with your email address and I will forward you a page I found on the net.

DBL001

Same problem with my C5 in Jersey, I have an 01 with LT headers, passed everything with a tune but failed a visual inspection because it was missing the pup cats still has the other 2 cats though, Im sick over the fact I have to swap them out, once u fail in NJ a private inspection is of no help, they have to send pictures to prove the work was done, the guy that inspected was a real *** too, he knew he wanted to fail me as soon as I pulled up, same setup passed there for years too but this guy opened the hood and had his code book out and looked at everything , LT's in NJ are ugh...against the law if they aren't CARB compliant, what is the law in Ohio as far as modifying the exhaust? A tuner should be able to get the car to pass the smog test, Good luck

Nick_Vergara

So do you recommend me looking at the codes I have available now and then see if I can find a fix for any of them that might be triggering the not readiness of the car? Also, I have been reading that since it does have headers, it might need to be properly tuned in order to pass. I do not really know much about the electronics and codes with cars so I am still confused about what I need to do exactly.

Nick_Vergara

I'm pretty sure Ohio does not need to have the vehicles inspected as thoroughly for emissions, luckily for them. But you're saying that your tune god rid of the not-ready codes on your Vette?

DBL001

What happens is the headers push the cats further back and they dont get as hot as they're supposed too, a tune is about $500

DBL001

yes the tune took care of all codes and u get more power at the wheels, but if u get a guy like mine they can still visually fail you

petersm

email sent

DBL001

I deal with ECS in Cream Ridge NJ, they're one of the best around and aren't too far from you, they can also tell u if the cats were hollowed out