OBD System Checks "Fail"

[stanigu]

Hello

I went to have my '98 Boxster smogged here in California.

The car passed the actual emissions test, but it failed the "OBD System Checks". I did reset the OBD to clear some misfire codes, but I swear I've driven the car at least 1000 miles since doing so. My reader says that the car is ready for smog (i.e. it's gone through all the tests). Can anything else cause this error???

Thanks

[kk2002s]

You poor boxster owner
Just went through similar
You need to see if the 2 monitors secodary air check and or evap system check are in incomplete status
This will drive you crazy
For me minus $1000 my evap system needed new canistor and check valves
My secondary air still is incomplete but in nj it passed

[rexcramer]

Beg, borrow or buy an OBD scan tool that has the readiness check feature. I purchased mine at HF for +/- $50. There is also a specific driving protocol for setting the system. I believe this will also work for a 986 as well. My wife's Volvo also has a very similar ritual required to set all of the systems. It can take a couple of cycles to get them all set. Good luck.

OBDII readiness drive cycle procedures - Pelican Parts Technical BBS

[Oldcarguy]

Last year on my 2004 986 the OBD Fusion app showed all monitors ready and no fault codes. When I took it to my local ‘goto’ tire store for NYS inspection it passed safety but failed OBD emissions with a “car could not communicate with NYS emissions testing center”. Drove immediately to our Audi dealer in the next town over and it passed no problem. Some kind of variance in either my tire store’s testing system or their comm line. Don’t know if this relates to your problem, but it does happen.

If all your OBD monitors are showing ready, I don’t know what else might be the problem. Good luck!

[Pdwight]

I thank heaven above we do not do testing here in AL

I dealt with that for 22 years in Atlanta

[stanigu]

I guess I'll look into the "referee" program. Does anyone have any experience with them? It'll be better than going to stealership.

What irks me really is that if what's coming out of the tailpipe is OK, why shouldn't it pass? Anyway, it is what it is....privilege of living in an extremely high cost state with high tax that I can no longer deduct...