Tips for turning on EVAP monitor - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

Most_Wanted · 04-01-2021, 05:52 PM

I never had issues with EVAP turning on and only had the catalyst monitoring incomplete(at the time). I put the stock headers back on and got impatient so I reset the monitors. Well I managed to get the catalyst monitoring to complete after following some driving guidelines on the forums(kept revs under 3K, no full throttle) My problem now is the EVAP doesn't want to turn on. I've driven approx 400 miles since reset. Driving has been mostly 5th/6th gear at 65mph for 15-20 min per cycle. Does anyone know any specific tips that helped with turning their EVAP on? I mean I don't mind driving, even if it's mostly in the slow lane but I really don't want to be wasting my time if there is something specific I should do.

I have 2 stored codes P1137(clutch start, or could be O2 related. Can someone confirm?) and P0480(front rad fan, probably from the manual fan switch I installed) please correct me if I'm wrong about the problems related for those codes.

I'm getting desperate. Local Porsche dealer quoted me $250 to "diagnose" It's either spend the $250 on gas or have the dealer just turn the monitor on.

dghii · 04-01-2021, 05:55 PM

Other than wanting it to start functioning again, Why do you care if it turns on? It doesn't affect how the car runs, does it? Are you getting a code?

Stl-986 · 04-01-2021, 06:07 PM

You have codes stored, is your CEL also on? If so you wont pass anyway. For reading the codes what are you using? If durametric it will give you the DTC also. You can then look in the FSM for how to test that code.

As far as turning on the monitor....you can't. you have to drive until it sets itself to passing. The dealer can't do it either as that would equate to being able to bypass emission testing.

Most_Wanted · 04-01-2021, 06:16 PM

So I just read on google that as long as all monitors are ready with the exception of EVAP your car will pass. Can anyone confirm that EVAP does NOT need to be ready to pass smog in CA?

I'm trying to pass smog. I'm using a Diaglink for scanning. Scanner says MIL is off. Also CEL on dash is off.

Only reason I tried calling the dealer is because I read someone here did it and they turned on there monitors, free of charge. I just got done driving for hours and when i saw the EVAP was still incomplete i got frustrated and thought what the hell I'll try calling the dealer too. My dealer technician actually said they can turn it on but they would still have to "diagnose" AKA have me fork over $250.

piper6909 · 04-01-2021, 06:49 PM

If all your other tests have completed, make sure the tank is between 1/4 and 3/4 full then drive it for about 15 minutes at around 55 MPH, but not over 60.

If the other tests are not complete, then you may want to do a complete OBD drive cycle.

Instructions can be found here:
https://www.smogtips.com/smog-question/4370/How-To-Perform-a-Porsche-Cayman-Drive-Cycle

Most_Wanted · 04-01-2021, 06:57 PM

Thx pipe, yea i forgot to mention that i kept gas around half tank and all monitor are complete except EVAP.

Stl-986 · 04-01-2021, 07:00 PM

I think in CA you have to have everything in ready state, will let others confirm but from what I have seen of other comments everything had to be ready to pass & CEL not on.

blue62 · 04-02-2021, 06:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stl-986

You have codes stored, is your CEL also on? If so you wont pass anyway. For reading the codes what are you using? If durametric it will give you the DTC also. You can then look in the FSM for how to test that code.

As far as turning on the monitor....you can't. you have to drive until it sets itself to passing. The dealer can't do it either as that would equate to being able to bypass emission testing.

What is this FSM you refer to??? Thanks

Stl-986 · 04-02-2021, 06:38 AM

factory service manual. It can be downloaded for free, google it, can't post the actual link.

Keith Newby · 04-02-2021, 08:43 AM

I just went through this in San Diego and it took 350 miles to reset the EVAP. I had taken it to a pass or no charge testing center before hand and he highlighted the EVAP as a no pass issue. I tried driving slowly on our local freeways which was a recipe for disaster and even though I completed the cycle it didn't reset. My take on it is to drive it normally and read the codes until it clears. Kind of a pain if you're running out of registration time.