All 11 Emissions Monitors Show "n/a" ?

[joecool240]

Need some help from my fellow MM enthusiasts. Bought my 04 in April 2009 (46k miles). Took it for NJ state inspection in 2009 and it passed the first time. The NJ emissions test is was done by plugging in to OBD-II monitoring system (versus actual tailpipe sniff). Today I took the car for its 2011 two year annual inspection. To my surprise, it failed emissions. The man said he was not reading on any of the 11 I/M emissions monitors. I did change the battery before Christmas, and haven't driven the car much (maybe only 3-4 trips around town). I figured I didn't drive it enough to set the I/M monitors, so today I drove the car all over (highway, local, etc) for about 50 miles. When I got home, I plugged in both my ACTRON scan tools. Both tools said the emission monitors were "ready", but both scan tools also showed all 11 I/M monitors as "n/a". I expected maybe some to say incomplete. I tried the scanners on another car and they are fine reading the I/M's. The car runs perfect with NO current or pending fault codes. Car has a slight tunes from the prior owner (I think it was for the 4.10 rear gear change), but has already passed an OBD-II I/M test in 2009, so nothing has changed in the PCM. Any thoughts? Should I just drive some more, or disconnect the battery and start over again? I haven't even drive the car more than 1000 miles in the past 2 years (it's a fair weather queen). :mad2:

Thanks for any advice and sharing your expertise/experience.

Joe

[RF Overlord]

Sounds to me like the I/M monitors were turned off in the tune by the PO.

Had a similar issue with Phoebe...passed without issue one year, failed the next with all monitors n/a. Problem was the PO lived in another state without emissions testing so all the monitors were turned off. I believe that my state's equipment was previously looking only for "not ready", and not flagging "n/a". I put the stock tune back and brought it in, where it passed again, then put the real tune back. It may be the only answer in your case as well.

[illwood]

In MA it used to be that OBDII cars were just plugged in and checked for error codes, recently they have added checking for disabled sensors (which can happen with a tune).

I don't think my tune does this, but I load the stock tune and drive it for a week before going in for the inspection sticker.

[RacerX]

^ Good idea. Install the original tune, inspect it, reinstall new tune...
http://www.obdii.com/drivecycleford.html

[rayjay]

In MA it used to be that OBDII cars were just plugged in and checked for error codes, recently they have added checking for disabled sensors (which can happen with a tune).

I don't think my tune does this, but I load the stock tune and drive it for a week before going in for the inspection sticker.

I do the same or it fails NYS OBDII also. The tune also changed the VIN# on the computer so I received a visit from the DMV Investigator. :rolleyes:

[joecool240]

Yikes ! What you gents say makes sense. Prior owner was in the Philadelphia area. I just can't figure how the car passed NJ inspection in 2009, unless they weren't using the I/M monitors back in April 2009?

I don't even know where to begin to get original tune installed, but I guess I'll have to learn real quick. Any quick advice , other than going to a stealership? Can the current tune be read, saved, and reinstalled ?

Thanks. Joe

[RF Overlord]

Joe, as stated above, NJ (like MA) was probably only looking for "not ready" responses in 2009 and is now looking for "n/a" as well.

The dealership *may* be able to reflash the PCM with a version of the original tune, but you'll pay dearly for that and your car will then perform and drive like stock...and with the 4.10 gears, the speedo will be wrong and the shift points will happen way too early. If you want to maintain your current level of performance, I think your only recourse is to buy a tune from one of the vendors here and be sure to specify that you live in an emissions inspection state so they don't automatically turn the monitors off.

An alternative is to get the car dyno-tuned locally and tell them to turn the monitors back on.

[joecool240]

RF Overlord (and everyone else who has replied), thank you. I actually have a tuner device from the original owner. Let me sort through what I have. I have a lot or learning about this tuning stuff, but being an electrical engineer by trade, I can't imagine not being able to sort this out. I appreciate everyone's help. You worked me through troubleshooting and replacing the fuel pump right after I got the car, and that worked out fine.

My biggest concern is preserving the current tune. Again, can the current tune be read out and saved to some type of media? Can a non-dealer vendor provide the original tune to get through the emissions test?

Thanks, Joe

[ctrlraven]

If you have the original tuner device there is an option for Return To Stock if it is a Xcal 2 or 3 unit.

[joecool240]

Gents,

My tuner device (from the original owner) is a model 9100 SCT "Superchips" FORD EEC Tuner. I also have what I believe is the custom tune in a little black box (with DC power adapter) that goes in between the SCT 9100 and its OBD cable. Fortunately, I got a pile of paperwork from the original owner, and I recall seeing some paperwork on the little black box device. Let me investigate over the next couple days.

Is the any tuning device that will readily adapt to a laptop computer (with appropriate software and ODB interface cable - almost like an AUTO-TAP scanner) that will read/save the existing tune, then temporarily install the factory tune to get through the emissions test? (I'm sure the answer to this last question is "yes") I imagine these "tunes" are just data files, maybe I can buy the factory tune from one of the custom tune vendors.

Once again, thank you all for the replies. Learning about and fixing the MM has been nearly as much fun as driving it!

Joe

[RF Overlord]

Joe, you're in luck.

The actual tunes are stored in the 9100 itself. The "little black box" is nothing more than a power-inserter that runs the 9100 from the wall-wart, so you can upload tunes into the 9100 from a laptop without having to plug it in to the car. The 9100 is normally powered by the DLC (Data Link Connector), aka the OBD-II port.

The stock "original" tune should be in the 9100 now. What you'll do is plug the 9100 into the DLC with the correct cable (not the one with the power-inserter) and the unit should power up. Follow the on-screen instructions and it will allow you to return the stock tune to the PCM. After you get the inspection crapola dealt with, simply follow the same procedure and your "performance" tune will be re-loaded back into the PCM and you should be good to go.

[justbob]

Seems to me a lot of people failing new revised tests lately.. I am also worried as this is a testing year for me :(. I noticed all the readiness tests on the form for the Escort and immediately thought "not good....." :alone: Revised tune or back to stock for a few days. Need to get the blower powder coated anywho.

[tbone]

My Z tune passed recently, no problemo.

[rayjay]

I have the same tuner, without the extra power cord. You are probably going to have to drive the required number of miles (150-175 IIRC), crazy sequences that Ford has developed once you return it to stock. Its quite a simple process, but resets all the sensors. I put almost 200 miles on mine last July after the return to stock and still only had 4 of 5 required parameters working. That is good enough to pass here.

[Chevyguy]

In MA it used to be that OBDII cars were just plugged in and checked for error codes, recently they have added checking for disabled sensors (which can happen with a tune).

I don't think my tune does this, but I load the stock tune and drive it for a week before going in for the inspection sticker.

Welcome to my problem in 2010 with my Vic. They flagged me for a retest at the MAC (motorist assistance center). I figured that I did not want to show up there with my "tampering chip"

Had to pull my chip and run a Vic 70mm MAF and all was good....

Except then I found out I had a toasted DPFE, fixed that and all good.

[joecool240]

RF Overlord (and everyone else who has replied), thank you again, especially for the info on my 9100 SCT tuner that came with the car.

I looked inside the "little black box" with the cables and power adapter (wall wart) - there is an integrated circuit on a circuit board and what looks like a voltage regulator transistor. I also found the receipt from the original owners purchase of the black box, which was purchased in Nov 2004 from none other than Reinhart Automotive in Florida (surprise!). The reciept states: "cable with modified program MAV2". (seems I've read about MAV2 tunes on this site)

I can go one of two ways here:
1) Try to restore the stock tune using my 9100 SCT tuner, get the car inspected, then reload the MAV2 tune, (possible risk of messing something up) or
2) Call Dennis Reinhart and buy a more modern tuner with a MAV2 program thats enables the I/M monitors needed for NJ state emissions inspection. (low risk of messing something up, one fix and done)

I don't mind spending some $$$ for option 2 and do this right.

What say you? Thank you for your advice. Joe

BTW, I found my NJ state inspection paperwork from 2009 - at that time NJ was only checking there were no codes present. All the I/M monitors on the form were grayed out and marked "unused". (you guys where right on the mark about why I passed two years ago!)

[Chevyguy]

My SCT chip was also from Dennis mid 2004 vintage. This installed directly on the PCM diagnostic port.

[1stMerc]

Even if you do get an updated tuner, you still have to return the car to stock with the old one before you use the new one. Otherwise the current tune will load into the tuner as the stock tune. I'd say call Dennis, he'll work with you to get it right.

[rayjay]

My SCT chip was also from Dennis mid 2004 vintage. This installed directly on the PCM diagnostic port.

I had no inspection issues when I ran the chip. I switched to a 9100 I purchased from a Member here upon installing the 4.10 gears. It had the tune and was dyno tuned for the same bolt ons I have. This issue may or may not be able to be tuned out, DR will know. Its worth calling him. As I stated previously I just detune the car, very simple process that the tuner guides you through, then DD it for 175-200 miles to reset all the sensors. This has worked for the last two years.
The PRNY requires yearly emissions tests. We might kill the cows up here using the required boozegas, in a rural area, where cows out number people, ya know :shake: actually they wazzu us for the money yearly, period... I just had to reregister my car and my colon still hurts.

Can we say another family selling out and moving out of state? Taking my pension with me. Screw the PRNY, I'm sick of their communist ideals, laws and disregard of the Federal Constitution and Bill of Rights.

[RF Overlord]

Ray, tell us how you really feel...

Joe, you don't need a more modern tuner...the 9100 will work fine for your purpose. Since Dennis saves all his tunes, you should be able to call him and he can modify the tune to enable the monitors and then email it to you. You would then put the new tune on your 9100 and install it in the car. That way you don't have to go through the whole loading and unloading thing every year. Call him...

[CBT]

Ray for President!!! :beer:



I had no inspection issues when I ran the chip. I switched to a 9100 I purchased from a Member here upon installing the 4.10 gears. It had the tune and was dyno tuned for the same bolt ons I have. This issue may or may not be able to be tuned out, DR will know. Its worth calling him. As I stated previously I just detune the car, very simple process that the tuner guides you through, then DD it for 175-200 miles to reset all the sensors. This has worked for the last two years.
The PRNY requires yearly emissions tests. We might kill the cows up here using the required boozegas, in a rural area, where cows out number people, ya know :shake: actually they wazzu us for the money yearly, period... I just had to reregister my car and my colon still hurts.

Can we say another family selling out and moving out of state? Taking my pension with me. Screw the PRNY, I'm sick of their communist ideals, laws and disregard of the Federal Constitution and Bill of Rights.

[rayjay]

Ray, tell us how you really feel...

Joe, you don't need a more modern tuner...the 9100 will work fine for your purpose. Since Dennis saves all his tunes, you should be able to call him and he can modify the tune to enable the monitors and then email it to you. You would then put the new tune on your 9100 and install it in the car. That way you don't have to go through the whole loading and unloading thing every year. Call him...

Hmmm, I wonder what Dennis would charge me to redo my 9100? Joe let me know how you make out. At a projected $5.50 a gallon I really don't want to just waste fuel to reset the damn sensors.

[jstevens]

Aawww, come on Ray. I'm sure the gas companies aren't making much profit out of this, or are they? Frick'en bastards.

[joecool240]

All,

Other than the 4.10 MAV2 tune that I beleive is in the car now (done presumably by the original owner sometime after Nov 2004), I can't imagine what else would have set all 11 I/M montiors to report "n/a".

I did read the 9100 tuner manual, and now understand that the original factory tune should be saved in the 9100 tuner, along with the 4.10 tune. Now that I understand what's going on, I will call or email Dennis in the next couple days (unless he picks up on this thread and replies). I think I will email him to view this thread when he gets a chance.

To be honest, I'm more than a little nervous about doing the tune change, (worried that it will go wrong and make the car not run at all), but I have to work the problem.

On a positive note, I have until the end of May to get the car reinspected. I was also worried about replacing the in-tank fuel pump myself, but with advice and guidance from this forum, it was easy with no problems!

Thanks - Joe

[Dennis Reinhart]

Need some help from my fellow MM enthusiasts. Bought my 04 in April 2009 (46k miles). Took it for NJ state inspection in 2009 and it passed the first time. The NJ emissions test is was done by plugging in to OBD-II monitoring system (versus actual tailpipe sniff). Today I took the car for its 2011 two year annual inspection. To my surprise, it failed emissions. The man said he was not reading on any of the 11 I/M emissions monitors. I did change the battery before Christmas, and haven't driven the car much (maybe only 3-4 trips around town). I figured I didn't drive it enough to set the I/M monitors, so today I drove the car all over (highway, local, etc) for about 50 miles. When I got home, I plugged in both my ACTRON scan tools. Both tools said the emission monitors were "ready", but both scan tools also showed all 11 I/M monitors as "n/a". I expected maybe some to say incomplete. I tried the scanners on another car and they are fine reading the I/M's. The car runs perfect with NO current or pending fault codes. Car has a slight tunes from the prior owner (I think it was for the 4.10 rear gear change), but has already passed an OBD-II I/M test in 2009, so nothing has changed in the PCM. Any thoughts? Should I just drive some more, or disconnect the battery and start over again? I haven't even drive the car more than 1000 miles in the past 2 years (it's a fair weather queen). :mad2:

Thanks for any advice and sharing your expertise/experience.

Joe

This is a simple fix email me a list of all your mods I will email a new file ;)

[rayjay]

All,

Other than the 4.10 MAV2 tune that I beleive is in the car now (done presumably by the original owner sometime after Nov 2004), I can't imagine what else would have set all 11 I/M montiors to report "n/a".

I did read the 9100 tuner manual, and now understand that the original factory tune should be saved in the 9100 tuner, along with the 4.10 tune. Now that I understand what's going on, I will call or email Dennis in the next couple days (unless he picks up on this thread and replies). I think I will email him to view this thread when he gets a chance.

To be honest, I'm more than a little nervous about doing the tune change, (worried that it will go wrong and make the car not run at all), but I have to work the problem.

On a positive note, I have until the end of May to get the car reinspected. I was also worried about replacing the in-tank fuel pump myself, but with advice and guidance from this forum, it was easy with no problems!

Thanks - Joe

Very simple to do. Leave the keys out of the ignition and plug in the tuner to the OBD2 port under the steering column. Then just follow the directions on the tuner screen. Its that simple. I forgot, the instructions say to pull the fuel pump fuse 1st. Some people say do it, some say it doesn't matter. I do it because its simple.

[rayjay]

This is a simple fix email me a list of all your mods I will email a new file ;)
Dennis, does your file tell the DMV computer that all is well? I learned this all the hard way when I received a call from the dealership stating that when they plugged in to do the OBDII test the DMV computer stated the ECU was not present at all.

[Chevyguy]

I had no inspection issues when I ran the chip. I switched to a 9100 I purchased from a Member here upon installing the 4.10 gears. It had the tune and was dyno tuned for the same bolt ons I have. This issue may or may not be able to be tuned out, DR will know. Its worth calling him. As I stated previously I just detune the car, very simple process that the tuner guides you through, then DD it for 175-200 miles to reset all the sensors. This has worked for the last two years.
The PRNY requires yearly emissions tests. We might kill the cows up here using the required boozegas, in a rural area, where cows out number people, ya know :shake: actually they wazzu us for the money yearly, period... I just had to reregister my car and my colon still hurts.

Can we say another family selling out and moving out of state? Taking my pension with me. Screw the PRNY, I'm sick of their communist ideals, laws and disregard of the Federal Constitution and Bill of Rights.

I passed inspection from 2005 - 2009, the OBD-II equipment they used must have been upgraded along the way and the state started flagging cars which show NOT SUPPORTED for too many things like catalyst monitors, EVAP and EGR

[RacerX]

Probably rear O2 banks off, rear O2 heaters off and a few other sensors that can be turned on without any problems and you'll pass a-ok. Dennis will take care of it! :beer:
At least I can write my own tunes now to make inspection problems a breeze!

[burt ragio]

Someone call Vinie he can get us new inspection stickers when needed. I will start making the Raviolis Spaghetti & Maetballs. You can bring the red wine. We can have a party.

[wickedmerc]

Back in January, my MM failed NJ inspection with the same results (11 sensors came back unsupported). I left my SCT tune active in the car for the inspection :shake:. I used the tuner to set tune back to stock, drove about 50 miles over 3 days and got reinspected....pass. Car ran like crap during that time, but tune reinstalled right afterwards and life is good.

[RF Overlord]

I forgot, the instructions say to pull the fuel pump fuse 1st. Some people say do it, some say it doesn't matter. I do it because its simple.It's only necessary if you have a return-style fuel system. Pulling the fuse stops the pump from running the whole time and possibly running the battery down during the data transfer. The Marauder is returnless so the fuel pump doesn't run when the engine isn't running.

[rayjay]

It's only necessary if you have a return-style fuel system. Pulling the fuse stops the pump from running the whole time and possibly running the battery down during the data transfer. The Marauder is returnless so the fuel pump doesn't run when the engine isn't running.

Thanks RF!

[Shaijack]

I really feel for you guys and the testing that is done to your cars for the sticker. In Louisiana we pay $10.00 and the guy puts on a new sticker. We call it a brake tag here. If you know that right person he will bring it to your house for $20.00.

[Dennis Reinhart]

I spoke to Joe today and I will be taking care of this, he has the old blue 9100, and I am sending him a new Xcal three with a new revised file.:beer:

[joecool240]

Wow, I just logged in to tell everyone that I just spoke to Dennis and that he is fixing me up, but he beat me to the proverbial "post". Dennis was trying to help me load the needed tune into my old 9100, but I suggested to make this easy and foolproof for me, just send me the modern Xcal3 tuner. Done. Thank you Dennis, you are a gentleman.

Soon I hope to be posting a picture of my brand new PASSED two year NJ inspection sticker, touting my victory over the auto emissions police. LOL

Regards, Joe

[joecool240]

So far, so good on fixing my I/M monitors problem that cause my MM to fail inspection.
This afternoon I used the original SCT 9100 to put the stock tune back in the car. (I must admit I was nervous as hell that I would do something wrong that would leave the car unable to run, but it was easy, with no problems) I plugged in my ACTRON scanner and now the required I/M monitors were now showing available, with some already showing OK. I'll drive the car until all the monitors show OK, then I'll get the car re-inspected.

By then I should have the new Xcal3 tuner Dennis is sending with the 4:10 tune with I/M monitors turned on. The Xcal3 will again save the stock tune, install the new tune, and problem solved. I will keep you posted of the ongoing progress.

Sincere thanks to everyone for their outstanding help in solving this problem. Joe

[Richy04]

Joe, that is the case, I have a tune and the last inspection it passed in NJ. This year I had a second inspection and the guys face looked like this>>>:eek:<<< He showed me the paper and it had exactly what you had, turned off sensors reading N/A, instant fail!! You must reload the stock tune, drive it around for a few days and bring it back. I reloaded my tune in the lot when I was leaving and tested it to make sure it took... lol

[joecool240]

All - an update:

After loading the stock tune from the old blue SCT 9100 tuner I got from the original owner, the required I/M monitors were now enabled. After a couple days driving they were all "OK", and my 04 quickly passed NJ inspection. (Note that NJ only tests emissions and gas caps every two years, nothing else. My car could have had no stop lights and bald tires and I would have passed inspection ! ! ! :()

I got a new Xcal3 from Dennis R with a new tune (for the 4:10 gears) with the I/M monitors enabled. I installed the new tune, and all is well. The only thing I noticed with the new tune is the 1-2 shift happens at about 2500-3000 RPM, even with very "gentle" throttle. I'm not suggesting this is a problem, it's just different from the original 4:10 tune.

Once again, thanks to everyone for working me through replacing the in-tank fuel pump (last year), and now the missing I/M monitors problems.

Almost more than driving my MM, I enjoy reading everyone's posts, especially SHOP TALK. I've been archiving the information from many of the SHOP TALK threads for future reference.

Regards to all friends of the mm.net forum . . .
Joe (West Berlin, NJ) :beer:

[Dennis Reinhart]

I am glad I could help, and if you want me to adjust any thing, just give me a call it is free.;)

[Baaad GN]

Dennis saves another Marauder!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!

[joecool240]

Thanks Dennis . . . I want to drive the car a little more and get the feel of your "premfuel410" tune. My MM isn't my daily driver, only an occasional good weather ride. I'll be in touch if necessary. I'm happy I stepped up to the modern Xcal3 tuner from you. Very cool.

Off to :snoopy: now . . .

Joe