Computer relearn time?

[Achene_tx]

I have a 96 T&C that had a check engine light that stayed on. The van was running good so I ignored it. Well when it came time for our local inspection (Houston, Texas) so I had my upstream 02 senor changed out and my check engine light has turned off, but when I go to the inspection point I keep failing because of the following.

I failed the following before I changed out the upstream OČ sensor.
Fault Code P0134
Evap Not ready
OČ Sens Htr Not ready
EGR Sys Not Ready
Catalyst Not Ready

Now I fail the following AFTER I changed out the upstream OČ sensor.

Heater Catalyst Status Not Available
Evaporative Status Not Complete
Secondary Air Status Not Available
AC Status Not Available


I disconnected my battery just shortly before having the OČ sensor changed, the error code I am getting the following error codes when I turn my ignition off-on, off-on, off-on:

12 (battery recently disconnected)
31 (evaporator error)
55 (end of codes)

The guy that changed out my OČ senor says that I will need to put a couple of hundred miles on the van for the computer to relearn.. I have sense put 200 miles on my van but still no change when I do the ignition off-on, off-on, off-on thing. Any suggestion will be appreciated.

Does anyone know how long it takes for the computer to totally relearn?

Achene_Tx

[96Grand]

MIL CODE 31:

EVAP PURGE FLOW MONITOR FAILURE
EVAP PURGE SOLENOID CIRCUIT
EVAP SYSTEM GROSS LEAK
EVAP SYSTEM OBSTRUCTION
EVAP SYSTEM SMALL LEAK
LEAK DETECTION PUMP PRESSURE SWITCH
LEAK DETECTION PUMP SOLENOID CIRCUIT

It could be any of the above.

Have the shop test & troubleshoot the EVAP SYSTEM for the problem, or if you plan on doing it yourself, I can post detailed instructions for testing all of the above.

If the mechanic replaced the O2 Sensor instead of testing the Evap System to find the problem, he must not be too bright. That sensor may not have been bad. I would "never" go to a mechanic who just makes guesses. It's either that he wasn't smart enough or that he was ripping you off. Either way, I would be smart w/ where you take your vehicle.

Here is are a few links below to help w/ the diagnosis, if necessary.

[mcmotors]

Your mechanic just used the wrong words, Readyness is what he was trying to explain, but most likely did not take the time in details. Any OBD 2 car goes thru a self testing process every so often, such as pressurizing the fuel tank, comparing values between front a reaar ox 2 sensors to determine how well the catalytic converter is working, etc,etc. The ECU (PCM some call it) stores that information on a memory board that erases if the battery is disconnected.Therefore for that information to be "available" again you must wait for those test to be completed again. It usually take a good 1 hour of driving. Only then can a "smog test" be performed as the Smog machine will reject any obd 2 vehicle that is not ready.
If after an hour drive or so, it still gives you codes or "not Ready" messages, something is wrong with the "anti pollution" system, and shoul be diagnosed properly. The most comon problem with evaporative system codes are
1: Fuel cap not sealing (replace or tighten fuel cap)
2: Cracked hoses near purge valve (replace hoses)
If you drive only "short" drives after a battery disconnect it will take longer for the "self test" or "monitoring" to be ready. You should drive for about 1 hour, without turning off the engine.

[Achene_tx]

Hey guys I just wanted to say thanks for the help.. I changed out the Purge canister and the EGR valve, (I know, shot gunning) but time was not on my side and I did get the van running good enough to pass the emissions test, although I still get a 31 code. At least now I can work on the van at my leisure and drive around without being in fear of being pulled over.

Thanks again. Achene_Tx