Hi!
I'm having a hard time getting a smog check. The stations don't even want to try, because the pre-test OBDII reader shows that my O2 Heater Sensor is not ready.
History:
Day my smog was due, car battery was dead-dead (had been stored awhile). AAA installed a new battery. Smog center told me I needed to drive more before smogging.
I performed 10 drive cycles over about 3 weeks (per the Chrysler Drive Cycle recommendations), but it still wouldn't clear.
Took it to a Star Repair Station. He ran the P-codes, and there were two: one indicating the battery had been disconnected (duh), and one P0218, High Temperature. Since I'd just driven over a high mountain pass in 100 degree temps, he said that was the reason.
He thought AAA may have damaged the Battery Temperature Sensor recommended replacing. $100 later, he said do more drive cycles and come back. He also cleared codes to see if the High Temperature code would re-trigger (it hasn't).
More driving, still wasn't ready, same O2 Heater. My reg. mechanic told me to get a new battery, that AAA stinks. So I got an Interstate battery, drove another week. No luck. Same O2 Heater monitor won't clear.
Went online, turns out a service bulletin was issued in 2007 for the 2005-2006 Jeeps - same problem. It's on the EPA list too, with a fix.
Spent a full day at the Jeep Dealer, having the fix applied. After they said "We don't know if it worked, and we may have made it worse". Now EVAP monitor also doesn't clear. But "You just need more drive cycles".
I drove 100+ miles (varying conditions, cold starts). EVAP and O2 Sensor Heater still Not Ready.
I drove 200 miles today. Tomorrow I go to a new STAR test station. If I still don't pass, any ideas?
CEL is off, Jeep Dealer says car is just fine. One thing...air conditioner nob is broken so it won't turn off (I can change it to heat). Would that have anything to with the O2 Sensor Heater? Everyone says no, but...?
Thanks!
Allison
