my VW Beetle won't pass the state emissions test

[solshine]

I have taken my 2003 VW Beetle to my mechanic several times due to the check engine light being which is preventing it from passing the Tennessee state emissions test. He keeps resetting it and telling me that I have to drive the car around for a certain amount of time in order for the computer system in the car to "reset itself" so that it will pass the emissions test. The check engine light keeps coming back on and he tells me that once the computer system has reset itself, the light will turn itself off. This sounds like a load of bull to me, and I am trying to avoid having to take it to the dealership. Can anyone give me any advice / insight? Thanks much.

[golfzex]

Originally Posted by solshine

I have taken my 2003 VW Beetle to my mechanic several times due to the check engine light being which is preventing it from passing the Tennessee state emissions test. He keeps resetting it and telling me that I have to drive the car around for a certain amount of time in order for the computer system in the car to "reset itself" so that it will pass the emissions test. The check engine light keeps coming back on and he tells me that once the computer system has reset itself, the light will turn itself off. This sounds like a load of bull to me, and I am trying to avoid having to take it to the dealership. Can anyone give me any advice / insight? Thanks much.

Im not sure about TN but here in maryland if you spend more then $300 on the car they will give you a waver until the next test(2 years).

If you want to reset your ECU you can just disconnect your battery for a min or so and then reconnect. Then start the car and let it idle while you set your time and radio code. Then take a drive and see if the CEL comes back.

[omfg]

How about getting the car fixed so the cel doesn't come on...

[goldchemist]

As you'll see in my posts, I've got two vehicles that will not pass because of the same EVAP code. I've checked the EVAP systems, changed the gas caps on both vehicles and spent at least $250 on each to try to fix them, they still won't pass. My next option is to spend $1039.00 at the dealer (I did take it there and get an official estimate). The Inspection waiver has become an option because fixing this little 'check engine light' problem has become a pain. I copied below from the NY DMV website:

"Inspection Waiver. A vehicle that is required to have the OBDII inspection can qualify for a waiver if:

The vehicle fails the OBDII inspection, but passes the safety inspection, the gas cap check, and the visual inspection of the emission control devices, and
The vehicle receives repairs that are related to the failure of the OBDII inspection and the cost of the repairs is at least $450, and
The vehicle does not pass the OBDII inspection during a reinspection.
The waiver is valid for one year."

Definitely change your gas cap, it's cheap and it's the first suggestion when EVAP is in question.
Good luck.