I know a CEL is an automatic failure, but what about a "pending" code? I bought the air pump CEL delete and it does keep the CEL from coming on, but I always have an underlying "pending" code.

 

when you go for testing, they check for "readyness". there is 7-9 tests your ecu is checking for, and if you don't pass all of them, you will get a CEL, if you reset it just before you go, the computer won't have enough time to run its tests (takes almost 100 miles) and they will tell you to go drive it some more.
so the question stands, what do you mean by "pending code"? if you know it will pop back up in 20-80 miles then no, you won't pass.

 

Readiness monitors are set and there is no CEL. If you scan the ECU it will show a "pending" P0410 stored in memory, but the CEL never comes on. I am wondering if this just keeps the CEL from coming on rather than solving the root problem. I think they do a tampering test where they command the CEL to come on, I just don't want to run into an issue like that.

 

I would say just try going to emissions and see what happens. If your readiness codes are completed and passed and not MIL is on you should be able to go through especialy since you are in tucson. PHX not to sure

 

When I reset my codes, the pending goes away too.

 

I don't know if its similar to you, but my Subaru passed with a "stored" code for a bad O2 sensor.

 

+1, if all readyness is set and no CEL, you are set.

 

Alright, I'll give it a try and see how it goes.

 

Yes, if you clear a MIL (check engine light) all readiness codes clear. They only run and complete under certain conditions which is why sometimes it can take a day or 2-3 to pass them or enough of them to run through emissions.

 

After further review, the air pump delete completely disables the MIL. It doesn't even light up when the key is first turned to "on". I am pretty sure they try to turn it on during testing for a tampering check, someone please verify if you know for sure.