went to take my 02 in for va state emissions. the texh connected the obd2 scanner, and even though I am not throwing any CELs, the scanner IS picking up P1456/evap. The only mods I have on are: 2ndary air pump bypass (pump disconnected from engine/blocked off, but the solenoid is still connected under the bumper), and the prev owner indicated the CAT was punched out. I tend to believe that since the O2 sensor is connected via two anti spark plug fowler thingys.

Again, there is no CEL lamp currently on. I know the CEL works bc once about 4 months ago, I didnt put the gas cap on tight.

I'm looking for some guidance here. I know you arent supposed to clear the ecu to make a CEL go away, but since I dont have a CEL, should I attempt to clear the ecu, in hopes it wipes the stored code as well? I am mechanically capable, but I really dont know where to go from here. Any guidance is appreciated.

 

Sounds like the tech is looking at past codes stored in memory. Find someone with a code reader that can erase stored codes so you can maintain your readyness checks

 

Starch, resetting the ECU should do the same thing, correct?

 

Yes but I believe you will also reset your readiness indicators

 

P1456 is a TWO trip code. Meaning it needs to fail (the evaporative monitor test) two consecutive trips to trip the CEL.

The guy should be able to tell you the code status:

1-active/failed this trip/commanding CEL on

2-pending/failed last trip, but not this current trip (not commanding CEL on)

3-historic/happened over two trips ago

Not sure the rules in your state, but in NY it will only fail status 1......2 and 3 you will pass.

If he can't tell you this, then he is looking to rip you off/incompetent or both. Go elsewhere.

First place to look is the gas cap is threading all the way down (it is common for the threads to bind before the seal contacts, and the cap clicks before it seals)

If your code is historic, just reset the ECU. Plan a day of highway cruise at sustained speed for a good 5 solid minutes, and some around town driving for all monitors to be made ready for inspection.

There is a SIMPLE home procedure for checking if all montitors are ready (ready for inspection also) just search. No tools needed.