For Chevy Silverado owners, navigating emissions testing can sometimes bring confusion, especially when dealing with OBD2 readiness monitors. Many drivers might encounter situations where they expect OBD2 codes but find none, yet their vehicle isn’t passing the smog check. This often revolves around the concept of “readiness monitors” and “drive cycles.”
Modern vehicles, including the Chevy Silverado, utilize a series of self-tests known as “drive cycles” to ensure all emission control systems are functioning correctly. These tests are reflected in your OBD2 system as “I/M Readiness” monitors. Using a basic OBD2 reader, you can check the status of these monitors, which include tests for systems like the catalytic converter, oxygen sensors, and EVAP (Evaporative Emission Control) system. Completing these drive cycles, which can take several trips and varied driving conditions, sets these monitors to “ready.”
However, emissions testing regulations often allow for some monitors to be incomplete, particularly for newer vehicles. For Chevy Silverado models from the year 2000 and newer, including your 2013 truck, the EVAP monitor is often permitted to be in a “not ready” state and still pass inspection. This is crucial because the EVAP monitor can be notoriously difficult to set. As long as other critical monitors are ready, and especially if you drive a newer Silverado, an incomplete EVAP monitor should not cause a smog check failure in many locations. Always verify the specific emissions testing guidelines in your region to ensure compliance and avoid unnecessary troubleshooting.
