My 2003 PT Cruiser Turbo won't pass inspection because the catalyst & evap sensors "not ready"... how can I remedy this?

Asked by Camille Dec 03, 2012 at 03:55 PM about the 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser GT Wagon FWD

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

My 2003 PT Cruiser Turbo won't pass inspection because the catalyst & evap sensors "not ready"... I've
driven it for over 400 miles!! How can I remedy this?

5 Answers

2,245

Did you just buy the car? I don't understand that you've driven it for over 400 miles. If you just bought it, the owner has to get the car smogged before you can register it in your name.

I call it mine - cuz I am planning to buy it, just haven't purchased it yet. But I have done so much research and it seems that the on board computer is the next thing to change out. The car drives and rives great... it's just that both sensors can't be "not ready" at the same time... it's one or the other but not both.

14,905

sure they can not be ready at the same time, i had cars that had to be driven well over 1000, miles....do not go changing computers, the best way to make them set is to drive them in the city, the highway prevents it from heating up, as the high speeds cools the cats down, and they need to get to temperature before it will. there is no set in mileage as to when the sensor acknowledges temp.

2 people found this helpful.
2,245

Try John's suggestion. Just don't buy the car until your issue is resolved. As to the 2 "not ready" indicators can not be on at the same time. My answer is: I've worked with computers for 40+ years. If it's a computer related problem, anything is possible.

60,305

for evap to run the car usually needs to be cruising at a steady highway speed. The catalyst monitor being not ready can mean the heater in the o2 never heats up, or other poblems. Jumping to the computer this soon is a little drastic. The evap isnt a "sensor", it's a system. There is a purge valve that may not be working. Or maybe the computer isnt getting power when the car is off to keep the memory. Unless your getting a killer deal I would just find something else.

Your Answer:

PT Cruiser

Looking for a Used PT Cruiser in your area?

CarGurus has 8 nationwide PT Cruiser listings starting at $7,950.

Postal Code:

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Kelly Little Ashford
    Reputation
    4,400
  • #2
    Gypsy Rose
    Reputation
    3,290
  • #3
    docwade931
    Reputation
    2,760
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Toyota Corolla
150 Great Deals out of 2,284 listings starting at $2,699
Used Volkswagen Beetle
12 Great Deals out of 185 listings starting at $1,495
Used Chrysler Crossfire
13 listings starting at $6,990
Used Chrysler Sebring
30 listings starting at $5,977
Used Chrysler Town & Country
7 Great Deals out of 114 listings starting at $3,900
Used Chrysler Prowler
1 listings starting at $49,988
Used Toyota Avalon
3 Great Deals out of 38 listings starting at $6,995
Used Chevrolet Corvette
24 Great Deals out of 667 listings starting at $10,989
Used Chevrolet Colorado
37 Great Deals out of 1,211 listings starting at $4,995
Used Ford Fiesta
6 Great Deals out of 178 listings starting at $4,300
Used Honda Accord
52 Great Deals out of 997 listings starting at $2,995
Used Toyota Camry
52 Great Deals out of 1,161 listings starting at $4,594
Used Toyota Camry Solara
18 listings starting at $4,990

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.