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2013 Equinox unable to connect to scanner or emissions computer to obd port

63 views 2 replies 2 participants last post by  repairman54  
#1 ·
I luckily haven't had to ask anything on here about our 2013 2.4l Equinox LTZ fwd since we bought it new, but I can't get the emissions test run on it. It has 128k miles and I took it in and they tried to run the tests, with no success. I was able to read codes several weeks ago when it threw the check engine light for a p0420 due to oil burning. It uses 2-3 quarts every 5k miles. I did have an issue a few years ago where the emissions computer plug had to be held in place on the port for it to read, but that was just one time and I don't see any damage to the pins. I've checked the obd fuse and it has power to #16 on the port. There is no current check engine light and it runs perfectly normal. I did have to change the timing (and balance shaft) chains after this issue arose since one of the guides just broke loose, but it all went back together just fine. So I'm thinking, bad wires to the obd port, or is there something else that could block the communication? License plate has expired and I really don't want to take it to the dealer, especially if it's something simple. Thanks!
 
#2 ·
Update. Apparently there must have been a problem with the emissions testing location computer or who knows. The dealer was able to read it, and pull 3 codes they said were current. P016, P017 and P0420, in their service drive, so no charge. AutoZone also pulled those same codes and their reader said it was not emissions ready due to those codes. So I bought a different scanner to look into it in more detail, and that scanner said it was ready for the emissions test, zero codes. Took it to another shop and it passed no issues. Now it has never displayed the check engine light except for during start up ever since the timing chain was replaced. It was on briefly the last time I ran the engine before tearing it down. So the codes must have been stored codes from before the repair and NOT current codes. Thankfully, a potentially expensive problem was averted, but are the dealer and parts stores trying to scam people into buying parts and service? They were happy to take a look for a $220 diagnosis fee.
 
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#3 ·
After any repair codes should be cleared so if any issues remain they will show up. And customer should be advised that vehicle needs to be driven at least a couple hundred miles so emissions monitors self test and reset.
That's how its been for 20 years for any brand of vehicle.
 
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