Moderator note: this post has been edited, placing the section below, in RED font, in the correct position. Step 7 has also been corrected with the proper conditions. All of the: IMPORTANT " and "CAUTION " have been put in the correct position.

I finally found out why I could not get the EVAP test to run on my 2011 LT 2.2L.

Turns out the "drive cycle" was changed from 2009-2010.

for 2009 & before:

2009 Chevrolet HHR LT
OBD-II Readiness Monitors GM - 2.2L (LAP) & 2.4L (LE5) - 2006-09
Sunday, May 04, 201 2014 3:467:0336 PM Page 1 © 2011 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.


CONDITIONS FOR MEETING A COLD START
􀁺 The ignition voltage between 11-18 volts.
􀁺 The barometric pressure (BARO) is more than 75 kPa.
􀁺 The start-up engine coolant temperature (ECT) is between 4-30°C (39-86°F).
􀁺 The start-up intake air temperature (IAT) is between 4-30°C (39-86°F).
􀁺 The difference between the IAT and the ECT is less than 6°C (10.8°F)
􀁺 The ambient air temperature is between 4-30°C (39-86°F).
􀁺 The fuel level is between 15-85 percent.
􀁺 Vehicle has NOT been refueled since the last cold start ignition cycle.
CIRCUIT/SYSTEM VERIFICATION
Review the I/M System Status indicators. All I/M System Status indicators should report YES.
INSPECTION/MAINTENANCE (I/M) SYSTEM SET PROCEDURE

IMPORTANT: Whenever the ignition is turned ON, ignition positive voltage is supplied
to the heated oxygen sensor (HO2S) heaters. After verifying the enable
criteria, turn OFF the ignition for approximately 5 minutes to allow the
sensors to cool before continuing with the test. Once the engine is
started, do NOT turn the engine OFF for the remaining portion of the set
procedure.

1. Ensure that the vehicle meets the conditions for a cold start listed above.
􀁻 If the evaporative emission (EVAP) I/M System Status indicator displays NO, perform the EVAP
Service bay test if applicable.
􀁻 If the EVAP Service Bay Test is NOT available, it may take up to 6 drive cycles, with up to 17
hours between drive cycles, for the EVAP I/M System Status indicator to transition to YES.
􀁻 If the O2S Heater System Status indicator displays NO, ensure that the ignition has been turned
OFF for at least 10 hours.
2. Turn OFF all accessories; HVAC system, other electrical loads, including aftermarket/add-on equipment,
etc.
3. Set the vehicle parking brake and ensure the vehicle is in park for automatic transmission or neutral for
manual transmission.
4. Turn the ignition ON with the engine OFF for 1 minute.
5. Start and idle the engine for 2 minutes and until 65°C (149°F) is achieved.
6. Run the engine for 8 minutes within the following conditions:
􀁺 MAF parameter between 4-30 g/s
􀁺 Engine speed steady between 1,000-3,000 RPM
7. Apply and hold brake pedal, and shift to Drive for automatic, or apply clutch pedal for manual and
operate the vehicle within the following conditions for 2 minutes:
(Note: this is not driving the vehicle)
􀁺 Mass air flow (MAF) signal between 4-30 g/s
􀁺 RPM steady between 1,200-1,500 RPM

IMPORTANT: Do NOT touch the accelerator pedal during the idle period. A change in
throttle position (TP) Sensor angle or an increase in engine speed may
invalidate this portion of the test.
8. Release the accelerator pedal and allow the engine to idle for 2 minutes.

CAUTION: Refer to Road Test Caution .
9. Release the parking brake and drive vehicle at 24 km/h (15 mph) or slower for 2 minutes.
10. Continue to drive the vehicle for at least 5.5 miles between 45-112 km/h (28-70 mph) with the vehicle
reaching at least 80 km/h (50 mph).
11. Safely stop the vehicle, apply the parking brake and shift to Park for automatic, or Neutral and release
clutch pedal for manual.

IMPORTANT: Do NOT disturb the vehicle or turn ON the ignition until told to do so.
Disturbing the vehicle may invalidate this portion of the test.
2009 Chevrolet HHR LT
12. Turn OFF the ignition and exit the vehicle. Do NOT disturb the vehicle for 45 minutes.
13. Observe the I/M System Status with a scan tool. All of the I/M System Status indicators should display
YES.
􀁻 If the EVAP I/M System Status indicator displays NO turn OFF the ignition for 17 hours, ensure
that the vehicle meets the conditions for a cold start, and repeat steps 10-13 six more times, or until
the EVAP I/M System Status indicator transitions to YES. If the indicator continues to display NO,
refer to the INSPECTION/MAINTENANCE (I/M) SYSTEM DTC TABLE to identify the
DTCs that did not run.
􀁻 If any of the I/M System Status indicators display NO, refer to the INSPECTION/MAINTENANCE
(I/M) SYSTEM DTC TABLE for the indicator which did not display YES. The I/M System DTC Table
identifies the DTCs associated with each I/M System Status Indicator.



OBD-II Readiness Monitors GM - 2.2L (LAP) & 2.4L (LE5) - 2006-09
Sunday, May 04, 2014 3:46:33 PM Page 2 © 2011 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.

 

for 2010 & beyond:

CONDITIONS FOR MEETING A COLD START
�� The ignition voltage between 11-18 V.
�� The barometric pressure is more than 75 kPa (10.9 psi).
�� The start-up engine coolant temperature is between 4-30°C (39-86°F).
�� The start-up intake air temperature is between 4-30°C (39-86°F).
�� The difference between the IAT and the ECT is less than or equal to 6°C (43°F).
�� The ambient air temperature is between 4-30°C (39-86°F).
�� The fuel level is between 15-85 %.
CIRCUIT/SYSTEM VERIFICATION
Review the inspection/maintenance system status indicators with a scan tool. All I/M system status indicators
should report YES, and no I/M Test DTCs should be present.
INSPECTION/MAINTENANCE SYSTEM SET PROCEDURE
1. Ensure that the vehicle meets the conditions for a cold start listed above.
2. The evaporative emission inspection/maintenance system status indicator should display YES.
�� If the inspection/maintenance system status indicator displays NO, perform the Service Bay Test, if
applicable. If the Service Bay Test is NOT available, it may take up to 6 drive cycles, with up to 17
h between drive cycles, for the inspection/maintenance system status indicator to transition to YES.
3. The O2S Heater inspection/maintenance system status indicator should display YES.
�� If the O2S Heater inspection/maintenance system status indicator displays NO, ensure that the
ignition has been turned OFF for at least 10 h.
4. Turn OFF all accessories; HVAC system, other electrical loads, including aftermarket/add-on equipment,
etc.
5. Set the vehicle parking brake and ensure the vehicle is in Park for automatic transmission or Neutral for
manual transmission.
6. Turn OFF all accessories; HVAC system, other electrical loads, including aftermarket/add-on equipment,
etc.
7. Start and idle the engine for at least 2 min and until 65°C (149°F) is achieved.
8. Run the engine for 6.5 min within the following conditions:
�� MAF parameter between 4-30 g/s
�� Engine speed steady between 1,000-3,000 RPM
9. Return the engine to idle for 1 minute.
NOTE: Whenever the ignition is turned ON, ignition positive voltage is supplied to
the heated oxygen sensor (HO2S) heaters. After verifying the enable
criteria, turn OFF the ignition for approximately 5 min to allow the sensors
to cool before continuing with the test. When the engine is started, DO
NOT turn the engine OFF for the remaining portion of the set procedure.
2010 Chevrolet HHR LT
OBD-II Readiness Monitors GM - 2.2L & 2.4L - 2010
Sunday, May 04, 201 2014 3:534:0449 PM Page 1 © 2011 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.
10. Apply and hold the brake pedal, and shift to Drive for automatic transmission, or apply the clutch pedal
for manual transmission and operate the vehicle within the following conditions for 2 min:
�� Depress the accelerator pedal until throttle position sensor angle is more than 2 %.
�� Mass air flow signal between 15-30 g/s
�� RPM steady between 1,200-2,000 RPM
11. Release the accelerator pedal and shift the vehicle to Park for automatic transmission, or Neutral and
release the clutch pedal for manual transmission, and allow the engine to idle for 2 min.
12. Quickly depress the accelerator pedal until throttle position sensor angle is more than 8 % and return to
idle, repeat 3 times.
13. Allow engine to idle for at least 2 min.
14. Release the parking brake and drive vehicle at 24 km/h (15 mph) or slower for 2 min.
15. Continue to drive the vehicle for at least 5.5 mi between 45-112 km/h (28-70 mph) with the vehicle
reaching at least 80 km/h (50 mph).
16. Release the accelerator pedal for at least 2 s. This will allow the vehicle to enter decel fuel cut-off.
17. Depress the accelerator pedal until the throttle position sensor angle is increased 3-20 % and maintain a
safe speed for 1 min.
18. Safely stop the vehicle, with the engine in Drive for automatic transmission or in Neutral with the clutch
pedal depressed and parking brake applied for manual transmission, idle for 2 min.
19. Shift to Park for automatic and apply the parking brake, or neutral and release clutch pedal for manual.
20. Turn OFF the ignition and exit the vehicle. Do NOT disturb the vehicle for 60 min.
21. Observe the Inspection/Maintenance System Status with a scan tool. All of the Inspection/Maintenance
System Status indicators should display YES.
�� If the evaporative emission Inspection/Maintenance System Status indicator displays NO, turn OFF
the ignition for 17 h, ensure that the vehicle meets the conditions for a cold start, and repeat steps
12-18 six more times, or until the evaporative emission Inspection/Maintenance System Status
indicator transitions to YES. If the indicator continues to display NO, refer to the
INSPECTION/MAINTENANCE SYSTEM DTC TABLE to identify the DTCs that did not run.
Follow the Conditions for Running the DTC in order to set the evaporative emission
Inspection/Maintenance System Status indicator
�� If any of the Inspection/Maintenance System Status display NO, refer to the
NOTE: DO NOT touch the accelerator pedal during the idle period. A change in
throttle position sensor angle or an increase in engine speed may
invalidate this portion of the test.
WARNING: Refer to Road Test Warning .
NOTE: DO NOT disturb the vehicle or turn ON the ignition until told to do so.
Disturbing the vehicle may invalidate this portion of the test.
2010 Chevrolet HHR LT
OBD-II Readiness Monitors GM - 2.2L & 2.4L - 2010
Sunday, May 04, 2014 3:53:49 PM Page 2 © 2011 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.
INSPECTION/MAINTENANCE SYSTEM DTC TABLE for the indicator which did not
display YES. The Inspection/Maintenance System DTC Table identifies the DTCs associated with
each Inspection/Maintenance System Status Indicator. Follow the Conditions for Running the DTC
in order to set the associated status indicator.
22. Observe the I/M Test DTC information with a scan tool. Verify there are no I/M Test DTCs present.
�� If an I/M Test DTC is set, diagnose the DTC using the Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List -
Vehicle and refer to INSPECTION/MAINTENANCE SYSTEM CHECK for clearing I/M Test
DTCs.
�� If an I/M Test DTC is set and the I/M System Status indicators are NO, diagnosis the DTC and
repeat procedure.
23. Observe the engine DTC information with a scan tool. Verify no DTCs are present.
�� If a DTC is set, diagnose using the Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List - Vehicle .
NOTE: An I/M Test DTC will not be stored or erased from the ECU except at the
end of trip processing which occurs 5 s after ignition OFF.
2010 Chevrolet HHR LT
OBD-II Readiness Monitors GM - 2.2L & 2.4L - 2010
Sunday, May 04, 2014 3:53:49 PM Page 3 © 2011 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.

So, after 2 weeks of trying I finally ran the correct drive cycle and the EVAP test ran and passed.

 

I am having issues passing emissions inspection in Massachusetts. I had the Check Enginelight and P0420 DTC, but I ran the car for two months until my inspection came due. I figured it was an O2 sensor. I took it to my mechanic for verification. He said it was the catalytic converter and of course my car was equipped with the $1,400 Califiornia model and it was a 2 week wait before he could get it. So I picked it up. On the way home the Check Engine Light went out. Not knowing much about OBDII codes, I put the the meter on and still saw the P0420 with Check Engine light out. So. I ran the IM tests and saw CAT O2S, HO2S, and EVAP NOT READY. I cleared the P0420 and took it in for a sticker. Of course it failed emissions. I put a bottle of cleaner in the tank and have managed to get CAT, O2S, and HO2S READY, but EVAP is still not ready after my first try of running the Cold Start and Testing procedures outlined in the previous post. Only 16 more tries to go ! Rube Goldberg must have designed the GM EVAP system. I noticed that the gasket on the aftermarket gas cap looks a bit cracked around the edges, so I'm going to replace it with a GM cap. It looks like my mechanic replaced the hose going to the EVAP solenoid, which was clicking on and off when I looked at it with the engine running. Don't know exactly what that means yet, but I'll find out.

 

If only the evap is not ready, you may pass, call your tester and ask.

You failed because you cleared the codes, which resets all the monitors.

 

P0420 with no CEL leads me to believe it was a "historic" code which means nothing to an inspection. When you cleared the codes ALL of the tests start from go, dooming you to another 2 weeks before they are "ready".
Drive cycle is pretty much an unobtainable fiction. Normal driving for 10 days should get everything ready.
Codes come in 3 flavors: Current, Stored and Historic/Permanent. Current means the CEL is on and the test has failed. Saved means the test has failed but waiting for enough re-occurances to set the CEL. Historic/Permanent means there is a record of a failed test for diagnostic prposes.

Don't clear codes unless you know what you are doing!!!!!!! Most codes clear themselves after the condition is fixed.
The reason you failed is the "not ready" not because of failed tests.

Now you have no data to figure out what is causing the EVAP failures. The specific codes are needed; NOT "something about EVAP".

 

Thanks Don and Moderator for advice about clearing codes. I have read about the Drive Cycle myths and the 2 week drive around method. I'll run out this tank of gas treated with catalytic converter Cleaner, which seems to have made the CAT and O2 sensor codes, "READY". I am assuming READY means it will pass inspection, but my mechanic has offered to recheck everything before I take it back for inspection after I have driven it around for the 2 weeks. I ordered a new gas cap; I never liked the aftermarket one anyway because I couldn't hang it from the door or make it click like the original one. Cheap enough and won't hurt anything. I doubt that the cap caused the EVAP NOT READY. I did when I cleared everything. I have learned that lesson.

 

The cap can cause EVAP codes. Right now all that matters to you is I/M readiness. Many states al;low 1 "not ready", which is usually EVAP because it takes very special circumstances; mainly between 1/2 and 3/4 tank of fuel without opening the cap and a good warmup run followed by a park over night. The historic P0420 did not go away by any snake oil, it went away from counting cold starts.
Relax, just drive normally for a few days and check the readiness. Any fault that will cause a rejection will also cause a CEL after all of the tests have run.

 

Don, do you have the drive cycle for 2009 2.0, or will the first one in post #1 work?

Step #7 I don't understand. It says "operate the vehicle within the following conditions for 2 minutes:" but what are the conditions?

 

I have found a "drive cycle" is virtually not possible. Normal driving over 10 days should do it. The important parts are getting the gas tank warmed up then parking overnight with the right level of gas; that gets the EVAP done

 

Drive cycles work great on paper not so on the ground.