02 Saturn Vue fault code P0000

I've been having a problem getting my new 2002 Saturn Vue to pass smog.
The emisions is great, (I thougth that what smog test is all about), but it
failed because check engine soon light stays on and fault code P0000 is
displayed on the machine.
After looking on line about this code, it looks like the problem the car was
having was fixed but the cars computer was not cleared propperly.
Anyone know how I can clear this fault with out buying any expecive equipment?

Thanks

 

Hey Thomas,

Here's the deal...As far as the "Check Engine" system and it's
inspection... Depending on the year make and model of vehicle you own,
this system is different. If you own a 1996 or newer vehicle you more
then likely own a vehicle which is equipped with an On-Board
Diagnostics system called OBD II, as opposed to an OBD I system which
older vehicles were equipped with. The OBD II Diagnostic system is
designed to monitor all aspects of your engine's emission conditions
and report this information to a central database within it's computer.
This information is processed and checked against the computers
pre-determined values for various inputs levels and performance
patterns. If any problems are found, the computer will determine
whether to alert the driver or not. If a decision has been made to
alert the driver of an emissions problem, the "Check Engine" or "Engine
Malfunction" light will illuminate on the vehicle's dashboard. In more
serious emission conditions the computer may even begin to rapidly
flash the "Check Engine/Malfunction" light indicating to the driver,
that the vehicle needs immediate diagnosis/repair attention.

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Now here's what the smog test has to do with the OBD II system...Your
vehicle is equipped with an OBD II computer AND a link to connect the
OBD II computer to a Smog Check Analyzer or Data Scan Tool (available
at most auto part stores). The OBD II link relays all "Check Engine"
conditions along with stored Trouble Codes with in the center database,
to the smog machine during the time of the smog inspection. If any
codes are present which cause the Check Engine light to illuminate
either regularly or intermittently, the vehicle fails the smog
inspection. Here's the tricky part, not all computer codes illuminate
the Check Engine light.

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In fact I can say there are two types of codes, bad codes and good
codes. The good codes are the "Readiness Flags". These Readiness Flags
indicate that certain emissions systems which the OBD II computer has
been monitoring have PASSED the test, indicating that those systems are
working properly. Then there are the bad codes. The bad codes are
actual "Trouble Code". These codes indicate that the OBD II computer
has detected a problem with in the emissions system. The Trouble Code
will specifically indicate the component and problem which was found.
Newer vehicle's have very complex codes in the thousands.

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A vehicle will fail the smog inspection if the proper "Readiness Flags"
are not set. A vehicle will also fail the smog inspection if any
"Trouble Codes" are present. So it is possible for a vehicle to fail
the smog inspection without the "Check Engine" light on. "Readiness
Flags" do not cause the "Check Engine" light to illuminate, but may
cause a vehicle to fail the smog test.

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Now here's the fix... in order to set all the proper "Readiness Flags"
the OBDII system must complete at least one drive cycle (in some cases
two or three). A drive cycle is a sequence of internal tests which the
OBDII computer runs while your vehicle is being driven. This insures
all emissions systems are functioning properly. Only then will your
vehicle pass the smog inspection. A drive cycle usually requires one
week of driving.

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I hope this information is helpful to you. For more information check
out California's Leading Smog Check Support Groups Website
http://www.smogtips.com

Sincerely,
Mike - SmogTips Support

 

If the problem is really fixed, several driving cycles (which may take
several days) will clear it. If not, you'll have to take it to someone
with a CAN-compliant ODBII reader to clear it. Your best bet is your
local Saturn retailer - the emissions warranty is 50,000 miles so they
have an obligation to fix whatever's causing the light if I'm not mistaken.
-Rick