The Clubhouse Place to chat about whatever's on your mind - doesn't have to be car related. NO POLITICS OR RELIGIOUS DISCUSSION ALLOWED.

Help with a '12 Cad SRX

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Nov 16, 2025 | 07:11 PM
  #1  
slantflat's Avatar
Thread Starter
Always room for one more
 
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 8,961
From: Georgia
Help with a '12 Cad SRX

Hi everyone.

I have a 2012 Cadillac SRX Luxury that won't pass emissions. The car runs fine and doesn't smoke, but the guy at the testing place said it isn't "ready" to be tested.

I was told two "modules" aren't ready. EVAP and Oxygen sensor. If I remember right this car has four O2 sensors, but my scanner doesn't say which one is bad.

When I first started having trouble, I got one message. Computer bad. I took it to a place I've had good luck with before and they did everything possible except replace the computer. They couldn't do anything. At least they didn't charge me anything. Then I took it to Cadillac. By this time the computer was getting worse and I had about 20 messages. The dealer wanted to charge me to clear each message and then change the computer to the tune of 3000 bucks. Nope. Then I took it to another place I had been before and it sat untouched for a week and he called and said he couldn't fix it. By this time it would barely start and ran poorly.

I called Flash Masters in Cincinnati and sent them the computer out of the car. They cloned it onto a refurbished computer and I installed it and the car ran like a champ. Started right up, no lights no messages. Took it to the testing place and the guy said it's still the modules. Apparently they run off a different computer than the one on top of the battery.

There's no place left to take it. My registration has been expired since June. Has anyone here experienced anything similar and if so what did you do about it? Oh it's the 3.6 V6 that is in about a million billion cars. Not sure why this has to be so difficult.

Thanks everyone.








Old Nov 17, 2025 | 03:45 AM
  #2  
fleming442's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 3,868
From: Mt.Ary, MD
Emissions testing requires that the computer(s) have the appropriate number of drive cycles completed prior to providing a passable summary. That's why you cannot just unhook the battery, clear the codes, and go get a clean test.
Are there lights on the dash? Here in Maryland, they will still test, let you fail, and come back in 6 months. Sounds like you're in Kalifornia, which leaves 2 choices: move or get a clean car.

http://OBD scans 2012 SRX | Cadillac...2i1yFRcURTBIUL
Old Nov 17, 2025 | 04:05 AM
  #3  
Vintage Chief's Avatar
Running On Empty
 
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 26,048
From: Earth
Mike - This may help...
Note the OBDII Drive Cycle requirements for the 2012 SRX...

https://www.cadillacforums.com/threa...2-srx.1110330/
Old Nov 17, 2025 | 04:23 AM
  #4  
Olds64's Avatar
Moderator
 
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 18,225
From: Edmond, OK
If there's no Check Engine Light and the shop doesn't pass you then you could always file a complaint with the state.
Old Nov 17, 2025 | 08:23 AM
  #5  
slantflat's Avatar
Thread Starter
Always room for one more
 
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 8,961
From: Georgia
Thanks everyone. I'm in Georgia. I read through the thread Norm posted(thanks Norm) and there is no possible way that test can be performed around me. And I have to do it multiple times? Methinks there's a scam afoot. Have a car that won't pass emission? Go trade it on a new one. Dealer then does some magic voodoo and it's good to go. Or they send it off to a place the emissions aren't checked. My car actually passes the smog part of the test. But since it's not "ready" it fails. Teacher says wear blue shoes to class to take the test. You show up and know all the answers, but you can't take the test because you are wearing red shoes. Makes about as much sense.

I'm getting no lights. No messages. The scanner comes up clear except it says the EVAP and O2 aren't ready. It would be rather difficult to do drive cycles with a 4 month expired plate. I could put a plate on from another car, but then when I'm coasting at 20 on the expressway and get pulled over, that creates a new problem. I guess my only problem now is one you guys can't help me with.

Thanks everyone. The lesson I've learned is don't buy a car that has these computers on it.





Old Nov 17, 2025 | 08:32 AM
  #6  
fleming442's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 3,868
From: Mt.Ary, MD
I suggest trying a different test station. They're state run here, but you're going to a dealer?
Old Nov 17, 2025 | 08:44 AM
  #7  
Vintage Chief's Avatar
Running On Empty
 
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 26,048
From: Earth
Mike - Understand. Did you notice the caveat it may take 5 OBDII Drive Cycles? As Fleming stated DO NOT go to a dealer.
Old Nov 17, 2025 | 09:23 AM
  #8  
slantflat's Avatar
Thread Starter
Always room for one more
 
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 8,961
From: Georgia
No I'm not going to the dealer for the emission test. I went to the dealer for the initial problem. They did nothing and charged me 150. The problem isn't with it passing the emission test itself, the problem is the modules not being ready. I'd have to take a leave of absence from my job to do 5 drive cycles. Sheesh.



Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Tedd Thompson
The Clubhouse
7
Jan 29, 2021 02:39 AM
Jon442
The Clubhouse
5
Apr 25, 2019 07:50 AM
Railguy
The Clubhouse
42
Nov 7, 2015 05:14 PM
ah64pilot
The Clubhouse
17
Sep 1, 2011 05:12 PM
1969w3155
The Clubhouse
1
Apr 19, 2010 04:46 PM




All times are GMT -7. The time now is 06:06 PM.