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Plymount Neon with dead battery failed smog test.

My 1999 Plymouth Neon had a dead battery last week. I took it out and recharged it. I took it in for a smog check today and it passed everything, but the smog technician said it failed because my computer memory was erased due to the dead battery having deleted the emission monitors. The smog inspector said I have to drive 400 miles to reset it. This car always passes. This is not right!
Answer:

The smog tech is correct. When having disconnected the battery the emission monitors (required to pass a smog test) were erased. The emission monitors, also referred to as "readiness flags", are internal self-tests which verify your Neon's emissions systems are functioning properly. We recommend driving for at least 200 miles in a variety driving conditions; traffic, freeway, city, stop and go. Getting the emission monitors to set can be tricky. Continue driving with 1/4 to 3/4 tank of gas, and in all sorts of driving conditions in order to get the required emission monitors to set. You'll need to make at least one trip where you stop the vehicle (engine off) for at least 1 hour and then restart it. This is required to set the EVAP monitor. posted by SmogTips Support

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