So I took the 8 in for inspection today and it passed everything but emissions. I replaced the battery last night 'cause it was dead (as in parrot) and my mechanic thinks that it failed because the computer hasn't had a chance to "catch up". He suggested I drive it for a couple of days and bring it back to see if everything had sync'd.

Does that sound right?

 

Yes, once the PCM has been reset it needs to be run for a while just to make sure all is well. This is to prevent people resetting the computer just to pass the emissions tests. If all was well before, it will be again.
Are you sure that the battery wasn't pining for the fjords.

 

Good to know. Thanks!

Mate, this bird wouldn't "voom" if you put four million volts through it! 'E's bleedin' demised!

 

yeah, drive it around for several days and the PCM will check off all the internal system self tests

otherwise it looks like you cleared out your PCM CEL codes to pass the emissions test

 

Thanks guys! Now all I have to do is avoid THE MAN for a couple of days. Did I mention my inspection expired in February....?

 

How badly did it fail?

Maybe your battery was simply tired and shagged out following a prolonged squawk.

Man, PA must really be sticklers. I'm in CA and even here we don't have to do emissions test for a few years on late-model cars.