Hi All,

I had Engine Check Light On for about a year. A day before the inspection, I got my codes reset by somebody else and next day failed inspection because of the "system not ready" status. 3 sensors were not ready (Catalyst, Evaporative System, and EGR). ECL returned after driving ~80 miles. Just bought my own code scanner, reset the codes and left the scanner connected to the OBD II while driving. After 32 miles, Catalyst Monitoring sensor got set and at the same time Check Engine Light returned, while Evaporative System Monitoring sensor is still not set. My car is Mazda Protege 2000 ES. I've heard cars 1996-2000 are alloweded to proceed withinspection even though 2 sensors are not ready. Is this true for New Jersey State?Are the certain rules for every state and wehre can I find them?
Based on "Failed" report, I have 8 sensors in total.

What could do to fix it and pass the inspection? I need a low cost solution,
as I dont have $700 to pay for a converter. Please Help!

DTC Information
Stored Codes: P0421
Warmup Catalyst Efficiency Below Normal (Bank 1)
Freeze Frame Information
DTC for which Freeze Frame was StoredP0421
Fuel System 1 Status:Closed Loop
Fuel System 2 Status:Not Supported
Calculated LOAD Value:38.04 %
Engine Coolant Temp:185.00 °F
Short Term Fuel Trim - Bank 1:-3.91 %
Long Term Fuel Trim - Bank 1:8.59 %
Engine RPM:2,074.00 rpm
Vehicle Speed Sensor:47.85 mph

 

This is just a thought as I"m not sure this is it, but has the O2 sensor been replaced lately? How many miles on the OD?
Modern O2 (as you may or may not know) have a built in heater.My thinking is that if that is malfunctioning, not getting up to temp, it might cause the symptoms/codes you are describing... but I could be wrong also.
edit: Also your coolant temp seems low. How about putting in a 195*.
NJ is a bitch about inspection. I worked in the business in NJ for 10yrs in the late "70's & 80"s and they were a bitch back then. I can only imagine that it has gotten worse.
Did you go to the State or a Certified Re-inspection station?
And finally, though it may take some searching, you should be able to find the info you are looking for here: http://www.state.nj.us/transportation/

 

That's exactly what I was thinking - sounds like an O2 Sensor (upstream pret cat).