My 1997 honda civic lx failed the smog test today because of " System not Ready" what does this mean? Everything passed but the smog man said it failed because a the Emissions Self-Test system is not ready, what causes this and how can "I" fix it? I tried to pull the code, no code. Replaced a missing bolt on the exhaust manifold, replaced the muffler with OEM part, took it to 2 different smog shops first one said "bad ECU" second one said "bad o2 sensor" but I doubt the o2 is bad because no code, and the fuel economy is average. HELP! I tried what I could but now I'm lost and I need to get it smogged soon.

Maybe the Check Engine (CEL) Light is burned out. A member's car failed N.Y. State Inspection, about a week ago, because his Honda's CEL burned out. Once he got the bulb replaced, it passed.

Does the CEL come on and go off, after 2 seconds, when the ignition switch is turned to ON (Position II)?