Just when I think she's ready...she's "UnReady".

Hi folks, I have a 1998 Crown Victoria that I cannot renew tabs for. I have taken it to the DEQ five or six times and it always has the following result:

OBD Sensor Status
Misfire: Ready 2nd Air Unsupported
Fuel System: Ready AC: Unsupported
Comprehensive: Ready O2 Sensor: Ready
Catalyst: Ready O2 Heater: Ready
Catalyst Heat: Unsupported EGR: Ready
Evaporative: UnReady COMM: Pass
DLC: Pass MIL:

I have used an emoticon to denote which reading is causing the problem. Notice it is the "Evaporative" reading. I had taken the car to a mechanic after the first time it failed and he determined it to be the gas cap not having been completely closed. I have since made sure that the gas cap is securely fastened. But even after that and after driving it around quite a bit it is still returning an "Evaporative: UnReady" status.

I am not a rich guy by any means and so I'm looking for the most cost-effective way to resolve this issue. If anyone has any advice on this issue I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you in advance and have a wonderful day.

Start at the gas cap and SLOWLY inspect every rubber hose heading towards the engine. It sounds like a minor leak somewhere from a cracked rubber hose. Squeeze them and look for cracks or dark spots like a leak. Most big shops will charge the system with smoke and check it that way. Don't know what it will cost, but doing it by hand in the driveway works as good if your patient.

Thank you very much jdmeaux. I will take your advice. I might also give Midas or Firestone a call and see how much they charge to look into something like this. Thanks again.