audi 98 A4 MIL/check engine light fail @ smog

I purchased a Actron scanner for my audi. took the codes, did the work (myself), deleted the codes via the scanner, had no check engine light, BUT my car failed smog. do i need to use VAG-Com software in order for my computer to delete these codes? please help!

Not sure if you know, but all cars have some period of "Not Ready" waiting for various sensors to cycle enough to confirm all is right after a CEL reset. My Caravan needs FORTY cycles, and that is 60 F rise, 170 F minimum coolant temp, plus a host of other stuff. So it is a BITCH to pass NYS after a repair within the 10 day "extension". Pain in the butt, but it will continue to fail until all the checks for that vehicle clear.

Your Audi should take much shorter time, but still needs some to clear the "Not Ready" status. If your Actron has the "Readiness" checks, they likely show as INC if incomplete (and therefore waiting), N/A if not on that vehicle, OK if ready and I think NG if a problem.

Joe Holzer Idea Man
http://www.holzerent.com