Drive Cycle Recommendations

2001 Mercury Sable LS, 4D Sedan, 3.0 U, AX4SSECTION Drive Cycle Recommendations
WARNING: STRICT OBSERVANCE OF POSTED SPEED LIMITS AND ATTENTION TO DRIVING CONDITIONS ARE MANDATORY WHEN PROCEEDING THROUGH THE FOLLOWING DRIVE CYCLES. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS MAY RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY.
  1. Most OBD monitors complete more readily using a steady foot driving style during cruise or acceleration modes. Operating the throttle in a smooth fashion minimizes the time required for monitor completion.
  2. The fuel tank level should be between 1/2 and 3/4 full with 3/4 full being the most desirable.

For best results, follow each of the following steps as accurately as possible:

DRIVE CYCLE PROCEDURE CHART

OBD Monitor Exercised Drive Cycle Procedure Purpose of Drive Cycle Procedure
Drive Cycle Preparation 1. Install the scan tool. Turn the ignition ON with the engine OFF (do not cycle the ignition). If needed, select the appropriate vehicle and engine qualifier. Clear the continuous DTCs and reset the emission monitors information in the PCM.
2. Begin to monitor the following PIDs (if available): ECT, EVAPDC, FLI, IAT, OUTDR_TMP and TP MODE. Start the vehicle without returning the ignition to the OFF position.
3. Idle the vehicle for 15 seconds. Drive at 77 to 104 km/h (48 to 65 mph) until the engine coolant temperature (ECT) is at least 76.7°C (170°F).
Resets the OBD monitor status.
Prep for Monitor Entry 4. Is the ambient air temperature between (AAT) 3.75 to 40°C (38.8 to 104°F)? If not the large leak and purge flow test will not complete. It is not possible to bypass the EVAP monitor and complete the OBD Drive Cycle. Entry condition for EVAP large leak and purge flow test.
HO2S Cruise between 1500 and 3000 rpm for at least 5 minutes. Allow engine to idle for 5 minutes. Accelerate to 70 km/h (43.5 mph) and hold for 5 seconds at this speed. Decelerate to 40 km/h (25 mph) with closed throttle (make sure the deceleration fuel cutoff mode has been entered). Executes the HO2S monitor.
Catalyst Make sure the HO2S monitor has completed. Accelerate to 70 km/h (43.5 mph) and hold for 5 seconds at this speed. Decelerate to 40 km/h (25 mph) with closed throttle (make sure the deceleration fuel cutoff mode has been entered). At 40 km/h (25 mph) return to part throttle with the smallest possible throttle movement. Repeat 5 times. Executes the catalyst monitor.
EVAP Cruise at speed greater than 5 km/h (3.1 mph) for at least 3 minutes. Idle engine for at least 5 minutes. The EVAP test may take 10-15 minutes to complete if a leak is present. Executes the EVAP Large Leak and Purge Flow Monitor if ambient air temperature is between 3.75 to 40°C (38.8 to 104°F).
Fuel Monitor Cruise with part throttle at 1500 - 2500 rpm for 20 minutes. Allow vehicle to idle for 10 minutes. Monitor will complete quicker if a fault is present. Executes the fuel monitor.
Misfire
NOTE: The misfire monitor will run before profile correction has been learned but for more accurate measurements profile correction should be learned.
Accelerate to 104.6 km/h (65 mph), hold steady throttle for 5 seconds, then decelerate to 64.4 km/h (40 mph) with closed throttle and no brakes (make sure the deceleration fuel cutoff mode has been entered). Repeat 3 times.
Executes the misfire monitor.
Deceleration Fuel Shut Off Rear HO2S Monitor Accelerate to 104.6 km/h (65 mph), hold steady throttle for 5 seconds, then decelerate to 64.4 km/h (40 mph) with closed throttle and no brakes (make sure the deceleration fuel cutoff mode has been entered). Repeat 5 times. Executes the deceleration fuel shut off rear HO2S monitor.
Readiness Check Access the On Board System Readiness (OBD monitor status) function on the scan tool. Determine whether all noncontinuous monitors have completed. Determines if any monitor has not completed.
Pending Code Check With the scan tool, check for pending codes. Conduct the normal repair procedures for any pending code concern. Determines if a pending code is preventing the completion of the OBD drive cycle.
EVAP Small Leak
NOTE: Prior to checking for a small leak, the vehicle should be driven during the hottest part of the day before leaving for overnight soak.
A complete PCM power down must be completed prior to starting the engine for the drive cycle preparation drive. After the ignition is turned OFF for the overnight soak the ignition must not be turned ON prior to starting the engine in the morning. When starting the vehicle after the overnight soak the engine must be started after initial ignition ON (do not cycle the ignition). The small leak test result will be available 60 seconds after engine start. At the end of EVAP large leak and purge flow test if no fault is found check that natural vacuum leak detection (NVLD) is closed and purge is active by checking the EVAP_ACTIVE and EVAP_SWITCH PIDs. Turn the ignition OFF and continue to monitor the switch position PID. Wait until the PCM powers down. The NVLD switch position should remain closed until the PCM powers down. To confirm a small leak the vehicle should be left outside overnight.
Executes the small leak monitor.
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When to See a Mechanic

Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

  • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
  • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
  • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
  • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
  • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.