Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
System Status and Drive Cycle For Inspection/Maintenance: Notes
The System Status selection is included in the scan tool System Info menu.
Several states require that the I/M (OBD ll system) pass on-board tests for the major diagnostics prior to having a vehicle emission inspection. This test is also a requirement to renew the license plates in some areas.
Using a scan tool, the technician can observe the System Status of Complete or Not Complete in order to verify that the vehicle meets the criteria to comply with local requirements. Using the System Status display, any of the following systems or combination of systems may be monitored for I/M Readiness:
- The catalyst
- The EVAP system
- The HO2S
- The HO2S heater
Following a DTC info clear, System Status will clear for one or all of these systems. Following a battery disconnect or a PCM replacement, all System Status information will clear.
| Diagnostic Time Schedule for I/M Readiness | |
|---|---|
| Vehicle Drive Status | What is Monitored? |
| Cold Start, coolant temperature less than 50°C (122°F) | - |
| Idle 2.5 minutes in Drive (Auto) Neutral (Man), A/C and rear defogger ON | HO2S Heater, Misfire, Fuel Trim, EVAP Purge |
| A/C off, accelerate to 90 km/h (55 mph), 1/2 throttle. | Misfire, Fuel Trim, Purge |
| 3 minutes of Steady State - Cruise at 90 km/h (55 mph) | Misfire, Fuel Trim, HO2S, EVAP Purge |
| Clutch engaged (Man), no braking, decelerate to 32 km/h (20 mph) | Fuel Trim, EVAP Purge |
| Accelerate to 90-97 km/h (55-60 mph), 3/4 throttle | Misfire, Fuel Trim, EVAP Purge |
| 5 minutes of Steady State Cruise at 90-97 km/h (55-60 mph) | Catalyst Monitor, Misfire, Fuel Trim, HO2S, EVAP Purge |
| Decelerate, no braking. End of Drive Cycle | EVAP Purge |
| Total time of OBD II Drive Cycle 12 minutes | - |
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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.
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