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.
Checking Monitor Status
- INTRODUCTION
The purpose of the monitor result (mode 6) is to allow access to the results for on-board diagnostic monitoring tests of specific components/systems that are not continuously monitored. Examples are catalyst, EVAP and thermostat.
The monitor result allows the OBD scan tool to display the monitor status, test value, minimum test limit and maximum test limit. The monitor status indicates whether the component is functioning normally or not (PASS or FAIL). The test value is the value that was used to determine the monitor status. When the test value is between the test limits, the ECM determines the component is functioning normally (PASS). If not, the ECM determines the component is malfunctioning (FAIL).
A problem in these components/systems can be found by comparing the test value and test limits. The monitor result information is included under the "MONITOR RESULT" in the DTC sections.
- PROCEDURE NOTE: The monitor result and test value are cleared when the ignition switch (POWER switch) is turned OFF.
- Connect the hand-held tester to the DLC3.
- Turn the ignition switch ON.
- Clear the DTCs.
- Run the vehicle in accordance with the applicable drive pattern described in READINESS MONITOR DRIVE PATTERN (see ).
- Select from the tester menus: DIAGNOSIS, ENHANCED OBD II, MONITOR INFO and MONITOR RESULT. The monitor result appears after the component name.
INCMP: The component has not been monitored yet.
PASS: The component is functioning normally.
FAIL: The component is malfunctioning.
- Confirm that the component is set to either PASS or FAIL.
- Select the component and press ENTER. The accuracy test value appears when the monitor result is either PASS or FAIL.
- Compare the test value with the test limits (MIN and MAX). If the test value is between the test limits, the component is functioning normally. If not, the component is malfunctioning. The test value is usually significantly higher or lower than the test limits. If the test value is on the borderline of the test limit, there is a potential malfunction in the component.
HINT:
The monitor result might on rare occasions be PASS even if the MIL is illuminated. This indicates the system malfunctioned on a previous driving cycle. This might be caused by an intermittent problem.
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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.