OBDII Drive Cycle Town and Country: Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep

Completing an OBDII drive cycle is crucial for resetting the check engine light (MIL) and ensuring your Chrysler, Dodge, or Jeep Town and Country passes emissions testing. This guide outlines various drive cycles for specific component monitors. A successful drive cycle allows the vehicle’s onboard diagnostic system to check for malfunctions.

General OBDII Drive Cycle Guidelines

Before starting any drive cycle:

• Check Engine Light (MIL): Ensure the MIL is off. If it’s on, diagnosing and repairing the underlying issue is necessary before attempting a drive cycle.
• Cold Start: Most drive cycles require a cold start, meaning the engine has been off long enough to cool down to ambient temperature. Allow the vehicle to sit for several hours before beginning.
• Fuel Level: Maintain a fuel level between 15% and 85% for optimal results.

Specific Monitor Drive Cycles

Catalyst Monitor Drive Cycle

• Preconditions: MIL off, no Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), fuel level between 15% and 85%, engine coolant temperature (ECT) above 70ºF, engine run time of at least 90 seconds.
• Procedure:
  1. Idle for five minutes to reach closed loop operation.
  2. Drive at a steady speed between 30 and 45 mph for two minutes. This allows the catalyst monitor to evaluate efficiency.

EGR System Monitor Drive Cycle (Vacuum Controlled)

• Preconditions: MIL off.
• Procedure:
  1. Idle for five minutes to reach closed loop operation.
  2. Drive at a steady speed between 40 and 60 mph for eight minutes. This sustained driving period allows the system to monitor EGR function.

EGR System Monitor Drive Cycle (Electronic)

• Preconditions: MIL off, Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) between 0-60 kPa, engine speed between 500-850 rpm, ECT above 180ºF (90ºC), no misfire faults, stable A/C clutch, power steering switch, and cooling fans.
• Procedure:
  1. Idle for five minutes to reach closed loop operation.
  2. Drive at a steady speed between 40 and 60 mph for two minutes.
  3. Idle for three minutes. This cycle focuses on EGR flow at different engine loads and speeds.

Evaporative System Monitor Drive Cycle

• Trace 1 (Standard): Fuel level between 50% and 85%.
  1. Idle for five minutes.
  2. Drive at a steady speed between 30 and 45 mph for two minutes.
• Trace 2 (Leak Detection Pump): 6-8 hours cold soak.
  1. Idle for five minutes.
  2. Drive in city traffic with varying speeds and stops for five minutes.
  3. Stop and idle for four minutes. This cycle tests for leaks in the evaporative emissions system.

O2 Sensor Monitor Drive Cycle

• Procedure:
  1. Idle for five minutes.
  2. Drive above 25 mph for two minutes.
  3. Stop and idle for 30 seconds.
  4. Drive between 30 and 40 mph.
  5. Repeat steps 3 and 4 five times. This allows the system to monitor O2 sensor performance across different driving conditions.

O2 Sensor Heater Monitor Drive Cycle

• Procedure:
  1. Idle for five minutes.
  2. Turn off the engine and leave the vehicle off for ten minutes. This specifically tests the functionality of the O2 sensor heater.

Completing the Drive Cycle

After completing the appropriate drive cycle for your Chrysler, Dodge, or Jeep Town and Country, the vehicle’s OBDII system will have run its diagnostic checks. If no issues are detected, the MIL should remain off, and the vehicle should be ready for emissions testing. If the MIL illuminates again, further diagnosis is required. Consult a qualified technician or refer to your vehicle’s repair manual for specific DTC troubleshooting information.