If you’re a BMW E36 M3 owner in California, you might be familiar with the frustration of an incomplete OBDII readiness monitor preventing you from passing smog. One monitor in particular, the Evaporative System (Evap), can be notoriously tricky. This article chronicles one owner’s journey to achieving a complete OBDII scan and offers insights into potential causes and solutions for the “I’m not complete OBDII” issue.
The Elusive Evap System Readiness Monitor
As of May 4th, 2015, the California Bureau of Automotive (BAR) allows one incomplete readiness monitor during a smog check. However, pinpointing the cause of an incomplete monitor can still be a challenge. In this case, the Evap System Readiness Monitor remained stubbornly unset, even without a check engine light and with six out of eight monitors already cleared.
The owner, driving a 1998 E36 M3 Sedan, embarked on a specific driving cycle to try and trigger the Evap monitor. This involved:
- Cold Start and Idle: A 5-minute idle period after a cold start in a 60°F garage.
- Highway Driving: A 1-hour drive at a constant 60 MPH.
- Rest Period: A 45-minute rest with the engine off.
- Short Drive and Idle: A brief drive followed by a 2-minute idle.
- Stop-and-Go Driving: Approximately 30 minutes of city driving with frequent stops.
Success finally came after the stop-and-go driving, with the Evap monitor finally registering as complete.
Possible Causes and Considerations
Several factors might contribute to the difficulty in setting the Evap monitor. One potential issue relates to ambient temperature readings. The OBDII system may require the ambient temperature, as measured by the on-board computer (OBC), to be within 11°F of the engine coolant temperature on a cold start. In this instance, a faulty OBC initially displayed an incorrect ambient temperature, potentially hindering the monitor test.
Another consideration is the vehicle’s cooling system. The owner’s M3 had a modified cooling setup, including a mechanical fan delete and a low-temperature thermostat. This could result in the engine running cooler than stock, potentially affecting the conditions required for the Evap monitor test. Additionally, the Secondary Air Injection System monitor also remained on despite a functioning secondary air pump, suggesting potential complexities within the emissions system.
Troubleshooting Resources and Next Steps
While resources like the Bentley manual offer limited guidance on troubleshooting emissions readiness monitors, the BMW Factory Service Manual (TIS) might provide more specific information.
Ultimately, the owner successfully set the Evap monitor, leaving only one remaining incomplete monitor. This allows the vehicle to pass the California smog check, highlighting the importance of understanding the specific driving conditions and potential vehicle modifications that can influence OBDII readiness.
