California’s strict smog check requirements can be frustrating when your OBDII monitors aren’t ready. If your Toyota MR2 (Engine Class 2AZ-FE) isn’t passing due to incomplete monitors like Catalyst or Evap System, completing a proper drive cycle can often resolve the issue. This guide outlines the specific drive cycle for this vehicle to help you prepare for your smog inspection.
Toyota MR2 (2AZ-FE) Drive Cycle for OBDII Readiness
This drive cycle is designed to run your vehicle through specific conditions that allow the onboard computer to monitor and assess the emissions system components. Follow these steps carefully:
Initial Idle and Highway Driving
- Step 1: Start the engine and let it idle for at least 10 minutes. This warms up the engine and prepares the system for testing.
- Step 2: Drive at a consistent speed between 43-56 mph for 3-5 minutes. Maintain your engine speed within the range of 900-3200 RPM. This tests the vehicle under typical highway driving conditions.
- Step 3: Stop the car and let it idle for 3-5 minutes.
- Step 4: Repeat steps 2 and 3. This ensures consistent data collection.
Variable Speed Driving and Fuel System Check
- Step 5: Drive at a speed between 40-55 mph for 3 minutes.
- Step 6: Drive at a speed between 35-45 mph for 7 minutes. These steps evaluate the emissions system at different speed ranges.
- Step 7: Stop the engine and release pressure from the fuel tank by removing and reinstalling the gas cap. This resets the fuel system monitoring.
- Step 8: Restart the engine and immediately drive at approximately 45 mph for 5 minutes.
City Driving Simulation
- Step 9: Drive at approximately 25 mph for 15 minutes, incorporating at least two 30-second stops. This simulates city driving conditions with frequent stops and starts.
- Step 10: Stop the car and let it idle for 2 minutes.
- Step 11: Drive at 25 mph or faster for at least 50 seconds, ensuring your engine speed stays above 900 RPM.
- Step 12: Stop the vehicle and allow it to idle for at least 40 seconds.
- Step 13: Repeat steps 11 and 12 ten times. This further tests the system under stop-and-go conditions.
Repeat if Necessary
If after completing the entire cycle, the OBDII monitors still show “not ready,” double-check that all preconditions are met (e.g., sufficient fuel level, no check engine light). If preconditions are met, turn the ignition off, and then repeat the entire drive cycle from Step 1.
Troubleshooting Persistent Issues
If you’ve completed the drive cycle multiple times and your monitors remain incomplete, it could indicate an underlying issue with your emissions system. In this case, it’s recommended to consult a qualified automotive technician to diagnose and repair the problem. An OBDII scanner can help identify specific error codes providing more insight into the issue.
