Encountering a “OBDII not ready” message during a smog check can be frustrating. It means your vehicle’s onboard diagnostic system hasn’t completed all the necessary self-tests, specifically the Catalyst and Evaporative System (EVAP) monitors, preventing you from passing the inspection. This often happens after a dead battery or recent car repairs that reset the system.
To get your vehicle ready for a smog test, you might need to perform a drive cycle. A drive cycle is a specific set of driving conditions that helps your car’s computer complete these monitors. For Toyota MR2 models with a 2AZ-FE engine, a drive cycle like this may be effective:
- Start the engine and idle for at least 10 minutes.
- Drive at 43-56 mph for 3-5 minutes, maintaining engine speed between 900 and 3,200 rpm.
- Stop and idle for 3-5 minutes.
- Repeat the previous two steps once.
- Drive at 40-55 mph for 3 minutes.
- Drive at 35-45 mph for 7 minutes.
- Stop, turn off the engine, and release fuel tank pressure by briefly removing the fuel cap.
- Restart and drive at 45 mph for 5 minutes.
- Drive at 25 mph for 15 minutes, including two 30-second stops.
- Stop and idle for 2 minutes.
- Drive at 25 mph or more for at least 50 seconds (above 900 rpm engine speed).
- Stop and idle for at least 40 seconds.
- Repeat the last two steps ten times.
If the monitors still show as “not ready” after this cycle, ensure all preconditions for your vehicle are met and repeat the process. Using an OBDII scanner can help you check the readiness status yourself. Tools like the Autel MS309 Scanner are useful for reading diagnostic codes and checking monitor status, saving you time and potential failed smog checks.
