If your smog inspection report indicates an OBDII “not ready” status for your vehicle in California, specifically for the Catalyst and Evap System, a proper drive cycle might be the solution. This involves a specific sequence of driving conditions to allow the vehicle’s onboard diagnostic system to complete its self-tests. Here’s a potential drive cycle for a Toyota MR2 with a 2AZ-FE engine:
Toyota MR2 (2AZ-FE) Drive Cycle for OBDII Readiness
This drive cycle is designed to help reset the OBDII monitors and achieve a “ready” status for emissions testing. Follow these steps carefully:
Warm-Up and Highway Driving:
- Step 1: Start the engine and let it idle for at least 10 minutes. This allows the engine to reach operating temperature.
- Step 2: Drive at a consistent speed between 43-56 mph for 3 to 5 minutes. Maintain the engine speed between 900 and 3,200 RPM. This tests the catalytic converter efficiency.
- Step 3: Stop the vehicle and let it idle for 3 to 5 minutes.
- Step 4: Repeat steps 2 and 3.
Varying Speed and Idle Periods:
- Step 5: Drive at 40-55 mph for 3 minutes.
- Step 6: Drive at 35-45 mph for 7 minutes. This further tests the emissions system under different load conditions.
Fuel System Check:
- Step 7: Stop the engine and release the fuel tank pressure by removing and reinstalling the fuel cap. This ensures a proper seal and allows the EVAP system to test for leaks.
Consistent Speed Driving:
- 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 stops of 30 seconds each. This simulates typical city driving conditions.
Final Idle and Low-Speed Driving:
- Step 10: Stop and let the engine idle for 2 minutes.
- Step 11: Drive at 25 mph or more for at least 50 seconds, ensuring the engine speed stays above 900 RPM.
- Step 12: Stop and let the engine idle for at least 40 seconds.
- Step 13: Repeat steps 11 and 12 ten times. This tests various sensors and components at low speeds.
Important Considerations:
If the OBDII monitors still show a “not ready” status after completing this drive cycle, double-check that all preconditions for the tests are met. Turning the ignition off and repeating the entire cycle may be necessary. Using an OBDII scanner can help you monitor the readiness status of each monitor.
