Readiness Code Status: Complete Vs. Incomplete (HSN 1002-02)

Publication date: 2002-10-01
Reference number: HSN 1002-02

READINESS CODE STATUS: COMPLETE VS. INCOMPLETE

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN

Reference Number(s): HSN 1002-02, Date of Issue: October 2002

HONDA:	All models from 1996 on
CATEGORY:	Honda Service News
APPLIES TO:	All models from 1996 on

SERVICE INFORMATION

Under current federal regulations, all readiness codes on a vehicle must read COMPL (Complete) before the OBD I/M test can be concluded. During these tests, readiness codes are used to show which emissions control systems have had their operational status tested. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to let states conclude the testing process on '96-00 vehicles with two or less readiness codes reading INCOMPL (Incomplete). For '01 and later vehicles, the I/M testing process could still be concluded provided there's no more than one readiness code reading INCOMPL. Check your state's I/M program to see if this EPA proposal applies to your area. Readiness codes are also a great way to check if a repair has been effective or not. But keep in mind they don't indicate pass/fail status of the emission control system. If a fault is detected during monitoring, the readiness code will change to COMPL and a DTC will set to identify the fault. The combination of readiness codes and DTCs indicate the operational status of the emission control system.