System Status and Drive Cycle For Inspection/Maintenance: Notes

The System Status selection is included in the scan tool System Info menu.

Several states require that the I/M (OBD ll system) pass on-board tests for the major diagnostics prior to having a vehicle emission inspection. This test is also a requirement to renew the license plates in some areas.

Using a scan tool, the technician can observe the System Status of Complete or Not Complete in order to verify that the vehicle meets the criteria to comply with local requirements. Using the System Status display, any of the following systems or combination of systems may be monitored for I/M Readiness:

The catalyst
The EVAP system
The HO2S
The HO2S heater

IMPORTANT: The System Status display indicates only whether the test has been completed. The System Status display does not indicate whether the test has passed. If a Failed Last Test indication is present for a DTC associated with one of the above systems, diagnosis and repair is necessary in order to meet the I/M requirement. Verify that the vehicle passes all of the diagnostic tests associated with the displayed System Status prior to returning the vehicle to the customer. Refer to the Typical Drive Cycle table to use as a guide to complete the I/M System Status tests. More than one drive cycle may be necessary.

Following a DTC info clear, System Status will clear for one or all of these systems. Following a battery disconnect or a PCM replacement, all System Status information will clear.

Typical Drive Cycle

Diagnostic Time Schedule for I/M Readiness
Vehicle Drive Status	What is Monitored?
Cold Start, coolant temperature less than 50°C (122°F)	-
Idle 2.5 minutes in Drive (Auto) Neutral (Man), A/C and rear defogger ON	HO2S Heater, Misfire, Fuel Trim, EVAP Purge
A/C off, accelerate to 90 km/h (55 mph), 1/2 throttle.	Misfire, Fuel Trim, Purge
3 minutes of Steady State - Cruise at 90 km/h (55 mph)	Misfire, Fuel Trim, HO2S, EVAP Purge
Clutch engaged (Man), no braking, decelerate to 32 km/h (20 mph)	Fuel Trim, EVAP Purge
Accelerate to 90-97 km/h (55-60 mph), 3/4 throttle	Misfire, Fuel Trim, EVAP Purge
5 minutes of Steady State Cruise at 90-97 km/h (55-60 mph)	Catalyst Monitor, Misfire, Fuel Trim, HO2S, EVAP Purge
Decelerate, no braking. End of Drive Cycle	EVAP Purge
Total time of OBD II Drive Cycle 12 minutes	-