ARC Driver

I got my 993 a few weeks ago and I'm trying to get my state inspection done but when they plug into the car's computer it says 5 of the systems aren't ready. I was told this is most likely because the battery was disconnected before the car was sent to me and I would need drive it for a bit, I put about 75 miles on since the last inspection and today I tried again and 5 of the systems are still not ready,

My battery is connected securely, and this being my first air-cooled car I'm not too knowledgeable about the situation.

Can anyone enlighten me on this matter?

cgfen

Please search for readiness codes or readiness monitors in this forum.
you will find lots of information.

Cheers

pp000830

Here is a good place to start
https://rennlist.com/forums/993-foru...ere-s-how.html

I use an inexpensive Autel AL519 to read emission codes, reset the check engine light and check readiness status. This reader will read all the generic codes for our cars. It will not read the Porsche 993 specific codes. You can use it to verify readiness before going to a test station. I also use Durametric PC based software & cable to read the 993 specific codes however it is easier to check readiness status with the AL519.
Andy

IainM

Mrrdstr

I recently had to put over 300 miles on a 2003 SL 500 MBZ (dead battery) to get the darn thing ready...Good Luck!

gmorat

You need to do the drive cycle. Complete pain in my previous early 96 993. So much so, I sold it and bought a 95.

G

pp000830

A little additional info needed:
Ok, the PC Windows software is in the download section of the Bergvillefx site.
Is the cable needed an OBD Port to USB generic cable purchased off of eBay?
Andy

ARC Driver

Thanks, sounds like I need to so some more driving.

TMc993

The drive cycle is a very specific procedure. It's shown below in a copy of a post on Rennlist by B-Line several years ago:

If your battery has been disconnected, you are most certainly going to have to reset all your OBDII flags for smog check.

Your car might be running perfectly but if you don't reset your OBDII flags with this archaic procedure, you will repeatedly fail.

Over the past 15 years of owning my 993, I have had to execute the Porsche drive cycle approximately every other year to prepare my vehicle for smog check in California. I have had varying success and failure and decided to make an even more comprehensive direction list to follow.

Referee stations no longer allow you to get a sign off. Driving the car a few hundred miles does not work.

I most recently failed to clear my flags after 4 late-evening attempts and then got it to work on the 5th attempt. When the flags did clear, I was gently reminded of what has and has not worked over the past decade and a half.

1) Get an OBDII reader that you plug into your OBDII port by the drivers side right knee. I recommend:
This reader will tell you when your flags have been reset and you are ready to go for smog check.

2) Do the drive late at night so you can flow it as interrupted as possible. Have a timer handy so you know you have met your triggers. It is okay if the drive cycle is interrupted during the procedure... It's cumulative. as long as you
DON'T:
- Turn off the car
- Exceed 60 MPH
- Exceed 3000 RPM

3) The drive cycle is as follows:
- Start the car and idle for 2min10sec
- Drive the car between 20mph and 30mph for 3min15sec
- Drive the car between 40mph and 60mph for 15min
- Come to stop and idle in neutral for 5min

4) Do not go into Reverse. Prepare the car the day/night before by making sure you do not need to go into reverse. Back into the garage or park in the driveway so you can drive straight out. Reverse may cancel the drive cycle.

5) Do not use cruise control. I believe this is the repeated mistake that I make every other year.

6) Do the drive cycle when the car is cold. If you have driven the car in 4 hours before you attempt the drive cycle, it will not work.

7) When you plug in the OBDII, you will likely have 3 solid circles and about 7 that blink. The yellow ? light will be illuminated and the OBDII reader will beep about every 30 seconds. The blinking flags will ALL reset at the same time. They DO NOT reset one at a time. It's all or nothing. And when they do reset, the OBDII green light with the check mark illuminates.

8) Even if you do everything perfect, it is likely it can take 2x to do this process. Don't bother trying to do it back to back. It won't work. Go home, park the car and try it again the next night. (Don't forget to park the car so you don't have to reverse the next night.) - You might get lucky and it will clear the flags the first time you do it... But don't count on it.

Once you get the green light.. You are good to smog.

So remember:
1) Car should be cold
2) No not go into reverse
3) Do not use cruise control
4) Do not exceed 60 mph
5) Do not exceed 3000 RPM
6) All flags go from blinking to solid at the same time when cycle is complete and the OBDII reader goes from yellow to green light
7) It is okay to stop and go (traffic lights, etc.) the drive cycle is cumulative.
8) It will likely take 2x of doing the drive cycle to clear the flags

That's 15 years of research.... Print this out, store it in your car with an OBDII reader. You will forget in two years what the detailed instructions are. You will find other posts that don't have ALL the information and you will make many of the mistakes I made.
And pass the OBDII and instructions to the new buyer should you ever sell the car.

cgfen

You can drive a LONG time and still not set the readiness monitors.
Since you don't seem to be willing to search.
Try this and do the segments relevant to the monitors not set.

cgfen

Some incorrect info from B-line.

You absolutely can use cruise control, I do it every time to limit speed
You absolutely can back out in reverse to start the process, I do it every time.
You may have to do it 2X = true

good luck

Jay777

What year is your car and what state are you in? If it's a 97 (and you're not in CA) you can get ready in less than an hour. See today's post here: https://rennlist.com/forums/993-foru...ere-s-how.html. Any questions, give me a shout.

ARC Driver

I'm in TX and my car is a 96.

ARC Driver

Thanks for all the responses. I can't believe what a headache this is!

ARC Driver

I've got an OBD reader I've been using for my other vehicles, I'll give it a shot. Thanks.