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it would appear that after a battery change, i have had some readiness code issues during an inspection. i had planned to follow the procedure below, but i'm curious how diligent you need to be with the parameters. i live in an area with no 2 lane roads near by and a lot of lights/intersections. i've tried to determine a route where i can follow the guidelines in a linear manner, but i'm wondering how exact i really need to follow them.
any insight would be appreciated.
Procedure I found on RL to follow: Start engine, idle cold for approx. 2 min, 10 secs. Accelerate to 20-30 MPH, Maintain steady speed for approx 3 min, 15 secs. Accelerate to 40-60 MPH, Maintain steady speed for approx 15 mins. Decelerate and come to a stop. Idle in gear for approx 5 mins.
That drive cycle has worked well for me. One major item missing, is to not exceed 3000 RPM or 60 MPH during those cycles. The computer is looking for cumulative time within the cycle, so your need a total of 3 min 15 sec and 15 min in each of the moving sections, Under 3000 RPM your registers should set. Check it with a scanner before you take it for smog, Or ask them to check it. Otherwise, if the register has not set, it will show on CarFax as a failed test...
I tried a bunch of the other published cycles, including hot/cold, and this is the one that I found to be the easiest. Don't skip the start up (secondary air) or the shutdown timing.
thanks for the reply, HB. i did forget to include the 3000 rpm and 60mph limits, but i do have them.
so, what if i have to stop during the 3:15 section @ 20-30mph? if i continue at that speed range, will it properly register? i know it's not long window at all, but it could still prove difficult. i will even run into stop signs, after the initial idle window, before i can complete 3:15 mins at 20-30. might be overthinking it...
I just drive. Stop at an intersection or light, if required and it has not been a problem, as long as RPM limit is observed. Driving that slow is the hard part.
works for me everytime takes about 15-20 miles of driving, turn flashers on get on FWY usually at night..of course on way to fwy you have to stop and go at lights but that is not a problem...sometimes you may have to do the procedure a couple of times, i deal with this all the time, can be frustrating but it works in the end
I just completed it after my battery was killed by my buddy who is storing my car while I build a new garage. I picked up an OBDII scanner from Amazon. I have a 97 and I believe it requires 2 separate drive cycles. Car must be cold to start the cycles and follow as you outlined. DO NOT EXCEED RPM & SPEEDS! I did the first part in town followed by a freeway trip not exceeding 60mph. It was really embarrassing getting passed by a U-haul. I finished the trip expecting it was going to say “not complete”. However it worked! I’m good for 2 more years. Just follow the speeds & rpm. Last resort is pay your indy1 hour and let them set the drive cycles. Good luck!
Just passed my smog check today!!!
I used a generic OBD scanner with app on my iPhone last week to check on the emission test code and found I have a Oxygen Sensor not ready. I followed the BMW drive cycle below this past weekend and clear the code in just one drive. I think what I found is depending on which code is not ready, you don't need to complete the whole drive cycle in one drive. I don't think I was able to complete the second part where you need to maintain 20-30mph for 3min 15sec because I was in local traffic with stop sign and traffic lights. However, I did do the third part 40-60mph for 15mins by getting on the fwy with my hazard blinker on and set on cruise control. I think the main thing is not to exceed 3k rpm and not over 60mph! Anyhow, I am good for another two years! Hooray! Hope this helps others!
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993 Ready and Not Ready codes - emissions test
