For 2006 Honda CRV owners facing issues with smog tests due to “not ready” monitors, understanding the OBD2 protocol and performing a proper drive cycle is crucial. The OBD-II system in your 2006 Honda CRV is designed to monitor various emission control systems, and these monitors need to be in a “ready” state to pass a smog check. This article will outline the specific OBD-II drive cycle recommended to set your readiness monitors for your 2006 Honda CRV, based on standard OBD2 protocol procedures.
The OBD-II drive cycle for your 2006 Honda CRV should begin with a cold start. This means the coolant temperature needs to be below 122 degrees Fahrenheit (50 degrees Celsius), and the air and coolant temperature sensors should be within 11 degrees Fahrenheit (6 degrees Celsius) of each other.
Important Note: Ensure the ignition key is not turned on before initiating the cold start. This is important because pre-ignition can prevent the heated oxygen sensor diagnostic from running correctly.
Follow these steps precisely to complete the OBD-II drive cycle in your 2006 Honda CRV:
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Initial Idle: Start the engine and let it idle in drive for two and a half minutes. During this step, turn on the A/C and rear defroster to increase the engine load. This allows the OBD-II system to check the oxygen sensor heater circuits, air pump, and EVAP purge system in your 2006 Honda CRV.
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Highway Speed – Part 1: Turn off the A/C and rear defroster. Accelerate smoothly to 55 mph using about half throttle. This stage allows the OBD-II system to check for ignition misfires, fuel trim accuracy, and canister purge valve operation in your 2006 Honda CRV. Maintain a steady speed of 55 mph for three minutes. During this constant speed, the OBD-II system monitors the EGR system, air pump (if equipped), oxygen sensors, and canister purge system.
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Deceleration: Coast down from 55 mph to 20 mph without applying the brakes or depressing the clutch. This deceleration phase allows the OBD-II system to check the EGR and purge functions within your 2006 Honda CRV’s emissions control system.
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Highway Speed – Part 2: Accelerate again to 55 to 60 mph using half throttle. The OBD-II system will re-check for misfires, fuel trim, and purge system operation during this acceleration phase.
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Extended Highway Speed: Maintain a steady speed of 55 to 60 mph for five minutes. This extended period at highway speed is crucial for the OBD-II system to monitor the catalytic converter efficiency, misfires, EGR system, fuel trim, oxygen sensors, and purge functions of your 2006 Honda CRV.
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Final Deceleration and Stop: Coast down to a complete stop without braking. This final deceleration allows the OBD-II system to perform a final check of the EGR and canister purge systems in your 2006 Honda CRV.
Successfully completing this OBD-II drive cycle gives your 2006 Honda CRV the best chance to set all necessary readiness monitors. Remember to consult your 2006 Honda CRV owner’s manual or a qualified mechanic for further diagnostic information if you continue to experience issues with your readiness monitors and the OBD2 protocol.
