Facing an emissions test failure due to a “not ready” EVAP monitor on your 2013 Nissan Sentra can be frustrating. Many assume driving more miles will automatically reset the OBD2 system monitors, but this isn’t always the case. For your 2013 Nissan Sentra, setting the OBD2 EVAP monitor, along with others like the O2 sensor monitor, requires following a specific drive cycle, not just accumulating mileage.
The key to getting your 2013 Nissan Sentra ready for inspection and passing the emissions test lies in understanding and executing the correct driving pattern. This method ensures all necessary OBD2 monitors, including the crucial EVAP (Evaporative Emission Control System) monitor, are set to “ready”. Forget aimless driving; a structured approach is more effective.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to setting your 2013 Nissan Sentra’s OBD2 monitors, focusing on the EVAP monitor:
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Initial Idle: Start your 2013 Nissan Sentra and let it idle for approximately 2 minutes. This initiates the open loop operation, where the O2 sensors are not yet actively used by the engine control unit (ECU).
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Warm-up and O2 Sensor Readiness: Continue idling until the engine coolant temperature reaches 158°F (70°C). At this point, the O2 sensor heater should enter a “READY” state, allowing the ECU to utilize the O2 sensors for closed-loop operation.
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Highway Driving for Core Monitors: Drive your 2013 Nissan Sentra on the highway for about 10 minutes, maintaining a speed between 53-60 mph. This step is crucial for setting the EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation), O2 Sensors, and Catalyst monitors to “READY”.
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City Driving for EVAP and EGR-BPT: Transition to city streets and drive for approximately 6 minutes at speeds between 30-35 mph. During this city driving segment, incorporate 5 complete stop-and-go instances. This action helps set the EGR-BPT (Back Pressure Transducer) and, importantly, the Evap Purge Flow monitors.
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Highway Finish for EVAP Small Leak Monitor: Conclude the drive cycle with a final 3 minutes of highway driving at 53-60 mph. This last highway segment is designed to set the EVAP Small Leak Monitor to “READY”.
By diligently following these steps, you should successfully set the OBD2 EVAP monitor and other related monitors on your 2013 Nissan Sentra. Remember, consistent speed and driving conditions are more important than the distance traveled. This structured drive cycle is designed to activate the necessary diagnostic checks for emission readiness, ensuring your 2013 Nissan Sentra is prepared for its emissions inspection. Always ensure your engine is warmed up before starting this procedure to optimize the process and reduce emissions during the drive cycle.
