Ensuring your 2014 Honda Civic passes its emissions test is crucial for legal driving and environmental responsibility. A key component of this process involves understanding and setting the OBD2 readiness codes. These codes are essentially self-tests run by your car’s computer to monitor the emission control systems. If these codes are not set correctly, your Civic might fail the emissions test, even if there isn’t a major issue. This guide, tailored for your 2014 Honda Civic, will explain what OBD2 readiness codes are, how to check their status, and the procedures to set them, ensuring your vehicle is ready for its next emissions inspection.
Understanding OBD2 Readiness Codes in Your 2014 Honda Civic
Readiness codes, also known as readiness monitors or Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) monitors, are part of your 2014 Honda Civic’s On-Board Diagnostics system (OBD2). These monitors continuously check various emission control systems, such as the catalytic converter, oxygen sensors, and evaporative emissions system. When these tests are complete, the corresponding readiness code is set to “complete”.
However, certain events can reset these codes to “incomplete”. These events include:
- Battery Disconnection or Failure: If your Civic’s battery is disconnected or dies, the readiness codes are reset.
- Clearing Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs): Using an OBD2 scanner to clear any stored DTCs will also reset the readiness codes.
- ECM/PCM Reset: Resetting the Engine Control Module (ECM) or Powertrain Control Module (PCM) will erase the readiness code status.
In many regions, emissions testing includes verifying that these readiness codes are set to “complete”. If they are not, your 2014 Honda Civic may fail the test, or the test cannot be completed. Therefore, understanding how to manage these codes is essential.
Checking 2014 Honda Civic OBD2 Readiness Code Status
You can easily check the status of your 2014 Honda Civic’s readiness codes using the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL), also known as the check engine light, on your dashboard. Here’s how:
- Turn the ignition switch to the ON (II) position. Do not start the engine.
- Observe the MIL. The MIL will illuminate for approximately 15 to 20 seconds.
- Interpret the MIL behavior:
- MIL goes off after 15-20 seconds: This indicates that all readiness codes are currently set to “complete”. Your 2014 Honda Civic is likely ready for an emissions test in terms of readiness codes.
- MIL flashes five times: This flashing sequence signals that one or more readiness codes are “not set to complete”. You will need to perform drive cycles to set these incomplete monitors.
For a more detailed view of specific system readiness, you can use a professional diagnostic tool like the Honda Diagnostic System (HDS). The HDS allows you to access the DTC MENU and check the OBD status, displaying DTCs, enable criteria data, and the readiness testing status for each monitor.
Setting 2014 Honda Civic Readiness Codes: Procedures
If your MIL indicates incomplete readiness codes, you’ll need to perform specific driving procedures to set them to “complete”. These procedures, often called “drive cycles,” are designed to meet the “enable criteria” for each monitor and trigger the self-tests.
Here are the procedures for setting the Catalytic Converter Monitor, Air Fuel Ratio (A/F) Sensor Monitor, and Air Fuel Ratio (A/F) Sensor Heater Monitor readiness codes on your 2014 Honda Civic.
Important Notes Before Starting:
- Avoid ACC (I) or LOCK (0): During any of the following procedures, do not turn the ignition switch to the ACC (I) or LOCK (0) position.
- Readiness Codes Reset: Remember that disconnecting the battery, clearing DTCs, or resetting the ECM/PCM will clear all readiness codes, requiring you to repeat these procedures.
- Drive Time: Low ambient temperatures or heavy stop-and-go traffic might extend the drive time needed to set the readiness codes.
- Enable Criteria Must Be Met: The readiness code will only switch to “complete” once all the specified enable criteria are fulfilled.
- Correct Faults First: If a fault in a system (like the secondary HO2S system) caused the MIL to illuminate initially, the readiness code for that system cannot be set to “complete” until the underlying fault is properly diagnosed and repaired.
1. Catalytic Converter Monitor Readiness Code
Enable Criteria:
- ECT SENSOR 1: Coolant Temperature Sensor 1 at 158°F (70°C) or more.
- IAT SENSOR: Intake Air Temperature Sensor at 20°F (-7°C) or more.
- Vehicle Speed: Above 25 mph (40 km/h).
Procedure:
- Connect HDS (Optional but Recommended): For monitoring, connect the HDS to your Civic’s data link connector (DLC) and navigate to the READINESS CODEs screen for Catalyst in the DTCs MENU.
- Start the Engine.
- Test Drive: Drive your 2014 Honda Civic under stop-and-go conditions, incorporating short periods of steady cruising.
- Monitor Readiness: After approximately 5 miles (8 km) of driving, the catalytic converter readiness code should switch to “complete”. If using HDS, you can monitor this in real-time.
- Check Again (If Needed): If the readiness code is still incomplete, use the HDS to check for Pending DTCs. If no DTCs are present, it’s likely that one or more of the enable criteria were not met. Repeat the procedure, ensuring you meet the speed and temperature requirements.
2. Air Fuel Ratio (A/F) Sensor Monitor Readiness Code
Enable Criteria:
- ECT SENSOR 1: Coolant Temperature Sensor 1 at 140°F (60°C) or more.
Procedure:
- Start the Engine.
- Test Drive: Drive your 2014 Honda Civic under stop-and-go conditions with short periods of steady cruise.
- Decelerate: During the drive, perform deceleration (throttle fully closed) for about 5 seconds.
- Monitor Readiness: After approximately 3.5 miles (5.6 km), the A/F sensor readiness code should change from “incomplete” to “complete”.
- Check with HDS: Use the HDS to check the readiness codes screen for the AIR FUEL RATIO (A/F) SENSOR in the DTCs MENU.
- “Complete” on Screen: Readiness is set.
- “Not Complete” on Screen: Proceed to the next step.
- Check Pending DTCs and ECT Sensor 1: Check for Pending DTCs using the HDS. If none are found, select the DATA LIST MENU and check ECT SENSOR 1 in the ALL DATA LIST. If the temperature is below 140°F (60°C), let the engine run until it exceeds this temperature, and then repeat the procedure from step 2.
3. Air Fuel Ratio (A/F) Sensor Heater Monitor Readiness Code
Note: This procedure is generally simpler than the others.
Procedure:
- Start the Engine.
- Idle: Let your 2014 Honda Civic idle for approximately 1 minute.
- Monitor Readiness: The A/F sensor heater readiness code should switch from “incomplete” to “complete”.
- Check Again (If Needed): If the readiness code remains incomplete, check for Pending DTCs. If there are no DTCs, simply repeat the procedure.
Conclusion: Ensuring Your 2014 Honda Civic is Emissions Test Ready
Successfully setting the OBD2 readiness codes on your 2014 Honda Civic is a vital step in preparing for emissions testing. By understanding these codes, checking their status using the MIL, and following the correct drive cycle procedures, you can increase the likelihood of passing your emissions test.
Remember to address any underlying issues that might be preventing readiness codes from setting. If you encounter persistent problems or are unsure about any step, it is always recommended to consult a qualified mechanic or Honda service center for professional diagnosis and repair. With these steps, you can confidently ensure your 2014 Honda Civic meets emissions standards and stays running smoothly.
