If your 2017 Honda Civic has recently failed a smog test due to “readiness monitors not ready,” you’re not alone. This is a common issue, often occurring after battery replacements or recent car maintenance. Fortunately, there’s a solution you can perform yourself: the OBD2 drive cycle. This process allows your car’s On-Board Diagnostic System (OBD2) to complete its self-tests, setting the readiness monitors and preparing your Civic for a successful smog inspection.
Understanding the OBD2 system is crucial for modern vehicle maintenance. The OBD2 system monitors various components related to your car’s emissions and overall engine health. Readiness monitors are specific tests within this system that need to be completed before your car can pass a smog test. When these monitors are not set, it usually means the car hasn’t had the opportunity to run all the necessary diagnostic checks since the last time the computer’s memory was cleared.
This guide will walk you through the OBD2 drive cycle specifically tailored for your 2017 Honda Civic, ensuring you can get those readiness monitors set and pass your smog test.
Performing the OBD2 Drive Cycle in Your 2017 Honda Civic
The OBD2 drive cycle is a sequence of driving conditions designed to allow your 2017 Honda Civic to run all of its onboard diagnostic tests. It’s important to follow these steps precisely for the cycle to be effective.
Important Pre-Conditions:
- Cold Start: The drive cycle must begin with a cold start. This means the engine coolant temperature should be below 122 degrees Fahrenheit (50 degrees Celsius) and the coolant and air temperature sensors should be within 11 degrees Fahrenheit (6 degrees Celsius) of each other. Ideally, let your car sit overnight to ensure a true cold start.
- No Key in Ignition Prior to Start: Do not turn the ignition key to the “ON” position before starting the engine. This can prevent the heated oxygen sensor diagnostic from running properly.
Step-by-Step OBD2 Drive Cycle for 2017 Honda Civic:
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Initial Idle (2.5 minutes):
- Start the engine and immediately put the car in “Drive” (for automatic transmissions) or in gear with the clutch engaged (for manual transmissions).
- Turn on the air conditioning (A/C) to maximum and engage the rear defroster.
- Idle the engine for two and a half minutes (150 seconds) under these conditions.
- OBD2 Checks During This Step: Oxygen sensor heater circuits, air pump (if equipped), and EVAP purge system.
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Moderate Acceleration and Steady Speed (3 minutes):
- Turn off the A/C and rear defroster.
- Accelerate smoothly to 55 mph (88 km/h) at approximately half throttle. Avoid aggressive acceleration.
- Maintain a steady speed of 55 mph for three minutes (180 seconds).
- OBD2 Checks During This Step: Ignition misfire, fuel trim, and canister purge system. Also monitors EGR, air pump (if equipped), O2 sensors, and canister purge.
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Deceleration (Coast Down to 20 mph):
- Safely release the accelerator pedal and allow the vehicle to coast down to 20 mph (32 km/h) without applying the brakes or depressing the clutch (for manual transmissions).
- OBD2 Checks During This Step: EGR and purge functions.
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Moderate Acceleration and Steady Speed (5 minutes):
- Accelerate again to 55 to 60 mph (88-96 km/h) at approximately half throttle.
- Maintain a steady speed between 55 to 60 mph for five minutes (300 seconds).
- OBD2 Checks During This Step: Catalytic converter efficiency, misfire, EGR, fuel trim, oxygen sensors, and purge functions.
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Final Deceleration and Stop:
- Safely release the accelerator pedal and allow the vehicle to coast down to a complete stop without braking.
- OBD2 Checks During This Step: Final check of EGR and canister purge.
Important Considerations for Success:
- Safety First: Perform the drive cycle in a safe location with minimal traffic, where you can safely accelerate and decelerate.
- Traffic Conditions: Traffic conditions can significantly impact your ability to maintain steady speeds. Choose a time and location where you are less likely to be interrupted.
- Repeating the Cycle: If the readiness monitors are still not set after one drive cycle, you may need to repeat the process a few times. Some monitors are more difficult to set than others.
- Check Engine Light: If your “check engine light” is on, address any underlying issues first. The drive cycle is intended to set readiness monitors, not to fix engine problems. Use an OBD2 scanner to check for diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).
Utilizing an OBD2 Scanner with Your 2017 Honda Civic
To effectively monitor your progress and confirm readiness monitor status, using an OBD2 scanner is highly recommended. You can connect an OBD2 scanner to the OBD2 port located under the dashboard of your 2017 Honda Civic.
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- Locate the OBD2 Port: For the 2017 Honda Civic, the OBD2 port is typically located under the driver’s side dashboard, near the steering column. Consult your owner’s manual for the exact location if needed.
- Check for Codes: Before starting the drive cycle, use the scanner to check for any pending or active diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs). Address any codes before proceeding with the drive cycle, as they may prevent readiness monitors from setting.
- Monitor Readiness Status: Most OBD2 scanners have a “readiness monitor” or “I/M readiness” function. Use this function to check the status of your monitors before, during, and after the drive cycle. The scanner will indicate whether each monitor is “ready” or “not ready.”
By following these steps and utilizing an OBD2 scanner, you can effectively perform the OBD2 drive cycle on your 2017 Honda Civic. This will help ensure your vehicle is properly prepared for a smog test and operating efficiently. Remember to prioritize safety and consult your Honda Civic owner’s manual for any specific vehicle information.
