Experiencing issues with your 2017 Honda CRV passing an emissions or smog test? Often, the culprit isn’t a major malfunction, but rather unset OBD2 readiness monitors. These monitors are crucial self-checks your vehicle performs to ensure its emission control systems are functioning correctly. If these monitors aren’t in a “ready” state, your 2017 Honda CRV will likely fail the test, even if everything is technically fine.
The OBD2 (On-Board Diagnostics II) system is a standardized system in modern vehicles, including the 2017 Honda CRV, that monitors various aspects of engine and emission control systems. Readiness monitors are a part of this system, and they need to complete their diagnostic cycles after events like battery disconnection or clearing trouble codes. Sometimes, these monitors simply need a specific driving pattern to run and complete their checks. This is where an OBD2 drive cycle comes in handy for your 2017 Honda CRV.
This guide will walk you through a general OBD2 drive cycle procedure that can help set the readiness monitors on your 2017 Honda CRV. Please note that while this is a common procedure, specific steps can slightly vary. Always consult your 2017 Honda CRV owner’s manual or a trusted repair professional for the most accurate drive cycle for your specific vehicle if needed.
Here’s a general OBD2 drive cycle you can attempt with your 2017 Honda CRV:
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Cold Start: Begin with a cold start. This means the engine coolant temperature should be below 122 degrees Fahrenheit (50 degrees Celsius), and the ambient air temperature and coolant temperature should be within 11 degrees Fahrenheit (6 degrees Celsius) of each other. Crucially, ensure the ignition key is not turned to the “ON” position before starting the engine, as this could prevent the heated oxygen sensor diagnostic from running correctly.
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Initial Idle: Once the engine is started, let your 2017 Honda CRV idle in drive for two and a half minutes. Make sure to turn on the air conditioning (A/C) and the rear defroster during this idle period. This step allows the OBD2 system to check the oxygen sensor heater circuits, air pump, and EVAP (Evaporative Emission Control System) purge functions.
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Acceleration and Steady Speed (Part 1): Turn off the A/C and rear defroster. Accelerate your 2017 Honda CRV to 55 mph (88 km/h) at approximately half throttle. Maintain a steady speed of 55 mph for three minutes. During this phase, the OBD2 system checks for ignition misfires, fuel trim, and canister purge. It also monitors the EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) system, air pump, oxygen sensors, and canister purge.
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Deceleration: Safely decelerate (coast down) to 20 mph (32 km/h) without using the brakes or depressing the clutch (for manual transmissions, though less common in a 2017 Honda CRV). This allows the OBD2 system to evaluate the EGR and purge functions further.
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Acceleration and Steady Speed (Part 2): Accelerate again to 55 to 60 mph (88-96 km/h) at half throttle. Hold this steady speed for five minutes. In this longer steady-speed segment, the OBD2 system monitors catalytic converter efficiency, misfires, EGR, fuel trim, oxygen sensors, and purge functions more comprehensively.
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Final Deceleration and Stop: Decelerate (coast down) to a complete stop without using the brakes if safe to do so. This final coast-down allows the OBD2 system to perform a last check of the EGR and canister purge systems.
After completing these steps, ideally, the readiness monitors on your 2017 Honda CRV should be set. You can check the status of your monitors using an OBD2 scanner. If the monitors are ready, you should be able to pass your emissions or smog test.
Important Considerations:
- Safety First: Perform this drive cycle in a safe location where you can legally and safely perform the accelerations and decelerations required.
- Owner’s Manual: Always refer to your 2017 Honda CRV owner’s manual for the most specific and recommended drive cycle for your vehicle.
- Professional Help: If you are still experiencing issues with readiness monitors after attempting the drive cycle, it’s advisable to consult a certified mechanic or technician specializing in Honda vehicles. There might be underlying issues preventing the monitors from setting.
By understanding and performing the OBD2 drive cycle, you can often resolve readiness monitor issues on your 2017 Honda CRV and ensure you’re ready for your next emissions test.
