Facing a “not ready” message on your smog check report, specifically for Catalyst and Evap System monitors? This can be frustrating, but it doesn’t always mean immediate costly repairs. Sometimes, your car’s On-Board Diagnostic System (OBD2) just needs to complete its self-tests, known as “readiness monitors”. If you’ve encountered this issue, especially with a Toyota MR2, a drive cycle might be the solution you’re looking for.
One potential approach to reset these monitors is to perform a specific driving pattern, often referred to as a “drive cycle”. Here’s a drive cycle suggested for a Toyota MR2 with a 2AZ-FE engine, which could help set your Catalyst and Evap monitors to “ready”:
Toyota MR2 Drive Cycle (Engine Class 2AZ-FE)
Follow these steps carefully and in order. Safety first – perform these steps in a safe location where you can legally and safely maneuver your vehicle.
A. Begin by starting your engine and letting it idle for a minimum of 10 minutes.
B. Drive your vehicle at a speed between 43-56 mph (or higher) for 3 to 5 minutes. Ensure your engine speed stays within the 900 to 3,200 rpm range.
C. Bring your vehicle to a complete stop and allow the engine to idle again for 3 to 5 minutes.
D. Repeat steps B and C one more time.
E. Drive at a steady speed of 40 mph to 55 mph for 3 minutes.
F. Maintain a speed of 35 mph to 45 mph for 7 minutes.
G. Stop your vehicle and turn off the engine completely. Release fuel tank pressure by briefly removing and then securely reinstalling the fuel tank cap.
H. Restart the engine and, when it is safe to do so, drive at approximately 45 mph for 5 minutes.
I. Drive at approximately 25 mph for 15 minutes, incorporating at least two stops, each lasting around 30 seconds.
J. Stop the vehicle and let the engine idle for 2 minutes.
K. Drive at 25 mph or more for at least 50 seconds, making sure your engine speed exceeds 900 rpm.
L. Stop the vehicle and allow the engine to idle for 40 seconds or longer.
M. Repeat steps “K” and “L” a total of ten times.
Important Considerations:
If, after completing these steps, the readiness status of all monitors still doesn’t show “complete”, double-check that all preconditions for the drive cycle are met. Then, turn the ignition switch OFF and repeat steps “A” through “M” from the beginning.
While this drive cycle is suggested for the Toyota MR2 2AZ-FE engine, drive cycles can vary significantly between different car makes and models. Consult your vehicle’s repair manual or a trusted online resource for the specific drive cycle recommended for your car if it’s not a Toyota MR2.
To check if your monitors are ready without going for a smog check and potentially failing, you might consider using an OBD2 scanner. These tools can plug into your car’s OBD2 port and give you real-time data on your vehicle’s systems, including the readiness monitor status. This allows you to verify if the drive cycle has been successful before you head to the smog check station, potentially saving you time and hassle.
