tomv

I have an error code that needs to be reset and I know when it's reset, all tests need to return to a readiness state. I know how to reset the check engine light. but does anyone know the Drive Cycle needed to have all the test report with a success so it will be Ready for the emissions test?

I know people say just drive around for 2 weeks, but I've seen what needs to be done to have the car perform all the tests in just a few days. GMs can be performed in under 15 minutes.

http://obdii.com/ has the Driving Cycle for GM and Ford vehicles but doesn't list Lexus/Toyota.

I guess it's probably listed in a service manual.. anyone have one?

thanks
tom

bchau_gt

Interesting, I didn't know about drive cycle processes after resetting a CEL. I'd be interested in know about the Toyota/Lexus drive cycle too.

DaveGS4

iTrader: (2)

I had to do it for mine. The tech told me about 15 - 20 minutes driving (which is about what it takes me to get to the Lexus dealer) and mine passed / read just fine.

bchau_gt

So there's no specific start-up, idling, etc procedure involved? Just simply drive for 15-20 minutes?

DaveGS4

iTrader: (2)

Nope. Just pull the battery cable (or appropriate ECU fuse) to reset the CEL. Then drive around normally for 15 - 20 mins. This assumes of course that whatever trips your CEL in the first place only does it under certain conditions (like mine does) and it doesn't pop back on during those 15 - 20 minutes.

bchau_gt

Thanks Dave. I actually own an OBDII scanner and use that to clear the CEL, but I just wanted to get clarification on the drive cycle process because I'd never heard of that before. I continue to get CELs and a blinking TRAC OFF light on my IS300 due to some major changes I did last month (i.e. supercharger kit and header), but at least I know my CELs are really only emissions related. I appreciate the info.

cuttingedg

if your scanner can show monitors, you can tell if they are up.the monitors have to be up to pass state inspection.usually a good 10 miles will reset enough monitors to pass state.

bchau_gt

I assume that by "monitors" you mean the standard sensors in the car such as O2, etc. Also, for me it doesn't matter whether the monitors are up because I won't pass CARB testing anyways.

Tuna713

http://www.totalcardiagnostics.com/support/Knowledgebase/Article/View/42/7/toyotalexus-obd-ii-drive-cycles

scuz75

This is specific instructions for Lexus and Toyota drive cycles to reset readiness monitors.
https://www.ih8mud.com/tech/tsb/LexusLX450/eg002l02.pdf

Japmand

Newer than 2002 vehicles 15-20 minutes still?

I just went through a huge fiasco about my car not being "ready" at the emissions testing center. The battery has been dying (never drive it) and I recently replaced bank2 sensor1, so I wasn't quite sure I'd pass. I drove 15 miles (25+ minutes) to the testing location, waited, and was told my car wasn't "ready".

It would be nice to know what the requirements are for this readiness state so I don't have to "drive up to 400 miles for the computer to show the ready state" (tester guy here in Colorado)...

Ended up driving 30+ miles (hour and a half through city and highway), taking it to a service center where the guy plugged in his SnapOn scanner that showed "everything was good". I went back to the emissions place and it passed, but I spent half my day getting the test done and was angry not knowing the state of "readyness" of the dang thing.

Why would it take "up to 400 miles of driving" for the cars computer to show "ready"?

2006 Lexus GS300AWD

tghw

Those instructions are 17 years old and likely don't apply to newer generation vehicles.

tghw

You NEVER have to drive 400 miles. 50 miles, and in many case much less is all that should be required.

tarm

I like that drive.... 400 miles ......what BS. That could be a coupe tanks of fuel for some vehicles in a city LOL. Wonder how much emissions you'd spew out just to prove your car is not spewing too much. I am so thankful our area does not have emissions testing and even in the places in the state that do I think its still only tail pipe emission reader at idle and you can not have a lit cel.

Japmand

Yep - complete BS. Old smoking 80's Ford trucks coming out of there that "passed"?... Hmmmmm ... The guy testing told me they test hybrids and full electrics... WTF? SERIOUSLY COLORADO?!?!?! Just another way to legally rip people off.