Hello,

I have a RX330 2006 model and it won't pass the emission (have 65K on it). It says that the computer is not ready... First they suggested I do the drive cycle, but before I even done it I was told that it won't do any good since some of the sensors that should turn on after even short drive are not turning on... Called Lexus and was told that they can't mess with the computer to pass the emission test, so I feel I am stuck to figure out the problem on my own... Went to another mech that Lexus suggested, and was told to try to drive some more (that sometimes the computers have mind on their own, so maybe next time it will pass)... They told me to come back after some more driving and if that won't work to go to Lex and have them replace the computer... Anyone else had the same problem? Really frustrated...

Thanks for all of the help!

 

Welcome to the Club.

Usually when I would see this problem would be after I was playing around with either the battery (removing the cables), resetting a check engine light via scanner or by pulling the EFI fuse in the fuse box.

Normally yes, you would have to drive it a bit more and then the drive cycles would be fine. However, there are some step you might be able to take to see if you can get things up and running again.

1. Start up the vehicle and turn on your ac and also your rear defroster for 3 minutes. Incidentally, the vehicle should be decently warmed up by then too as far as the fluids.

2. Turn off the ac and rear defroster and head out on the highway and be sure to get somewhere you can get up to 55 mph using 1/2 way down the accelerator pedal. Then try and stay there (use cruise control) for about 4 minutes.

3. Then let off the accelerator and let the vehicle slow down to about 20 mph and try to avoid using the pedal until you reach 20 mph. You can use an off ramp.

4. Then get back on the expressway and then get up to 55 mph using 3/4s of your pedal and stay at 55 mph for 6 minutes.

5. Then get off on the off ramp of your choice.

That should reset the system.

Some OBD2 scanners you can buy in stores for under $100 can tell if the drive cycle is okay, those some auto stores can check you out for free.

It may be possible, and I know from experience when I used to do this when I was in Mexico, just to get on the expressway, get on and off a few times, and everything might be perfect without regard to the above method. Sometimes I liked to do 15 minutes half highway, half streets.

 

Good suggestions

 

marta333:

Can you share with us, how you got into this situation to begin with.

Did you have a CEL that you cleared either by resetting through the tool or by disconnecting the battery? And most important of all if so, how long ago?

Depending on how much you drive, it can take couple of days to a week. [I was at an inspection station and a car owner, who came back after 2 days, was told that the test was still showing 'not ready'].

I personally try not to mess with OBDII related things for about 2 weeks before inspection. May be some one can comment on how many engine start to engine stop cycles are needed for some checks and time duration needed for slow leaks in evap system, to indicate 'ready'.



Salim

 

Thank you all for good suggestions. As to how I got there - the battery was replaced about 2 months ago, so it's not that recent. This is the first time I was required to do emission test (since it's 2006 model), so kind of clueless as to what to do...

I will try to do the drive cycles and see if that's going to work. If not, I guess I'll have to just take it to Lex, but rather avoid that due to cost.

If there is anyone else out there who had the same problem, please let me know how you managed it.

Thank you all!

 

Since you have been running it for 2 months, I doubt a few more days will help.

Maybe you did not know, the dealer does the state inspection (including the emission test). I generally do not go to them, as the wait is too long for me. Your vehicle should be in warranty for emission issues. So just take it to them and tell them they need to fix things under warranty and get you a new inspection sticker. Obviously, you will have to pay them for the state inspection [that you would have to pay even when you go to any other place].

Share with us, what Lexus has to say. You certainly dont need to be running to different places and trying to fix the problem on your own.

Salim

 

^^Agree, this is covered under your emission warranty. Do not worry, good luck.