System Status and Drive Cycle For Inspection/Maintenance

The System Status selection is included in the scan tool System Info menu.

Several states require that the I/M (OBD II system) pass on-board tests for the major diagnostics prior to having a vehicle emission inspection. This is also a requirement to renew license plates in some areas.

Using a scan tool, the technician can observe the System Status, complete or not complete, in order to verify that the vehicle meets the criteria to comply with local area requirements. Using the System Status display, any of the following systems or combination of systems may be monitored for I/M Readiness:
^ The catalyst
^ The Evaporative Emission (EVAP) system
^ The Heated Oxygen Sensors (HO2S)
^ The HO2S heater
^ The Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) system
^ The secondary air injection (AIR) system

IMPORTANT: The System Status display indicates only whether or not the test has been completed. The System Status display does not necessarily mean that the test has passed. If a Failed Last Test indication is present for a DTC associated with one of the above systems, diagnosis and repair is necessary in order to meet the I/M requirement. Verify that the vehicle passes all of the diagnostic tests associated with the displayed System Status prior to returning the vehicle to the customer. Refer to the Typical Drive Cycle table, more than one drive cycle may be needed, to use as a guide to complete the I/M System Status tests.

Typical Drive Cycle:

Following a DTC info clear, System Status clears for one or all of these systems. Following a battery disconnect or a PCM replacement, all System Status information clears.