System Status and Drive Cycle For Satisfying the Federal I/M (240) Regulations

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

Several states require that the I/M 240 (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 which complies with local area requirements. Using the system status display, any of the following systems or a combination of the systems may be monitored for I/M readiness:
^ The catalyst
^ The HO2S
^ The HO2S heater

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, that test is failed. Diagnosis and repair is necessary in order to meet the I/M 240 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 OBD II Drive Cycle table to use as a guide to complete the I/M 240 system status tests. More than one drive cycle may be needed.

Following a DTC info clear, the system status will clear only for the systems affected by any DTCs stored. Following a battery disconnect or a control module replacement, all of the system status information will clear.