Drive Cycle

Drive Cycles
A drive cycle is a method of driving a vehicle to verify a driveability symptom or its repair. It can also be a method of driving a vehicle to initiate and complete a specific OBD II monitor or Trip. A drive cycle may be done in the service bay or may require specific drive modes such as a number of idle periods, steady vehicle speed per time, accelerations at certain throttle angles, etc.

OBD II Drive Cycle
The OBD II Drive Cycle is a specific method used to perform all Trip monitor tests, as well as the catalyst efficiency monitor test.

Trips and Drive Cycles
The following conditions must occur to complete a TRIP and test all OBD II monitors and components, including the Catalyst Efficiency Monitor,and Trip Monitor:

- The misfire, comprehensive component, and adaptive fuel monitors are checked continuously from engine warm-up and can complete any time.

- The exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) monitor test requires a series of idles and accelerations.

- The heated oxygen sensor (HO2S) monitor requires a steady speed drive for approximately 1 minute at 30 to 40mph.

- The catalyst efficiency monitor requires a steady speed drive for 1 minute and 20 seconds beyond the HO2S monitor test at 40 to 65 mph.