Catalytic monitor not ready?

Tiny
JAMESW2024
  • MEMBER
  • 2006 PONTIAC G6
  • 3.9L
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 189,000 MILES
20 warm up drive cycles and Cat monitor still not ready. No codes, nothing wrong (battery was disconnected and bad; replaced it and performed drive cycle multiple times but still not clearing). I just cleared the DTC thinking it might reset itself. Now, I will be starting all over again. I was wondering if there is anything I can do to speed up the process.
Monday, November 18th, 2024 AT 9:34 PM

10 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
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Can I ask if the engine warms up to operating temperature? If the engine stays cold because of a stuck thermostat open it will take forever for the monitors to set. Please go over this guide which can help us:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-reset-an-engine-computer-monitor-program

Here is how to change the thermostat out in case you see that the engine is not heating up correctly. Check out the images (below). Please let us know what happens.
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Tuesday, November 19th, 2024 AT 10:31 AM
Tiny
JAMESW2024
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Yes, the engine operating temperature is normal, for every cycle the tempurature reaches 219 or so. All monitors are being reset except the Cat. Last night I decided to erase and start all over again (this was done after running 20 warm up cycles). I know I could have waited longer but I decided to start fresh. There were no codes. As far as software updates, this model has been discontinued, and I suppose GM does not have any further updates.
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Tuesday, November 19th, 2024 AT 10:53 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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It can take some time to set the monitors, and the drives must be short drives and long drives and there is no set method to get the monitors to set exactly, just recommendations.

Start the engine and let it idle for 2-3 minutes.

Accelerate steadily to 55 mph and maintain that speed for 5-10 minutes.

Drive in stop-and-go traffic for about 10 minutes, including at least 4 complete stops and idling

Accelerate steadily to 60 mph and maintain it for another 5 minutes.

Give this a try and let me know.
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Tuesday, November 19th, 2024 AT 11:00 AM
Tiny
JAMESW2024
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That is similar to what I usually do: idle 5 minutes, idle with 1000 rpm steady for 1 minute, 5 minutes at 35 mph, 5 minutes at 45 mph, 3 minutes at 55 mph, decelerate to 20 mph without braking, back up to 60 mph for 5 minutes, back to city traffic and stop and go, then idle for 3 minutes and off. From cold repeated for 20 cycles. Today, did the same, tried to hook up the Innova lat + with live data scanner: it gave me error KW 2000 unable to communicate bus can. Previously there were similar codes (but not recently) those were see image below.
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Tuesday, November 19th, 2024 AT 4:24 PM
Tiny
JAMESW2024
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I did a total of two more warm-up drive cycles after re setting the DTC and the CAT cleared.
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Tuesday, November 19th, 2024 AT 9:14 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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Yep, the monitors can be tricky, but it looks like you might have it done soon, let me know. ;)
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Thursday, November 21st, 2024 AT 10:09 AM
Tiny
JAMESW2024
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I forgot to mention although the CAT did clear, the HTR is not clearing now. The reset allowed me to clear the CAT but I'm sure why the HTR is not clearing. What are the specific HTR drive cycle components? What part of the drive cycle is essential for this step?
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Thursday, November 21st, 2024 AT 12:35 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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I have heard of a special type of scanner that can give you the steps for that, but they don't give us the specifics for each monitor, I would just keep driving it or get the scanner.
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Friday, November 22nd, 2024 AT 9:59 AM
Tiny
JAMESW2024
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Well, Ken, it cleared as well and got it to pass. I did some more research, and I found out what part of the cycle clears the H.T.R. To all ow the E.C.M to calculate the data for the O2 heater sensor, the exhaust must not get too hot (something that is needed to monitor the Catalytic convertors (the opposite applies here). The engine needs to be cold (within 11 degrees F of ambient temperature). The idle must be about 2 to 3 minutes (no throttling should be done here. In other words, the RPM should remain steady). The car then can be driven gently for about 5 minutes at 25 to 45 mph (the lower the speed, the better). Shutting off the engine and removing the key (must not restart or turn the ignition on for at least 15 minutes after the gentle drive I mentioned). This will allow the E.C.M to calculate the data from the heater sensor. It is important not to turn on any heating or air conditioning, lights or radio in order to keep the load to a minimum (again this is not the case with other monitors). So, in summary, different monitors require different drive cycle procedures. That is why most people get frustrated when they follow the drive cycle procedure but don't clear everything. What cleared the Catalytic converter was getting the exhaust hot enough for the E.C.M to calculate the Data from both Catalysts. Thank you again.
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Friday, November 22nd, 2024 AT 10:43 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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Nice work, this is great information and will help others as they visit this post :) have a nice weekend!
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Friday, November 22nd, 2024 AT 12:36 PM

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