Smog test

Tiny
SANDRAW61
  • MEMBER
  • 2001 SUBARU FORESTER
  • 4 CYL
  • 200,000 MILES
Converter not ready when I took it to smog. I took it to smog drove it for fifteen minutes took it back read still not ready. What is the best way to ready the converter for smog. Or could it be loose wires or bad fuse that might be the resin for the no code reading?
Sunday, January 21st, 2018 AT 12:03 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
When the engine control unit (ECU) memory is cleared, it takes a little driving before the ECU understands and determines that the various systems are ready or not. Insufficient running time or condition are reasons why the system is not ready.

Drive in city traffic for five or ten minutes, continue with highway driving condition for another five or ten minutes and then back to city driving for another five minutes. Stop for a few minutes and repeat the above process and you should be ready, unless trouble codes crops up.
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Sunday, January 21st, 2018 AT 9:52 PM
Tiny
SANDRAW61
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
So anyone else have an idea drove the drive cycle 2x after driving city and freeway all week took it to the smog shop and still catalyst reading not ready.
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Sunday, January 28th, 2018 AT 7:24 AM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
Try resetting the ECM before carrying out the driving cycle.
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Tuesday, January 30th, 2018 AT 7:02 AM
Tiny
SANDRAW61
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
How do I do that?
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Tuesday, January 30th, 2018 AT 7:24 AM
Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 13,452 POSTS
First thing I would do would be to get the vehicle on a good scan tool and check for any codes. There are many that do not turn on the check engine light BUT can be in the computers and prevent the convertor test from running regardless of how many drive cycles you run.
If you want to try it without scanning, simply disconnect the negative battery cable for 5 minutes when the car and engine are cold. Reconnect it and go for a drive.

Start with between 1/4 and 3/4 tank of gas. Get on the road and accelerate to 50-55 MPH, drive for at least 5 minutes without braking, decelerate to 30 MPH, then accelerate again to 50-55 MPH, and drive for at least 5 minutes again without braking. If you hit the brakes for ANY reason you have to start over.
Now check the monitors.
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Tuesday, January 30th, 2018 AT 8:44 PM

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