HELP - Can't Pass Smog - Catalyst Won't Reset

GVL

GVL

New member
Hey gang, I took the rig in for mandatory smog and it passed all the emissions tests on the machine, but the "ODBll Catalyst" won't reset. Yes, I disconnected the battery to prior to the smog test, but I now have 200 miles on it since it was disconnected and the smog guy keeps telling me to go put more miles. I spent 2 hours driving aimlessly at 65 mph last night just to get miles and still won't pass this morning. I remember having to do this last time but it reset after 50 miles like they said it would. Now he's saying to go get it fixed before coming back. Very frustrated at this point.

NOTE: I cleaned the MAF and throttle body just before the test (battery was disconnected to do this) and I'm sure it helped pass the test because I was borderline last time and numbers were better this time.

Anyone have any ideas what to do to get this Catalyst to reset? I need to get it back up the mountain where it belongs. Thanks!
 
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GVL said:
Tried a different search and found a good thread - still reading.....
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There are specific drive patterns amongst other requirements that need to be followed in order to make the IM monitors show as ready. I don't recall the cat monitor as being a difficult one (like the evap is) but you need to find the proper instructions for it and follow that. Most likely, you will need to let the truck cool down over night. Often, the ECU will not even run the test until the coolant temp and outside temp are within a certain number of degrees from each other.

In other words, you need to start fresh in the morning when the truck is cold and follow the instructions as close as you can.
 
Forgot to mention that you need to choose the CA option (rather than the FED option) if you have a car designed to the California emissions standards.

Buckaroo
 
GVL said:
Thanks guys, can my SGII tell me if it's ready or not so I don't have to keep going back to the smog place? I've been there FIVE (5) times now and get more frustrated each time.
Click to expand...

I don't own one, but I would think you could view the monitors and see if they are set on a ScanGauge. Even my $30 cheap-ass obd2 reader will show the monitors.



Edit**

Just went and looked and it should show you if they are ready or not.

 
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Can't tell you - lots of Scan Gauge folks on here but I am not one of them. My cheap ELM327 OBDII scanner set-up gives me status on all the monitors (pass/fail/not completed).

I think if you run the drive cycle once and the CEL doesn't light up, it could be because you set a "pending" code (which will not complete the monitor and won't pass the testing). Don't know if Scan Gauge shows pending codes. If you shut the T4R down and run the cycle a second time and there is a low-efficiency CAT issue, it will light the CEL. So, after the second trip, if the CEL does not light up, you could (?) be good to go.


Buckaroo
 
Does anyone know if we have an "O2S Type" or "AF Sensor" type of catalyst monitor? The drive procedures are a little different for the two and my paperwork does not indicate.

I've set today aside (after the Masters) for getting this damn catalyst reset so it can pass smog and I can finish my lighting work. Thanks again for the info guys.

EDIT: tried both procedures a few different times and SG2 is still saying "Not Ready". I'm so fed up with this damn smog check BS.
 
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GVL said:
Does anyone know if we have an "O2S Type" or "AF Sensor" type of catalyst monitor? The drive procedures are a little different for the two and my paperwork does not indicate.

I've set today aside (after the Masters) for getting this damn catalyst reset so it can pass smog and I can finish my lighting work. Thanks again for the info guys.

EDIT: tried both procedures a few different times and SG2 is still saying "Not Ready". I'm so fed up with this damn smog check BS.
Click to expand...

Necro thread resurrection but, what did you do to finally get the catalyst readiness complete? I've been having troubleshooting for two weeks or more now and just curious.
 
Majindan said:
Necro thread resurrection but, what did you do to finally get the catalyst readiness complete? I've been having troubleshooting for two weeks or more now and just curious.
Click to expand...

Have seen your other post on Emissions Monitors not completing. I assume you have looked at the TSB that I referenced earlier in this thread that shows the drive cycles - take careful note of the preconditions. Lots of them for the Evap monitor and the Catalyst monitor won't run if the O2 monitor hasn't previously passed.

Both the Evap and catalyst monitors are two trip DTC's. They set pending codes when they fail the first time which doesn't complete the monitors and doesn't light the CEL...all the preconditions need to be met again and then they need to run/fail a second time to set the DTC (permanent code) and light the CEL. Can your scanner read pending codes? Not all scanners do....If not, you don't have a clear picture on status and all you see is your monitor does not complete. If you clear the code, disconnect the battery or lose voltage to the ECM before the monitor runs/fails a second time, everything starts over again....

Buckaroo
 
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Buckaroo said:
Have seen your other post on Emissions Monitors not completing. I assume you have looked at the TSB that I referenced earlier in this thread that shows the drive cycles - take careful note of the preconditions. Lots of them for the Evap monitor and the Catalyst monitor won't run if the O2 monitor hasn't previously passed.

Both the Evap and catalyst monitors are two trip DTC's. They set pending codes when they fail the first time which doesn't complete the monitors and doesn't light the CEL...all the preconditions need to be met again and then they need to run/fail a second time to set the DTC (permanent code) and light the CEL. Can your scanner read pending codes? Not all scanners do....If not, you don't have a clear picture on status and all you see is your monitor does not complete. If you clear the code, disconnect the battery or lose voltage to the ECM before the monitor runs/fails a second time, everything starts over again....

Buckaroo
Click to expand...

Torque Pro has a pending code feature and I've yet to discover one. Just doesn't make sense why ALL of the tests keep resetting though.
 
When I bought the 97 limited it north Philladelphia the O2 wasn't set. I watched it on the drive home on the PA Turnpike, and it took almost 80 miles for it to set.

Get your voltage stable and have less than 3/4 tank but above 1/4 tank while your driving.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
I had the same issue with my 01, even after driving over 200 miles. I ended up replacing the post CAT O2 sensor with a Denso unit and cleared within 50 miles of driving it. Better the o2 sensor than the CAT. BTW I used the Torque app.
 
I can't remember what code it was, but the smog tech told me to just keep driving it "so the computer can get enough data". Mine took about 150 miles before it eventually reset and gave no codes. Wish I could get more technical...
 
I am in the same boat right now. my 3rd gen wont pass smog due to the readiness monitors incomplete. in need help DESPERATELY , i repaired o2 sensors , my exhaust leak, vacuum problems, cleaned throttle body and MAF and nothing seems to work!!! its very frustrating and ive been back n fourth to the smog center and the same thing keeps popping up that everything is ready EXCEPT FOR -- EVAP, O2, CAT, and 2 others aren't ready. ive driven the drive cycles multiple times now and nothing seems to be working. Ive heard to disconnect the battery to let the ECU but with my luck it wont do anything, im about ready to just pay $300 to 'pass' emissions. somebody please help SOS
 
Trevsmith17 said:
I am in the same boat right now. my 3rd gen wont pass smog due to the readiness monitors incomplete. in need help DESPERATELY , i repaired o2 sensors , my exhaust leak, vacuum problems, cleaned throttle body and MAF and nothing seems to work!!! its very frustrating and ive been back n fourth to the smog center and the same thing keeps popping up that everything is ready EXCEPT FOR -- EVAP, O2, CAT, and 2 others aren't ready. ive driven the drive cycles multiple times now and nothing seems to be working. Ive heard to disconnect the battery to let the ECU but with my luck it wont do anything, im about ready to just pay $300 to 'pass' emissions. somebody please help SOS
Click to expand...

You may have a cat going bad, or maybe you haven't driven it enough. First thing is, if you don't have a scan tool and know what you are looking for, you should have a pro try to solve it for you. Paying someone off won't solve the real problem, and you should solve it for sure. What do you mean when you say you repaired the 02 sensors?
 
cbr900boy said:
I had the same issue with my 01, even after driving over 200 miles. I ended up replacing the post CAT O2 sensor with a Denso unit and cleared within 50 miles of driving it. Better the o2 sensor than the CAT. BTW I used the Torque app.
Click to expand...
My Son bought a 2001 2wd Limited with 220k. runs strong. passes smog but not the readiness test. we too have followed the test and my Torque tester says that it's still not ready for testing. My 1980 FJ40 was easier! i've been reading all the post and and have tried just about everything just shy of getting my money back from the previous owner of having HIM smog the dam thing. he put a new battery in just before he sold it to us.
 
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