What Do You Mean My Car's Not Ready?

Your vehicle is computerized so that it runs better and makes less pollution. This computerization is called On Board Diagnostic II (OBD II). OBD II tests various automotive emissions systems that affect how your vehicle runs and how much pollution your vehicle makes. These tests are called "readiness monitors" and are named after the system they test (such as the catalytic converter or oxygen sensor). When the monitor is not completed, it renders your vehicle "not ready."

An OBD II vehicle will not pass the annual inspection unless the required monitors are "ready". The Vehicle Inspection Report from the inspection facility identifies monitors that are not ready. The inspector cannot change the information reported by the vehicle to the computer; the results from the computer scans are exactly what OBD II finds in your vehicle's engine computer. 

OBD II includes 1996 or newer gasoline-powered vehicles and most 1997 or newer diesel-powered vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) less than 8,501 pounds. Vehicles usually perform approximately 10 system tests depending on the year, make and model of the vehicle. Vehicles 1996 and older are now considered "classic", so there is a good chance that your vehicle requires an OBD II inspection.

The following are causes of a "not ready" reading on your inspection report:

• Recent vehicle repairs in which diagnostic trouble codes have been cleared with a OBD II scan tool; or,
• If the battery has been recently disconnected or replaced; or,
• If the vehicle's computer requires a software update; or,
• A pending problem has not yet illuminated the "check engine" light.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guidelines allow only one monitor to be "not ready" for 2001 or newer model year vehicles to pass inspection. Cars older than 25 years do not receive emissions inspections.

To allow your vehicle's monitors to perform their tests and reset them to a "ready" state, your vehicle will have to be driven in a special way called a "drive cycle." Running through the drive cycle completes the readiness monitors so they can detect any emissions failures. Your vehicle's specific drive cycle depends on the make and model, and which monitor needs to be reset. See below for a generic drive cycle that may help you if you cannot acquire your manufacturer's drive cycle.

If the only reason your vehicle failed the inspection was due to a "not ready" monitor reading and your current inspection has already expired, the inspector's computer will issue a 10-day extension. This extension allows you to legally drive your vehicle. During those 10 days, you can either:

• Drive the vehicle as directed by your owner's manual (look under "OBD"), or
• Use the generic drive cycle at the bottom of this page, or
• Consult with a qualified auto technician who can tell you how to acquire a manufacturer's specific drive cycle. 

Be sure to return to the inspection station within 10 days to have the vehicle re-inspected.

Some people pay a technician to perform the drive cycles according to manufacturer-specific guidelines. You may be charged a fee that you agree to. If you drive the vehicle yourself to avoid the fees, the inspection station can charge you an emission re-inspection fee as stipulated by Commissioner's Regulations. This should be posted on a fee chart in the facility's office.

If you take the vehicle from the inspection facility to perform the drive cycle yourself, the inspection station operator can charge you an emission re-inspection fee, up to the maximum fee allowed for an original emission inspection.

Here are some tips to consider.

If your check engine light comes on, do not wait until your annual inspection to get your vehicle repaired. Repairing your vehicle in a timely manner will help clean the air and could also save you time and future repair and fuel costs.

Inspect your vehicle early! Do not wait until the end of the month to get your annual inspection.

When a specific drive cycle is not known, or drive cycle information is not available in an owner's manual, the generic drive cycle described below may assist you in resetting your vehicle's monitors. Please note that this generic cycle may not work for all vehicles.

IMPORTANT: If you choose to use the generic drive cycle below, you must obey all traffic laws and drive in a safe manner. 

The OBD II drive cycle begins with a "cold start". A "cold start" occurs when the vehicle is started hours after it was last driven with the key not in the ignition and the vehicle completely off.

As soon as the engine starts, idle the engine in drive for 2.5 minutes with the air conditioning (A/C) and rear defrost turned on, if equipped.

Turn the A/C and rear defrost off, and accelerate to 55 mph under moderate, constant acceleration. Hold at a steady speed of 55 mph for three minutes.

Decelerate (coast down) to 20 mph without braking (or depressing the clutch for manual transmissions).

Accelerate again back to 55 to 60 mph.

Hold at a steady speed of 55 to 60 mph for five minutes. Decelerate (coast down) to a stop without braking.

In general, the vehicle will need to be driven in a mix of highway and city driving conditions when there is between half and three-quarters of fuel in the tank. In most cases, two drive cycles are required, separated by a cool-down period where the vehicle is not driven.

For additional information, see Inspection Requirements