Setting the Record Straight on Readiness Monitors and On-Board Diagnostics (OBDII) Inspections
Readiness Monitor Status
Readiness Monitor Status is NOT the same as Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC's). Readiness represents whether or not the emissions control system in question has been evaluated. This evaluation tests for system functionality and, if a problem is detected, a DTC will be stored in the on-board computer.
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What does "Ready" vs. "Not Ready" status mean?
Disconnecting the battery is the most common reason why monitors are "Not Ready"
Some reasons for disconnecting the battery are:
Where is Readiness Monitor Status on the Vehicle Inspection Report (VIR)?
The Emissions Tests Results section of the VIR shows the status of each readiness monitor.
Remember Effective October 15, 2008:
For vehicles year model 2001 and newer, we allow one (1) non-continuous monitor to be Not Ready and still pass the test, but two (2) or more Not Ready's will cause the vehicle to fail.
For vehicles year model 1996 – 2000, we allow two (2) non-continuous monitors to be Not Ready and still pass the test, but three (3) or more Not Ready's will cause the vehicle to fail.
Emissions Test Results | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
MIL CMND Status: OFF | Misfire: | Ready | Heated Cat: | N/S | 02Sensor | Not Ready |
Fuel Sys: | Ready | Evap: | Ready | 02 Sensor Htr: | Ready | |
MIL Engine On: PASS | Comp Cmpnt: | Ready | 2nd Sys: | Ready | EGR Sys: | Not Ready |
MIL Engine Off: PASS | Catalyst: | Not Ready | Air Cond: | N/S | ||
Overall Result - FAIL |
Changing the monitor(s) to "READY"
*Vehicle manufacturer specific scan tools must be in the global OBDII or generic OBDII mode to display readiness monitor status.
If the vehicle has DTC's stored, and the MIL is commanded on:
IMPORTANT!!!
Automobile repair technicians need to check for service and recall bulletins that may apply to certain vehicles with readiness issues.