Hey everyone. First time here! My problem: Tried to smog my car and it was rejected due to the computer or something. I've never disconnected my battery...but had to have a jump start about 3 weeks ago. I believe this may have thrown off my sensors. Check engine light is NOT on and car drive perfect. Does anyone know what the "drive cycle" is or how far I must drive to reset everything. Have 2 days left to smog! Help!!! Thanks

 

I doubt that there is anything wrong with your car. After the battery is disconected the car needs to test every emission component to pass the smog test. This is to keep someone from erasing codes and then driving in to have their inspection. Usually a few days of driving will allow all the tests to be performed.

Since you don't have much time, follow this:

The OBDII drive cycle begins with a cold start (coolant temperature below 122 degrees F and the coolant and air temperature sensors within 11 degrees of one another).
NOTE: The ignition key must not be on prior to the cold start otherwise the heated oxygen sensor diagnostic may not run.
1. As soon as the engine starts, idle the engine in drive for two and a half minutes with the A/C and rear defrost on. OBDII checks oxygen sensor heater circuits, air pump and EVAP purge.
2. Turn the A/C and rear defrost off, and accelerate to 55 mph at half throttle. OBDII checks for ignition misfire, fuel trim and canister purge.
3. Hold at a steady state speed of 55 mph for three minutes. OBDII monitors EGR, air pump, O2 sensors and canister purge.
4. Decelerate (coast down) to 20 mph without braking or depressing the clutch. OBDII checks EGR and purge functions.
5. Accelerate back to 55 to 60 mph at half throttle. OBDII checks misfire, fuel trim and purge again.
6. Hold at a steady speed of 55 to 60 mph for five minutes. OBDII monitors catalytic converter efficiency, misfire, EGR, fuel trim, oxygen sensors and purge functions.
7. Decelerate (coast down) to a stop without braking. OBDII makes a final check of EGR and canister purge.


For more information you can read this site, from which the above was obtained. Understanding OBDII: Past, Present & Future

Best wishes.

 

How long did you drive it before the test? If it was only a short distance and the engine wasn't warmed up good it can cause it to fail.

 

Thanks magneticred for that info!!! I'm going to drive it right now and folllow those guidelines.

Yes, Robby, it was just a short distance, but the smog techs told me that the car was warm and that the temp wasn't the problem. They tried to charge me an additional $250 to reset everything. But Iknew I had to drive it some more. Just didn't know how far or what else to do.

Will update you all!