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Forum > Failed Smog Test > Question

How To Complete a Ford F-150 Drive Cycle?

I have a 2004 Ford F-150 and I recently replaced the the battery. My smog inspection time has come. I’ve taken my truck for a smog check and they've told me that I have to drive through a drive cycle because the EVAP system test still has not completed. My question is, can I still pass the emission test with the evap system in incomplete status?
Answer:

We understand your Ford F-150 is having difficulty getting certain emission monitors to complete (become Ready). First off we should mention, at the time of this posting, the EVAP monitor is the one monitor allowed to be incomplete and your truck still pass the smog check. So... if the EVAP monitor is in fact the only monitor which your F-150 has incomplete, no need to worry, it can pass the smog check. Visit a local smog station and obtain the inspection. Your truck will pass the test.

Here's what happened when you replaced your Ford F-150's battery, it caused the OBD II monitors to erase, requiring a drive cycle to be completed in order to make the monitors READY or COMPLETE again. Follow the Ford F-150 drive cycle below. The required monitors should become ready to pass the smog inspection simply by driving your truck for 200-300 miles and over the course of a few days. Due to individual driving habits/patterns, sometimes the drive cycle parameters are not met with ordinary driving, and following the Ford F-150 drive cycle is necessary.

Take extra caution when performing drive cycles on public roadways, obeying all traffic laws. You may also seek repair assistance from a Ford dealership. They will be able to complete the drive cycle using manufacturer specific scan tools. If after performing the drive cycle twice your F-150 is still unable to pass the smog check because its monitors (or monitor) are incomplete, please seek assistance from a smog check repair center or Ford dealership.

How To Complete Ford F-150 Drive Cycle

The following procedure is directly from Ford and designed to complete the OBDII monitors required to get your Ford F-150 to pass the OBDII Monitors portion of the smog check, also known of the I/M readiness test. You may use a scan tool in order to monitor the status of the emission monitors as your Ford F-150 is being driven.

START HERE - Drive Cycle Recommendations:

1.Emission monitors (readiness flags) will complete quicker when using a "steady foot" driving style during cruise or acceleration modes. Operating the gas pedal in a "smooth" manner will minimize the time required for monitor completion.

2. Fuel tank level should be between 1/2 and 3/4 fill during the drive cycle in order to allow the EVAP monitor to run. 

3.The Evaporative Monitor can only operate during the first 30 minutes of engine operation. During the EVAP portion of the drive cycle, drive in a smooth fashion to minimize "fuel slosh". 

Drive Cycle Preparation - 1. If using a scan tool, go ahead and connect it now. Turn key on with the engine off. Cycle key off, then on. Select the appropriate vehicle make and model on your scan tool. Start your Ford F-150 WITHOUT returning to Key Off. Idle the vehicle for 15 seconds, and then drive at 40 MPH until engine coolant temperature is at least 170°F, which is normal engine operating temperature. 10 to 15 minutes of drive will achieve this.

HEGO Monitor - 5. Cruise at 40 MPH for up to 4 minutes.

EVAP Monitor - 6. Cruise at 45 to 65 MPH for 10 minutes (avoid sharp turns and hills).

Catalyst Monitor - 7. Next, drive your Ford F-150 in stop and go traffic conditions. Include five different constant cruise speeds, ranging from 25 to 45 MPH over a 10 minute period.

EGR Monitor - 8. From a stop, accelerate to 45 MPH at 1/2 to 3/4 throttle. Repeat this pattern 3 times.

SEC AIR/CCM (Engine) - 9. Bring your Ford F-150 to a stop. Idle with transmission in drive (neutral for M/T) for 2 minutes.

CCM (Trans) - 10. Start from a stop and in overdrive, then moderately accelerate to 50 MPH and cruise for at least 15 seconds. Stop the vehicle and repeat without overdrive to 40 MPH cruising for at least 30 seconds. While at 40 MPH, activate overdrive and accelerate to 50 MPH and cruise for at least 15 seconds. Stop for at least 20 seconds and repeat step 10 five times.

Misfire & Fuel Monitors - 11. From a stop, accelerate to 65 MPH. Decelerate at closed throttle until 40 MPH (no brakes). Repeat this 3 times.

Readiness Check - 12. If using a scan tool, go ahead and access the ON-Board System Readiness (OBDII monitor status) function on the scan tool. Determine whether all emission monitors have completed.

EVAP Monitor "Bypass" - 13. Park vehicle for a minimum of 8 hours. Repeat steps 2 through 12.


posted by SmogTips Support

 

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