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1996 Honda Accord Failed Smog Test Due To Incomplete Monitors.

Basically, the smog technician was telling my Honda Accord didn't pass because the computer could not read the monitors on the car. I'm not sure what he was telling me. He said the Catalyst monitor, Evaporative System monitor and Oxygen Sensor monitor could not be read. So, is that true? Did my Honda Accord not pass the smog check because of these monitors?
Answer:

Your 1996 Honda Accord is equipped with an On Board Diagnostics System (OBD II). While you are driving your Honda the OBD II system performs internal self tests and sets monitors as "completed" indicating that those particular emission systems are working properly. If any of these monitors (except for one) are incomplete the vehicle fails the smog check. California allows only one incomplete monitor. In this case it appears your Honda Accord has 3 incomplete monitors. If your Honda's battery had recently been removed, replaced, disconnect and reconnected or was dead and your Honda Accord had to be jump started, the emissions monitors were erased from the OBD II computer. You must drive your Honda for at least one to two weeks before retaking it for a smog inspection. So to recap... The smog technician was correct, your 1996 Honda Accord failed the smog inspection because the proper and required emission monitors (also known as readiness flags) were not set or complete, and in order to complete those monitors you'll need to drive your car through 2 or 3 "drive cycles". You'll then be able to pass the smog check. posted by SmogTips Support

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