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Forum > Failed Smog Test > Question

2002 Ford Mustang - Emission monitors not set, not enough cycles.

They said my computer hadn't cycled through yet. I drove it 200 miles and went through a tank of gas, it still hasn't cycled through. What do I need to do to get my Ford Mustang to set the emission monitors?
Answer:

Your Ford Mustang is equipped with an On-Board Diagnostics system called OBD II. Your Ford's OBD II computer system is designed to monitor all aspects of its engine emission conditions and report this information to a central database within the OBDII computer. This information is processed and checked against the computer's pre-determined values for various inputs levels and performance patterns of your vehicle. If any problems are found the computer will determine whether to alert the driver or not. If your Mustang's battery had been recently removed, replaced, disconnect and reconnected or was dead and your Ford Mustang had to be jump started, the emissions monitors were erased from your Ford's computer. You must drive your Honda for at least one to two weeks before retaking the smog check. Your Ford Mustang failed the smog check because the required (Readiness Flag) monitors were not set or complete. So to recap... Your Ford Mustang could fail the smog inspection if any Trouble Codes are present and the check engine light is on, and it can also fail the smog check without the Check Engine light on, but monitors not set. Monitors not set will not cause your Ford's Check Engine light to turn on, but will cause it not to pass the smog test. In order to set the monitors you will need to drive it through 2 or 3 drive cycles. Your car can pass the smog check. Drive cycles vary per vehicle - usually 1-2 weeks worth of driving is enough. In some cases such as this more driving may be necessary. posted by SmogTips Support

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