What is a drive cycle in a car?
Share it! A drive cycle is one of the methods used by a vehicle’s powertrain control module (PCM) to determine whether an emissions system repair was performed successfully. It involves a special test drive that duplicates the scenario of a person starting the car and making a short freeway trip, as if driving to work.
How to perform a basic drive cycle-repairpal?
The Drive Cycle and Emissions Readiness Monitors have, for the most part, stopped this unethical tactic. Here are step-by-step instructions on how to perform a basic, yet very effective, drive cycle that will complete the readiness monitors for your vehicle’s emissions control system.
What happens at the end of the drive cycle test?
The last step of the general drive cycle test is to complete a final OBD-II scan for trouble codes. This is something that will verify that the drive cycle test has been completed successfully. Sometimes a drive cycle test will discover other hidden emission problems that did not register initially.
Why is it important to follow the drive cycle?
When it is followed as directed, it will help reset the sensors and monitoring equipment inside the PCM and help the mechanic determine if the repairs were completed correctly. While it would be nice and convenient for the drive cycle to be consistent and easy to follow, in truth it is unique for every manufacturer.
What does it mean to do a drive cycle?
If you’re a newer mechanic or becoming more educated about diagnosing emissions systems via the OBD-II diagnosis system, you may have heard of the phrase “drive cycle.” A drive cycle is used to test whether repairs to emissions-related components were successfully recognized by the powertrain control module or PCM.
The Drive Cycle and Emissions Readiness Monitors have, for the most part, stopped this unethical tactic. Here are step-by-step instructions on how to perform a basic, yet very effective, drive cycle that will complete the readiness monitors for your vehicle’s emissions control system.
The last step of the general drive cycle test is to complete a final OBD-II scan for trouble codes. This is something that will verify that the drive cycle test has been completed successfully. Sometimes a drive cycle test will discover other hidden emission problems that did not register initially.
What happens when the drive cycle doesn’t work?
If you have to occasionally jump-start your vehicle, all of the memory from the powertrain control module (PCM) is erased, which includes the data that accurately tracks the results from various stages of the Drive Cycle. Also, if the battery is weak or undercharged, some of the most important tests will never run.
What’s the best way to complete a drive cycle?
Most manufacturers recommend simply removing your foot from the accelerator, without pressing the brake pedal, until you decelerate to at least 20 mph — then you can slowly press the brake pedal. The third road test is a return to city driving, where you repeat what you drove in the first city road test.
What’s the minimum speed for a drive cycle?
When you have accelerated up to around 60 mph and have safely merged into the flow of traffic, stay in the slow lane and maintain a steady speed of 55 to 60 mph for a minimum of five miles. Please use the cruise control to help you maintain speed.
How long should a car sit for a drive cycle?
Ensure your battery and alternator are in good shape. Jump-starting a vehicle can be a death sentence for the PCM. It can also negatively impact the drive cycle test. Let the vehicle sit for more than 8 hours.
Share it! A drive cycle is one of the methods used by a vehicle’s powertrain control module (PCM) to determine whether an emissions system repair was performed successfully. It involves a special test drive that duplicates the scenario of a person starting the car and making a short freeway trip, as if driving to work.
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What does incomplete mean on a drive cycle?
If any of the (8) monitors have a status of “Incomplete” that means you have not yet completed a full drive cycle and you need to drive your car around more. Your car will need to experience city driving situations and highway driving situations inorder to complete a full drive cycle.
Most manufacturers recommend simply removing your foot from the accelerator, without pressing the brake pedal, until you decelerate to at least 20 mph — then you can slowly press the brake pedal. The third road test is a return to city driving, where you repeat what you drove in the first city road test.