Innova SDS50 SDS-Tech: Emission Readiness

Purpose

To guide you on how to check the Emission Readiness and I/M Monitors on the Innova SDS50 SDS-Tech Tablet Scan Tool.

Introduction

Monitors are 'diagnostic routines' programmed into the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). The PCM utilizes these programs to run diagnostic tests and monitor the operation of the vehicle's emissions-related components or systems to ensure they are operating correctly and within the vehicle's manufacturer specifications.

Continuous Monitor: designed to continuously monitor associated components and/or systems for proper operation. Continuous Monitors are active whenever the engine is running.

Misfire Monitor
Fuel Monitor
Comprehensive Monitor

Non – Continuous Monitor: perform and complete diagnostic testing once during each trip in which the necessary Enabling Criteria for the Monitor are met.

Oxygen Sensor (O2S) Monitor
Oxygen Sensor Heater Monitor
Catalyst Monitor
Oxygen Sensor Heater Monitor
Heated Catalyst Monitor
Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) System Monitor
Secondary Air System Monitor
Air Conditioning (A/C) Monitor
Evaporative Emissions Control System (EVAP) System Monitor
Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) Monitor
Thermostat Monitor

The results of the Emission Monitor can be: Completed, Not Completed, Enable, and Disable.

The results of the Readiness Monitors and the state you live in determine if your vehicle is permitted to drive. For example, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) allows up to two monitors to be 'Not Completed' for vehicles from the 1996 to 2000 model years. However, for vehicles from the 2001 model year and newer, only one monitor can be 'Not Completed' or 'Disabled'.

Procedure

Step 1 - Connect Innova SDS50 SDS-Tech Tablet Scan Tool to the vehicle and select 'OBD2 Diagnostics'

First, connect the Innova SDS50 SDS-Tech Tablet Scan Tool to your vehicle via the Diagnostic Link Connector (DLC) to retrieve the vehicle's information, such as Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and model.
Then, select the 'OBD2 Diagnostic' function.

Step 2 – Check the status of the Emission Readiness

Green LED indicates that all engine systems are running normally, and all Emission Monitors are active and performing their diagnostic testing; the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) on the vehicle’s instrument panel is OFF.
Yellow LED indicates there is a possible problem in one or more of the vehicle’s systems. Either a Pending DTC is present, or some of the vehicle’s Emission Monitors have not run their diagnostic testing.
Red LED indicates there is a problem in one or more of the vehicle’s systems. The MIL on the vehicle’s instrument panel is ON.

Step 3 - Check the status of the I/M Monitor Status

The Innova SDS50 SDS-Tech Tablet Scan Tool provides a comprehensive analysis of the vehicle’s emission systems.
Since DTCS Cleared is reported with the Ignition in the Key ON Engine OFF position and is used for the smog check and Emission Readiness LEDs. It contains two states Complete (Green Solid Icon) and Incomplete (Red Flashing Icon).
This Drive Cycle is reported with the Ignition in the Key ON Engine Running position and is used for Diagnostic purposes. This monitor has three states Complete (Green Solid Icon), Enabled (Green/Grey Flashing Icon) and Disabled (Red/Grey Flashing Icon).
Select the 'View Drive Cycles' button to check the Drive Cycles of the Emission Monitor
The scan tool displays the steps of the procedure on the screen. The user must ensure that the vehicle is in the required condition and follow each step carefully to change the status of the Emission Monitor to 'Complete'.

Summary

The Emission Monitor function is increasingly important as automotive technology evolves and emission control becomes stricter. The function allows car owners to complete the drive cycle on their own, and this article provides guidance on how to check Emission Monitors in a vehicle and drive cycles for incomplete monitors.