If your check engine light is on and you’ve recently performed repairs on your Chrysler, Dodge, or Jeep vehicle, you might need to perform an OBD2 drive cycle. This process helps reset your vehicle’s emission monitors, ensuring they are ready for an emissions test or to confirm repairs were successful. This guide, tailored for Chrysler vehicles, will walk you through the necessary steps to complete a drive cycle effectively.
Understanding the Chrysler OBD2 Drive Cycle
An OBD2 drive cycle is a specific series of driving conditions that allows your vehicle’s onboard computer to run self-tests on its emission control systems. These tests, known as monitors, need to be completed and set to “ready” before your vehicle can pass an emissions test. After repairs, or even after disconnecting your battery, these monitors might be reset to “not ready.” Performing a drive cycle helps to complete these tests.
It’s crucial to understand that for all drive cycles, the check engine light (MIL) must be off to begin with. If the check engine light is illuminated, it indicates an ongoing issue that needs to be addressed before attempting a drive cycle.
Here are several drive cycle procedures for various Chrysler system monitors:
All Monitor Drive Cycle
This drive cycle aims to run most of the monitors. However, due to its generic nature, Chrysler recommends using monitor-specific drive cycles for more reliable results.
Pre-Conditioning Requirements:
- MIL must be off.
- Cold start (engine temperature should be low – exact temperature is not specified, but typically means the engine has been off for several hours).
Driving Procedure:
- Warm up the engine for five minutes. Ensure the engine reaches closed loop operation (normal operating temperature).
- Drive at a steady speed between 40 and 60 mph (64 and 97 km/h) for 8 minutes, maintaining a steady throttle.
- Stop the vehicle and idle for 3 minutes.
- Drive at a steady speed above 20 mph (32 km/h) for 2 minutes, maintaining a steady throttle.
- Turn the ignition key off and leave it off for ten minutes. This step is crucial for running the O2 sensor heater monitor.
Catalyst Monitor Drive Cycle
This procedure focuses specifically on testing the efficiency of your catalytic converter.
Pre-Conditioning Requirements:
- MIL must be off.
- No Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) present.
- Fuel level between 15% and 85% full.
- Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) above 70º F (21º C).
- Engine must have run for at least 90 seconds.
- Engine speed between 1,350 & 1,900 rpm.
Driving Procedure:
- Idle the vehicle for five minutes to reach closed loop operation.
- Drive at a steady speed between 30 and 45 mph (48 and 72 km/h) for 2 minutes.
EGR System Monitor Drive Cycle – Vacuum Controlled
This drive cycle is for vehicles with vacuum-controlled Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) systems.
Pre-Conditioning Requirements:
- MIL must be off.
Driving Procedure:
- Idle the vehicle for five minutes to reach closed loop operation.
- Drive at a steady speed between 40 & 60 mph (64 and 97 km/h) for 8 minutes.
EGR System Monitor Drive Cycle – Electronic
This drive cycle is designed for vehicles with electronically controlled EGR systems.
Pre-Conditioning Requirements:
- MIL must be off.
- Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) between 0-60 KPa.
- Engine speed between 500-850 rpm.
- Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) above 180º F (90º C).
- No misfire temporary (pending) or matured fault present.
- A/C clutch, Power Steering (PS) switch, and cooling fans should not change state (remain off).
Driving Procedure:
- Idle vehicle for five (5) minutes to reach closed loop operation.
- Drive at a steady vehicle speed between 40 & 60 mph (64 and 97 km/h) for 2 minutes.
- Idle vehicle for three (3) minutes.
Note: This monitor assesses EGR flow by detecting changes in engine roughness (idle stability). Unstable idle conditions can prevent this monitor from running.
Evaporative System Monitor Drive Cycle
This drive cycle tests the evaporative emissions system, which prevents fuel vapors from escaping into the atmosphere.
Trace 1: Standard Type
- Fuel level should be between 50% and 85% full.
- Idle for 5 minutes.
- Smoothly accelerate and maintain a speed between 30 to 45 mph (48 and 72 km/h) for 2 minutes.
Trace 2: Leak Detection Pump
- Vehicle must be off for 6-8 hours (cold soak).
- Idle for 5 minutes.
- Drive in city traffic with natural stops and accelerations for 5 minutes.
- Stop and idle for 4 minutes.
O2 Sensor Monitor Drive Cycle
This cycle tests the functionality of your oxygen sensors, which are crucial for fuel efficiency and emissions control.
Driving Procedure:
- Idle for 5 minutes.
- Smoothly accelerate and maintain a speed above 25 mph (40 km/h) for 2 minutes.
- Stop and idle for 30 seconds.
- Smoothly accelerate and maintain a speed between 30 to 40 mph (48 and 64 km/h).
- Repeat the idle and acceleration to 30-40 mph five times.
O2 Sensor Heater Monitor Drive Cycle
This drive cycle specifically tests the heaters in your oxygen sensors, which ensure they reach operating temperature quickly.
Driving Procedure:
- Idle for 5 minutes.
- Shut off the engine and leave the vehicle off for 10 minutes.
Once you have completed the necessary drive cycles and confirmed that your vehicle’s monitors are set to “ready” (you can check this with an OBD2 scanner), your Chrysler, Dodge, or Jeep should be ready for an emissions test. You can then proceed to your local smog check station.
Smog Station
Disclaimer: Always consult your vehicle’s repair manual for the most accurate and vehicle-specific drive cycle procedures. This guide is for informational purposes and should be used as a starting point.
