OBD2 Readiness Monitors are simple yet powerful self check routines. They provide insight to the car’s self-diagnostics. This tutorial will explain in detail what the readiness monitors are.
The purpose of readiness monitors is to self-test the car’s emission control systems. The monitors are also known as Emissions Monitors. Like the name indicates, they observe the performance of car’s emission related systems.
Cars may perform up to 11 system tests or routines. These tests are so called readiness monitors. The output of readiness monitors tell you whether the car’s computer has completed the tests successfully.
There are two different types of readiness monitors: continuous and non-continuous. Continuous monitors are different in design from the non-continuous ones. Continuous monitors are being constantly tested and evaluated while the engine is running. The non-continuous monitors need certain conditions to be met before a test can be completed.
The conditions necessary to run the non-continuous self-diagnostic tests vary. Some monitors require that the car follows a predefined drive cycle routine. Some require two drive cycles because of the need for a cool down and warm up periods between. Each emission monitor can have different requirements for the conditions.
Previously, the OBD2 standard (SAE J1979) categorized each defined monitor as either one. In the latest standard edition, this definite allocation is no longer present for all of them. Thus, OBD Auto Doctor doesn’t follow the categorization anymore either.
These monitors can be of either type. It’s up to the manufacturer to decide.
Non-continuous monitors are different for spark ignition cars (gasoline engines) and compression ignition cars (diesel engines).
OBD readiness monitors read with Windows
Traditionally, the only monitor status was the status since the diagnostic trouble codes were cleared. This readiness monitor status is mandatory for all OBD2 compliant vehicles. It will show the long term status after the check engine light was reset and the DTCs cleared.
As the OBD2 has evolved, newer vehicles can now report emission monitor status also for the current driving cycle. These monitors start from the beginning every time when the monitoring cycle begins. Older cars might not support this feature. In that case, OBD Auto Doctor will mark it as NA or Not Available.
Readiness monitor test result yields the monitor status. Each readiness monitor will have its own output status. The completion status can be:
Complete or ready meaning that the test has been completed. It means that the OBD-II system has checked this emissions control system and it has passed the test. OBD Auto Doctor indicates this by green check mark.
Incomplete or not ready meaning the test is not completed. It means that the OBD2 system has not been able to run this routine or it has failed. OBD Auto Doctor indicates this by red exclamation mark.
Disabled meaning that the test has been disabled for the rest of this monitoring cycle. A monitor can be disabled when there is no easy way for the driver to operate the vehicle to allow the monitor to run. For example, the ambient air temperature might be too low or too high.
OBD Auto Doctor lists all the defined monitors in the software. But the actual status can be reported only for the ones that the car supports too. It is not required for a car to support all the monitors. NA or not available monitor means that the car doesn’t have that monitor. Thus it can’t be tested.
Readiness monitors read with the Android app. The vehicle doesn’t support readiness monitors for this drive cycle.
Clearing the diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and the Check Engine Light will reset the monitor statuses too. This typically occurs during or after vehicle repair.
Statuses are also reset in case of power failure. This usually happens when the battery has been disconnected. That’s why it is not advisable to disconnect the battery. If you need to disconnect the battery for example to replace it, read further. You will learn how to get the monitors back to complete.
For the current monitoring cycle, or “this drive cycle”, the status is set to incomplete upon starting a new monitoring cycle. It is a normal situation for these monitors to be incomplete when starting the engine.
Depending on your country and state, OBDII vehicle may not pass the annual inspection unless the required monitors since reset are complete. For example, the US Environmental Protection Agency guidelines allow up to two monitors to be not ready for model year 1996 through 2000 vehicles. For 2001 and newer model year vehicles only single monitor status can be incomplete or not ready.
Because the monitors are self check routines, the best way to get them ready is to drive the car. Yet, monotonic driving will not most likely meet all the needed conditions. That’s why there is so called OBD drive cycle. But before going into that, let’s go through the obvious ones.
First, make sure that the MIL (Malfunction Indicator Light) is not commanded on. Having stored or even pending diagnostic trouble codes active may prevent a monitor from running to completion.
Second, make sure that you have enough fuel in the car. Some monitors, for instance the EVAP monitor, may require the fuel level to be between 35% and 85% to initiate the diagnostic testing.
Third, complete the so called “drive cycle”. About one week of combined city and highway driving is usually enough to allow the monitors to reach complete status. The drive cycle is explained in more details in the next paragraph.
The purpose of the OBD2 drive cycle is to let your car run on-board diagnostics. This, in turn, allows the readiness monitors to operate. And detect potential malfunctions of your car’s emission system. The correct drive cycle for your car can vary greatly depending on the car model and manufacturer. Also, the monitor in question affects the required drive cycle.
Today, many vehicle manufacturers include these drive cycles in the vehicle owner’s manual. Typically, a few days of normal driving, both city and highway, will make the monitors ready. The following generic drive cycle can be used as a guideline if a specific drive cycle is not known. It will assist with resetting monitors when a car specific drive cycle is not available. However, it may not work for all cars and monitors.
The drive cycle can be difficult to follow exactly under normal driving conditions. Thus, it is better to drive it in restricted area!
The universal OBD-II drive cycle begins with a cold start. You should have coolant temperature below 50 C/122 F, and the coolant and air temperatures within 11 degrees of one another. This condition can be achieved by letting the car to sit overnight.
The ignition key must not be left ON position before the cold start. Otherwise the heated oxygen sensor diagnostic may not run.
Start the engine and idle the engine in drive for two and half minutes, with the A/C and rear defroster on if equipped.
Turn the A/C and rear defroster off, and speed up to 90 km/h (55 mph) under moderate, constant acceleration. Hold at a steady speed for three minutes.
Slow down to 30 km/h (20 mph) without braking. Do not depress the clutch if you are running with manual transmission.
Speed up back to 90-100 km/h (55-60 mph) at 3/4 throttle. Hold at a steady speed for five minutes.
Slow down to a stop without braking.
To avoid rejection in the annual inspection, you can prepare your car for the check yourself. You should at least read the readiness monitors and make sure they are ready. This will save you from almost guaranteed rejection.
You should also read the diagnostic trouble codes and make sure there are none present. You can do all this with OBD Auto Doctor diagnostic software. You can read the monitor statuses and the diagnostic trouble codes even with the free version. So why not try the software right now?
And remember, do not wait until the annual inspection with the issues. Acting immediately could save you a lot of time as well as future repair and fuel costs.
Editor's note: This tutorial has been updated in March 2020 for accuracy and the latest information.
In today’s fast-paced world, managing a fleet of heavy vehicles can feel like a daunting task. Fleet management is a task that requires keen oversight, strategic planning, and constant vigilance to ensure safety, maintain schedules, and optimise fuel consumption.
However, with advancements in technology, this process has become a lot simpler. In-vehicle monitoring systems are an efficient solution to help manage and monitor your fleet and its operations.
These systems are designed to enhance safety and efficiency by providing real-time data and alerting drivers of any potential issues. Let’s explore exactly how these monitoring systems work.
An in-vehicle monitoring system is a type of technology designed to help businesses that rely on large fleets of commercial vehicles, such as trucks and buses, monitor their assets.
It works by providing real-time tracking data to help track the location of vehicles, measure performance, and enhance safety protocols.
These devices can store information that can be later extracted and analysed to decipher if the driver has been following safe practises. Several organisations use this to ensure that their vehicles are protected from accidents or early wear and tear.
The IVMS technology gives owners a greater level of visibility into their fleet operations, helping them to operate more efficiently and safely.
An IVMS device consists of several components that work together to provide real-time data. At its core, the system consists of a GPS tracker and a software package.
The GPS tracking device is installed on the vehicle and continually transmits signals to satellites in order to identify its location. This information is then sent back to a satellite or base station in order for it to be processed and sent to the software application.
Once the data is received, it can then be used to create various reports, such as trip duration or fuel consumption analysis. The software package also provides functions such as geofencing alerts and engine diagnostics monitoring.
Geofencing alerts allow fleet owners to set up boundaries around certain locations and receive an alert if any of their vehicles cross the boundary. This is a useful feature for maintaining security or monitoring driver behaviour.
Engine diagnostics can also be monitored to detect any potential problems with the vehicle’s performance, such as low oil pressure or engine temperature.
In-vehicle monitoring systems are made up of different components that work together to provide the best possible service. They generally include:
An in-vehicle monitoring system comes with many benefits for fleet owners, including improved safety, better fuel efficiency, increased productivity, and cost savings.
With an in-vehicle monitoring system, fleet operators can ensure that their vehicles are operating safely and compliant with the law at all times.
The technology can track vehicle speed and distance to make sure drivers aren’t exceeding speed limits or driving too far in a single day. It also provides data on braking behaviour, so owners can be sure their vehicles are being driven responsibly.
By monitoring fuel efficiency, an in-vehicle monitoring system can help fleet owners save money on the cost of fuel.
It does this by tracking vehicle performance and providing data on how to optimise fuel consumption, such as when to slow down or accelerate. With this data, operators can create more efficient driving plans that not only reduce their emissions but also lower their fuel costs.
An in-vehicle monitoring system helps increase the productivity of a fleet by providing real-time data on vehicle performance and location. This can help operators plan trips more efficiently, reducing travel time and saving on labour costs. By keeping track of driver hours and maintenance schedules, they can better manage their workforce and keep operations running smoothly.
In addition to the savings from improved fuel efficiency and increased productivity, an in-vehicle monitoring system can also help reduce overall fleet costs. By giving fleet owners more visibility into their vehicles’ performance, they can easily identify any potential problems that may be causing higher maintenance or repair bills. This helps them take corrective action before these issues become too costly.
All in all, an in-vehicle monitoring system is essential for any business that relies on a large fleet of commercial vehicles to keep its operations running smoothly and efficiently. With its improved safety features, better fuel efficiency, increased productivity, and cost savings benefits, it can be a great asset for companies looking to manage their fleets more effectively
If you’re wondering if an in-vehicle monitoring system is the right investment for you, it’s worth noting that an IVMS is a valuable tool for businesses that rely on vehicle fleets, as it provides them with valuable data to better manage their operations. Here are some common applications where they prove to be very useful:
An IVMS can be used to track a fleet of vehicles and monitor their performance in real-time. This allows fleet owners to easily track the whereabouts of their vehicles and monitor driver behaviour, as well as optimise routes and fuel usage.
For logistics companies, an IVMS is a great tool for facilitating efficient deliveries. It can provide real-time data on the location of shipments so that operators can better track their progress and plan more efficient routes.
Emergency services such as ambulances and fire trucks require prompt response times, which can be greatly improved with the help of an IVMS. By providing real-time data on vehicle performance, fleet owners can ensure that their emergency vehicles reach their destination as quickly and safely as possible without any unnecessary delays.
For trucking companies, an IVMS provides valuable data that helps them optimise routes and ensure safe driving practises. It also allows them to monitor vehicle performance, helping to identify potential problems before they become more expensive to fix.
At Sensor Dynamics, we offer innovative solutions designed to streamline various aspects of transportation management. Our cutting-edge technologies are poised to revolutionise the way you manage taxis, vehicles, and fleets. Here’s how Sensor Dynamics can assist you:
With Sensor Dynamics as your partner, you’ll experience improved operational efficiency, reduced costs, and enhanced customer satisfaction. We’re committed to making transportation management smarter, more efficient, and more sustainable. Let us assist you in achieving your transportation goals.
In-vehicle monitoring systems are invaluable for businesses that rely on large fleets of commercial vehicles. From improved fuel efficiency and increased productivity to cost savings benefits, an IVMS can help fleet owners manage their operations more effectively.
Not only can they help reduce overall costs, but these systems also offer valuable data that enables operators to make smarter decisions when it comes to route planning and driver behaviour.
At Sensor Dynamics, we provide customised solutions for fleet managers that are tailored to meet their specific needs. We believe in leveraging the power of technology to enhance efficiency and drive more sustainable operations. Let us be your partner in transportation management – contact us today!