From Dsmwiki
Summary
At least 32 states now use On Board Diagnostics (OBD II) for testing emissions rather than actually analyzing the exhaust gas for 1996 model year cars and newer. The OBD II testing has created a problem for DSMs due to a software defect in the Mitsubishi ECU code. The defect is known to the EPA even if not known to the individual state programs.
The software defect involves how the ECU tests and sets “readiness flags”. For model years 1996-1998 the Mitsubishi ECU required a complex “drive cycle” to set the flags and consequently some flags were never set. Some states, such as Missouri, allow no more than two flags in the “not ready” status. The software defect causes many DSMs to fail OBD II emissions tests.
The good news is that the EPA guidelines state that 1996-1998 Mitsubishi vehicles should be tested without regard to the flag status.
It is possible to get a waiver for the readiness flag test, at least in Missouri. The Missouri emissions testing authority (GVIP) has issued a wavier on readiness flags for my Talon based on the information presented in this article.
History
The ECU bug was under warranty for 8 years and the dealers would make the patch as described below in the TSB. They simply set the ECU to be more sensitive and tested the flags while the engine was still running. Note that this was not a fix. When the engine was turned off, the flags went back to “not ready” and the patch was required for every emission test.
Once out of warranty, dealers have been charging from $120 to $230 for an emissions test, every emissions test.
Alternate ECUs
The 1999 Eclipse ECU does not have the flag bug. Swapping out the original ECU with a 1999 version will allow passing the ODB II tests without problems. That is if the DSM has stock fuel injectors.
The flag bug has been reported fixed in DSMlink. DSMlink allows larger injectors and will pass the OBD II emissions tests without a waiver.
The currently (Dec. 2007) shipping dsmchips (AKA KeyDiver) EPROM has the flag bug and will require a waiver to pass the OBD II emissions tests.
ECU EPROMS shipped from dsmchips before Feb. 2007 will have the MIL bug from the 1995 Mitsubishi ECU and will have to be updated to pass the MIL command test. Dsmchips is updating older EPROMs with MIL bug fixed for $20.00 and return of the old chip.
The DSMtuners Smog Thread
The problem with passing OBD II emissions tests has been an ongoing issue in the DSM community. The thread referenced in the external links was started in 2004 and last updated in Dec. 2007. This Wiki is intended to put a wooden stake in that old problem.
EPA Regulations
The EPA’s guide for State agencies references document EPA420-R-01-015 Performing Onboard Diagnostic System Checks as Part of a Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance Program.
Appendix D of that document recommends checking for MIL command only for 1996- 1998 Mitsubishi cars as quoted below.
“1996 - 1998 Mitsubishi vehicles - These vehicles may have a high degree of “Not Ready” for catalyst monitor due to a “trip based” design. Mitsubishi has provided driving cycles in its service information to allow monitors to operate. These vehicles should be scanned for MIL illumination without regard to readiness status. ”
Emphasis added.
If any state emission test fails a DSM due to readiness flags not set, then that state is not in compliance with EPA guidelines.
Connection Between EPA and State Regulations
Although each state has their own regulations, each must meet the EPA regulations. For example when Missouri procured the Acceptance Test Plan contract the bid document included the following:
“2.1.2 The ATP shall be a series of verification tests on all emissions inspection equipment hardware and software to show compliance with the contract between the State of Missouri and the GVIP contractor. The ATP shall also verify the entire Vehicle Inspection Database (VID). The ATP contractor must certify and demonstrate to the state agencies’ satisfaction that the entire system is fully functional and that it is operating in full compliance with all current state and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) data collection and reporting/analysis requirements. All inspection hardware and software shall comply with the final ATP.”
Emphasis added.
States Currently Performing OBD Checks
According to the EPA web site in December of 2007 the following states have emissions testing programs based on OBD II readings.
As members locate contacts for the applicable authority in each state, please add to this list.
- Alaska (Fairbanks and Anchorage areas)
- Colorado(Denver and Boulder areas)
- Kentucky (Louisville area)
- Missouri (St. Louis area) imunit@dnr.mo.gov
- Nevada (Las Vegas and Reno areas)
- Utah (Salt Lake, Davis, Utah, and Weber Counties)
- Tennessee (Davidson, Rutherford, Shelby, Sumner, Williamson, and Wilson Counties)
The Mitsubishi TSB
The required drive cycle to set the readiness flags on the Mitsubishi ECU is copied below. Note that the procedure calls for two people and special equipment. The TSB is included here to show the complexity, not as a DIY guide. Some formatting has been lost in the copy. See the external link for the original format.
_
Page 1 of 7
FILE UNDER:
Group 13 Fuel in the Dealer Service Information Binder (2579)
SUBJECT:
OBD II DRIVE CYCLE
No: TSB–03–13–005
OBD–DATE: May, 2003
MODEL: 1996–98 models
CIRCULATE TO: [ ] GENERAL MANAGER [ ] PARTS MANAGER [X] TECHNICIAN
[X] SERVICE ADVISOR [X] SERVICE MANAGER [X] WARRANTY PROCESSOR [ ] SALES MANAGER
This bulletin supercedes TSB–00–13–005, to update the OBD–II drive cycle procedures.
New information is indicated by _ .
PURPOSE
Since January 2001, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires that vehicles must have all OBD–II
Readiness Codes “complete” at the time of an I/M test (“smog check”). States with I/M programs are not required
to use OBD–II inspection, and can use tailpipe inspections, but EPA encourages using OBD–II. Some states have
less stringent air quality requirements or localized programs. Many states already have OBD–II I/M programs in
place, and more are added every year. Refer to the web site www.obdclearinghouse.com to identify states that
currently have an OBD–II I/M program in place.
During the OBD–II drive cycle, the OBD–II system checks each emission control system by monitoring it for proper
operation. It is necessary to run the OBD–II drive cycle:
_ To confirm that a fuel–related or emission–related diagnostic trouble code (DTC) repair was successful.
_ If the vehicle’s I/M test results indicate that the OBD–II Readiness Monitors are “incomplete.” Instructions in this
bulletin describe how to drive the vehicle to complete the oxygen sensor monitor, EGR monitor, catalyst monitor,
Evaporative Emission Control purge flow monitor, and Evaporative Emission Control (Strict) System Leak (EVAP)
monitor. All of these monitors except the Strict Evap must be completed on the first drive cycle. After that, when
each monitor is completed on the next drive cycle, the scan tool Readiness Test screen will display the monitor as
complete (“CMP”). If none of the OBD–II monitors show “Complete,” the technician may want to choose “Increased
Sensitivity” mode on the scan tool and follow the drive cycles for completing Readiness. This will help to confirm that
all monitors will run and “Complete” during one drive cycle. The “Increased Sensitivity” mode is for testing purposes
only, and will erase all Readiness when exiting from this mode or turning the ignition to OFF.
This bulletin contains:
_ OBD–II drive cycle procedures for 1996–98 affected vehicles only (Refer to the appropriate service manual for
1998 and later model OBD–II drive cycle procedures.)
_ Warranty claim information for OBD–II drive cycle on all affected vehicles. NOTE: On 1996–97 V6 models, after
all Readiness codes are complete, turning the ignition off will cause all the Readiness status readings to show
incomplete (“INCMP”). This may require that an I/M test be performed before the ignition key is turned off, or the
technician can complete all but the catalyst monitor before returning the vehicle to the customer for I/M testing.
AFFECTED VEHICLES
1996–1998 Montero, Montero Sport, Diamante, Truck, 3000GT, Mirage, Galant, Expo/Expo LRV, and Eclipse models
(except 2.0L non–turbo 420A engine models) (Refer to TSB–03–13–006 for reprogramming to retain OBD–II
Readiness Codes on 420A models.)
_
_
Page 2 of 7
TSB–03–13–005
Questions regarding OBD–II Readiness codes and drive cycles should be
directed to Tech Line at 1–800–446–6064.
PROCEDURE (1996–1998 AFFECTED VEHICLES ONLY)
For 1998 and later models, refer to Group 13 in the appropriate service manual, under “OBD–II Drive Cycle.”
This procedure requires two people in the vehicle during the drive cycle. One person must drive within the drive
cycle parameters while the other person reads the scan tool (MUT–II or MUT–III).
IMPORTANT: In order to carry out the OBD–II drive cycle, the ambient temperature must be higher than –10
degrees C (14 degrees F), and all electrical components must be turned off. The following instructions describe how
to drive the vehicle to complete the oxygen sensor monitor, EGR monitor, catalyst monitor, Evaporative Emission
control purge flow monitor, and Evaporative Emission Control (Strict) System Leak (EVAP) monitor. All of these
monitors except the Strict Evap must be completed on the first drive cycle. After that, when each monitor is
completed on the next drive cycle, the scan tool Readiness Test screen will display the monitor as complete (“CMP”).
Refer to the chart on page 7 to determine the vehicle’s type of evaporative emission control monitor.
_ On vehicles with purge flow evaporative emission control monitor, the purge flow monitor must be completed first
during the first and second drive cycles.
_ On vehicles with strict evaporative emission control monitor, the strict evap monitor should be completed first
after the first drive cycle is completed because it requires a cold start.
_ If all of these monitors (Readiness Tests) are incomplete (“INCMP”) on the scan tool status screen before you
begin the drive cycle, the scan tool will not indicate any change in their status during the first drive cycle.
_ If any of the monitors are already complete, then all of the monitors have been completed at least once. Before
you begin the drive cycle, check the scan tool Readiness Test status screen frequently while driving. Watch for the
status to change to complete (“CMP”).
1. With the ignition switch off, connect the scan tool. Check for any DTCs. If any are present, note the DTC(s), then
clear all DTCs from the PCM memory.
2. Turn the ignition on, and observe the Readiness Test status on the scan tool by following the scan tool selection
sequence below:
____________ __
___
_____________
_________________
_____________
___________________ YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
CAUTION
_
_
_
_
_
Page 3 of 7
TSB–03–13–005
The Readiness Test status is displayed on the scan tool.
Perform those Readiness Tests (Monitors) which are incomplete (“INCMP”).
NOTE: On the first drive cycle, perform all monitor drive cycles within the same key cycle. (Do not turn the engine
off and back on between drive cycles.)
3. Evaporative Emission Control Monitor
a. Strict Evap Leak Monitor
This monitor must be completed after the first drive cycle is completed, and within 16 minutes after initial engine
start–up. This monitor is controlled by a timer in the PCM, which enables the monitor to run for only 16 minutes.
The following conditions must be met for this monitor:
_ Engine coolant temperature 30 degrees C (86 degrees F) or less (COLD START)
_ Ambient temperature 5–30 degrees C (41–86 degrees F)
_ A/T select lever in D range, with Overdrive switch ON
_ Fuel tank 30–50% full is recommended After initial start–up, immediately begin driving on level ground (no hills)
at approximately 55 mph. Do not rapidly accelerate or decelerate. Do not turn corners or change lanes. If fuel
sloshing occurs, this monitor must be restarted.
b. Purge Flow Monitor
If this procedure is started just after the other monitors are completed, stop the vehicle and allow to idle for 5 minutes
at the conditions listed below. If this procedure is started with the ignition key turned to OFF, start the engine and
wait for the coolant temperature to reach over 180 degrees F. Then drive the vehicle at more than 20 mph for 120
seconds. Then stop the vehicle and allow to idle for 5 minutes at the conditions listed below.
Vehicle conditions must be:
_ Shift lever in Park or Neutral
_ No electrical load (A/C, fan and all accessories are off. ) Do not apply brake pedal.
_ Steering wheel is at center.
Scan tool readings must be:
_ IAC valve position stable between 10 and 30 steps.
_ Closed loop
_ TPS approximately 0.5 (idle switch is ON)
_ Engine coolant temperature greater than 170 degrees F
________________
___ _____
_______ __ _
_!__ _____
"_____# __ _
_ __ _
_$"_ _____
_$"_____ _____
_%_ _____
_
IMPORTANT: Refer to the chart on page 7 to identify the type of evaporative
emission control monitor used on the vehicle. Use the appropriate evaporative
emission control monitor (Strict Evap or Purge Flow).
Page 4 of 7
TSB–03–13–005
4. Oxygen Sensor Monitor:
a. Start the engine and allow to idle until the coolant temperature reaches at least 82 degrees C
(180 degrees F).
b. Drive at 40 mph for two minutes. Engine load must be 25–60% (except 22%–60% on Mirage
1.8L M/T models). On Mirage 1.5L models, MAP sensor reading must be 7.8–19.8 inHg.
Engine speed must be as follows:
Model A/T M/T
Galant, Eclipse, Expo, Truck 1100 – 3000 rpm 1500–3000 rpm
Mirage 1.5L 1400–3200 rpm 1600–3000 rpm
Mirage 1.8L 1400–3000 rpm 1600–3000 rpm
Diamante, Montero, Montero Sport 1100–3000 rpm 1250–3000 rpm
Model Non–Turbo Turbocharged
3000GT 1250–3000 rpm 1500–3000 rpm
5. EGR Monitor:
a. Be sure the engine coolant temperature is at least 82 degrees C (180 degrees F).
b. Drive at 40 mph, at engine speeds between 2400–2600 rpm, for 20 seconds. On A/T models, it may be necessary
to set the overdrive to OFF.
c. Release the accelerator pedal and reduce speed to 20 mph. The following conditions must be met for 5 seconds:
_ Idle switch: ON
_ Engine speed 2000 rpm or less, except 1700 rpm or less for Mirage 1.8L
_ Engine load: 15% or less (M/T); 20% or less (A/T) – Galant, Expo, Eclipse, Mirage, Truck
_ Engine load: 18% or less (M/T); 28% or less (A/T) – 3000GT, Diamante, Montero, and
Montero Sport
_ For Mirage 1.5L only: MAP sensor reading 10.2 inHg or less (M/T); 13.7 inHg or less (A/T)
d. Repeat Steps 5b. and 5c. It may be necessary to repeat this procedure up to 8 times during
the first drive cycle only.
6. Catalyst Monitor:
a. To pre–condition the vehicle for the catalyst monitor, drive at 60 mph as follows:
Mirage 1.5L Only 3000GT Only All other models
Accelerate to 60 mph for 30 seconds.
Engine speed must be at least 2000 rpm and MAP sensor reading must be 323 mmHg or more (M/T); 341 mm Hg or
more (A/T). Then drive at 60 mph for 60 seconds. During the 60 seconds, the engine speed must be at least 2000
rpm and MAP sensor reading must be 10.5 inHg or more (M/T); 10.8 inHg or more (A/T). Then go to Step 6b. Drive
at 60 mph for 70 seconds. The volume air flow sensor reading must be more than 100 Hz during the 70 seconds.
Then go to Step 6b.Drive at 60 mph for 10 seconds. The volume air flow sensor reading must be more than 200 Hz
(more than 280 Hz for Truck). Then continue to drive at 60 mph for 50 seconds. The volume air flow sensor reading
must be more than 100 Hz (more than 160 Hz for Truck). Then go to Step 6b.
_
_
Page 5 of 7
TSB–03–13–005
NOTE: If necessary, you can stop the vehicle after pre–conditioning before continuing with Step b. below. But do
not turn off the engine.
b. Find a road where you can drive at a constant speed with no stops for two minutes. Reduce speed to meet the
following conditions for two minutes.
The following conditions must be met and held within the parameters below and verified on the scan tool data list
during the two minutes:
_ Idle switch: OFF shown on scan tool data list
_ Engine speed must be at or below the speed listed:
Model Engine Speed (rpm)
Galant, Eclipse, Expo, Mirage, Truck 2600 or less
Mirage 1.5L 3000 or less (M/T) 2250 or less (A/T)
3000GT, Diamante, Montero, Montero
Sport, Mirage 1.8L 3000 or less
_ Volume air flow sensor reading must be within the range listed:
Model Volume Air Flow
Sensor (Hz)
Galant, Eclipse, Expo, Mirage 70 – 140
Truck 90 – 210
3000GT, Diamante, Montero,
Montero Sport
70 – 170
_ MAP sensor reading for Mirage 1.5L M/T models must be 5.8 – 18.7 inHg
_ MAP sensor reading for Mirage 1.5L A/T models must be 7 – 21.6 inHg
If the volume air flow sensor reading or engine speed goes out of the specified range during this monitor, you must
repeat this monitor from Step 6b.
c. Release the accelerator pedal to reduce speed for 10 seconds.
d. Repeat Steps 6b. and 6c. It may be necessary to repeat this procedure up to 6 times during the first drive cycle
only.7. Check the Readiness Test status on the scan tool.
a. When all Readiness codes are complete (“CMP”), the OBD–II system check is completed.
b. If all the Readiness codes are incomplete (“INCMP”), turn the ignition key to “OFF” and wait for 10 seconds. Then
go to Step 3 to carry out the entire OBD–II drive cycle (all monitors) again.
c. If one or more (not all) Readiness codes are complete (“CMP”), go to Step 2 to identify which monitor did not
complete.
_
Page 6 of 7
TSB–03–13–005
WARRANTY INFORMATION
Description Labor Operation No. Time Allowance
OBD–II Readiness Check 85100160 0.2 hrs.
Oxygen Sensor Monitor 851001A1 0.2 hrs.
EGR Monitor 851001A2 0.6 hrs.
Catalyst Monitor 851001A3 0.6 hrs.
Purge Flow Monitor 851001A4 0.1 hrs.
EVAP Leak Monitor 851001A5 0.3 hrs.
Nature Code: 16D Cause Code: 490
Warranty Coverage: 8 years / 80,000 miles
Special Warranty Information: Normal warranty procedures apply.
Sample e-mail to State Emissions Testing
The following is a sample e-mail to a testing authority based on a successful request for waiver by the author.
(NAME OF THE RESPONSIBLE AUTHORITY),
My 199X (TALON OR ECLIPSE) has failed the OBD-2 emissions test for readiness flags not set.
The Readiness flag problem is a known software bug and covered in a Mitsubishi TSB. Please see the TSB at http://autocenter.weber.edu/OBD-CH/documents/newdocuments/Mitsubishi/tsb0313005.pdf for details of the required
drive cycle to set the flags and requirements for temperature, tools, and type of road. This is obviously not something that can be reasonably expected from the vehicle owner. The bug was warranted for 8 years and now dealers are charging $120 to $230 to bypass the problem for each emissions test.
The EPA regulations that the (STATE NAME) Acceptance and Test Program are intended to comply with does not require the readiness flags to be set on 1996-1998 Mitsubishi vehicles. Please see the EPA’s guide for State agencies references document EPA420-R-01-015 Performing Onboard Diagnostic System Checks as Part of a Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance Program. (http://www.epa.gov/otaq/regs/im/obd/r01015.pdf)
Appendix D of that document recommends checking for MIL command only for 1996- 1998 Mitsubishi cars.
“Manufacturers Known to Have OBD Readiness Issues
1996 - 1998 Mitsubishi vehicles - These vehicles may have a high degree of “Not Ready” for catalyst monitor due to a “trip based” design. Mitsubishi has provided driving cycles in its service information to allow monitors to operate. These vehicles should be scanned for MIL illumination without regard to readiness status. ”
Emphasis mine.
(DESCRIBE YOU’RE CAR HERE) This is a clean car. I see no reason to pay a dealer some hundreds of dollars just to temporarily hide a Mitsubishi software bug.
Will the (STATE AND RESPONSIBLE AUTHORITY) program accept my (TALON OR ECLIPSE) as recommended by the EPA?
(NAME, ADDRESS, AND VIN NUMBER)
External Links
On-Board Diagnostics (OBD)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OBD_II
Mitsubishi TSB-00-13-005 for the solution to 1996-1998 ECU’s with “Not Ready” flags.
http://autocenter.weber.edu/OBD-CH/documents/newdocuments/Mitsubishi/tsb0313005.pdf
EPA’s guide for State agencies references document EPA420-R-01-015 Performing Onboard Diagnostic System Checks as Part of a Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance Program.
http://www.epa.gov/otaq/regs/im/obd/r01015.pdf
List of States using OBD II for emissions testing
http://www.epa.gov/obd/status.htm
The undead thread from 2004 on this subject.
http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/problem-diagnosis/123736-ecu-3-monitors-not-ready-wont-pass-smog.html
Description of the 1995 MIL bug fix by dsmchips. (Item 17)
http://www.dsmchips.com/2g.html
DSMlink home page
http://www.dsmlink.com/
--TunaTalon 13:44, 1 January 2008 (EST)
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