Getting your 2006 Honda Accord V6 ready for a smog check can be frustrating, especially when the OBD2 system isn’t showing “ready”. This “not ready” status can lead to a failed smog test, even if your car seems to be running perfectly. This guide will walk you through understanding OBD2 readiness monitors, diagnosing why they might be “not ready” on your 2006 Honda Accord V6, and the procedures to set them to “ready” so you can pass your smog inspection.
Understanding OBD2 Readiness Monitors
Modern vehicles like your 2006 Honda Accord V6 are equipped with sophisticated onboard diagnostic systems (OBD2) to monitor emissions control components. These systems run self-tests, and the results are reflected in “readiness monitors”. These monitors indicate whether specific emission control systems have been tested and are functioning correctly.
When your car’s battery is disconnected, goes dead, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) are cleared, or the Engine Control Module/Powertrain Control Module (ECM/PCM) is reset, these readiness monitors reset to an “not ready” state. In many states and regions, smog checks require these monitors to be in a “ready” state to ensure the vehicle’s emission systems are functioning as intended. If these monitors are not ready, your 2006 Honda Accord V6 may fail the smog test, or the test cannot even be initiated.
Checking OBD2 Readiness Status on Your 2006 Honda Accord V6
You can perform a preliminary check of the readiness status without any special tools. Here’s how:
- Turn the ignition switch to the ON (II) position – this is the position right before you start the engine. Do not start the engine.
- Observe the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL), often referred to as the “Check Engine Light”. It will illuminate for approximately 15-20 seconds.
- Readiness Codes Complete: If the MIL light turns off after 15-20 seconds and stays off, it indicates that all readiness codes are likely set to “complete”.
- Readiness Codes Not Complete: If the MIL light flashes five times after 15-20 seconds, it signals that one or more readiness codes are “not set to complete.”
For a more detailed and system-specific diagnosis, using a diagnostic tool like the Honda Diagnostic System (HDS) or a generic OBD2 scanner is recommended. These tools can access the DTC MENU and OBD status, providing information on specific readiness monitors and any pending or temporary DTCs that might be hindering the readiness process.
Common Readiness Monitors and Setting Procedures for 2006 Honda Accord V6
Here are the common readiness monitors and the procedures to set them to “ready” for your 2006 Honda Accord V6. Keep in mind that ambient temperature, driving conditions, and any underlying issues can affect the time it takes for these monitors to set.
Catalytic Converter Monitor and Readiness Code
The catalytic converter monitor ensures your catalytic converter is efficiently reducing harmful emissions.
Important Notes:
- Do not turn off the ignition during the procedure.
- Readiness codes are cleared by battery disconnection or ECM/PCM reset.
- Cold temperatures or heavy stop-and-go traffic can prolong the drive time needed.
- The readiness code will not complete if the enable criteria are not met or if there’s a fault in the secondary Heated Oxygen Sensor (HO2S) system.
Enable Criteria:
- Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) at 158 ºF (70 ºC) or more.
- Intake Air Temperature (IAT) at -13 ºF (-25 ºC) or more.
- Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS) reading above 3 mph (5 km/h).
Procedure:
- Connect an HDS or OBD2 scanner to your vehicle’s Data Link Connector (DLC). Access the READINESS CODEs screen for the Catalyst monitor in the DTCs MENU.
- Start the engine.
- Test-drive your 2006 Honda Accord V6 under stop-and-go conditions, incorporating short periods of steady cruising. Approximately 5 miles (8 km) of driving should be sufficient for the readiness code to switch to “completed”.
- If the readiness code remains incomplete, use the HDS or scanner to check for Temporary DTCs. If no DTCs are present, it’s likely that the enable criteria weren’t fully met. Repeat the procedure, ensuring the engine and intake air temperatures are within the specified ranges.
Evaporative Emission (EVAP) Control System Monitor and Readiness Code
The EVAP system monitor checks for leaks in your fuel vapor recovery system.
Note: Readiness codes are cleared by battery disconnection or ECM/PCM reset.
Enable Criteria:
- Battery voltage above 10.5 V.
- Engine at idle.
- ECT sensor reading between 176 ºF (80 ºC) and 212 ºF (100 ºC).
- Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) sensor reading below 46.6 kPa (14 in.Hg, 350 mmHg).
- Vehicle speed 0 mph (0 km/h).
- IAT sensor reading between 32 ºF (0 ºC) and 212 ºF (100 ºC).
Procedure:
- Connect an HDS or OBD2 scanner to the DLC.
- Start the engine.
- Using the HDS, select EVAP TEST in the INSPECTION MENU, and then FUNCTION TEST in the EVAP TEST MENU.
- If the function test is normal, the readiness code should set to “complete”.
- If the readiness code is still not complete, check for temporary DTCs. If no DTCs are present, ensure all enable criteria are met and repeat the procedure.
Air Fuel Ratio (A/F) Sensor Monitor and Readiness Code
This monitor verifies the functionality of your air-fuel ratio sensor, crucial for optimal engine performance and emissions.
Important Notes:
- Do not turn off the ignition during the procedure.
- Readiness codes are cleared by battery disconnection or ECM/PCM reset.
Enable Criteria:
- ECT at 158 ºF (70 ºC) or more.
Procedure:
- Start the engine.
- Test-drive your 2006 Honda Accord V6 under stop-and-go conditions with short periods of steady cruise. During the drive, perform deceleration (throttle fully closed) for at least 5 seconds. After about 3.5 miles (5.6 km), the readiness code should switch to “complete.”
- Check the readiness codes screen for the Air Fuel Ratio (A/F) Sensor in the DTCs MENU using the HDS or scanner.
- If it shows “not complete”, check for Temporary DTCs. If none are found, access the DATA LIST Menu and check the ECT in the ALL DATA LIST. If the ECT is below 158 ºF (70 ºC), allow the engine to run until it reaches the required temperature and repeat the procedure.
Air Fuel Ratio (A/F) Sensor Heater Monitor Readiness Code
This monitor checks the heater element within the A/F sensor, which is essential for the sensor to reach operating temperature quickly.
Note: Readiness codes are cleared by battery disconnection or ECM/PCM reset.
Procedure:
- Start the engine and let it idle for 1 minute. The readiness code should switch from “incomplete” to “complete”.
- If the readiness code remains incomplete, check for temporary DTCs. If no DTCs are present, repeat the procedure.
Misfire, Fuel System, and Comprehensive Component Monitors
These monitors are typically continuously running and should always be in a “ready” state when the engine is operating normally.
- Misfire Monitor: Always set to “available” as misfires are continuously monitored. Monitoring may pause on rough roads or during significant throttle changes.
- Fuel System Monitor: Always set to “available” during closed-loop operation. Monitoring pauses when other emission monitors are active or if enable criteria are not met.
- Comprehensive Component Monitor: Always set to “available” whenever the engine is cranking or running.
EGR Monitor and Readiness Code
The Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) monitor ensures the EGR system is functioning correctly to reduce NOx emissions.
Important Notes:
- Do not turn off the ignition during the procedure.
- Readiness codes are cleared by battery disconnection or ECM/PCM reset.
Enable Criteria:
- ECT at 176 ºF (80 ºC) or more.
Procedure:
- Connect an HDS or OBD2 scanner to the DLC.
- Start the engine.
- Drive at a steady speed between 50-62 mph (80-100 km/h) or above for more than 10 seconds, with the automatic transmission in “D” or manual transmission in 4th gear.
- Decelerate from 62 mph (100 km/h) or above by fully releasing the throttle for at least 5 seconds, keeping the transmission in “D” or 4th gear. If the engine stops during deceleration, return to step 2 and repeat.
- Check the OBD status screen for DTC P0401 in the DTC’s MENU using the HDS or scanner.
- If it indicates “passed”, readiness is complete. If not, repeat from step 3.
Conclusion
Setting the OBD2 readiness monitors to “ready” on your 2006 Honda Accord V6 for a smog check might require specific driving patterns or procedures depending on which monitors are incomplete. Using a diagnostic tool can greatly assist in identifying the status of each monitor and any potential issues. By following these guidelines and procedures, you should be able to get your Honda Accord ready for its smog inspection. If you continue to experience difficulties, it is always recommended to consult a qualified automotive technician to diagnose and resolve any underlying problems that may be preventing the readiness monitors from setting.
