Does anyone know what the "MIL" parameter is for a smog check? I just took my s2k in and the tech said it failed MIL with the message "This vehicle failed the mil/check engine light due to failure to successfully complete all OBD self tests.

The tech said i can drive it for 50-100 miles and bring it back for a retest, i asked him if i need to fix/ do anything, he said i should just drive it cuz the maybe battery was disconnected and i haven't driven it recently (i haven't). he said the computer is not receiving any signals from the sensor (his words, i have no idea what he is referring to )it sounds funny that it would fix itself by just driving it around? anyone have any insights?

 

The tech is right in a way. It is possible that the ECU is recycling and searching for codes. The quickest way to find out if there is a code is to drive to an Autozone and pull the code if any. If not, have them reset it for you and return for another test.

 

Have you reset the ECU or disconnected the battery recently? If so the readiness codes may need to reset. For a quick check you can see if the "readiness codes" are set by turning the ignition to position "II" (don't start) and watch the MIL light. Normal is the light will go out after 10 secs or so. If it blinks before it goes out that means one or more of the readiness codes are not set. Normal driving should reset the codes in a day or so.

 

thanks guys, i did check the MIL does stay lit and flashes before going out. so i can just drive it for a few days and once it goes out without flashing after turning the key to II, i can go get it rechecked w/o problem? fingers crossed!

 

The tech is right. U need to drive it so all ur monitors can run and ur car can relearn its adaptive learning parameters. Drive in different conditions such as highway,street and a little stop and go if u can. This will ensure all ur monitors will get a chance to run. If u are really unsure u can do a smog test. This is pretty much a smog check but with no phone calls to the BAR and will give u a chance to fix any problems without getting a fail on ur smog check.

 

There is a driving sequence to reset the sensors. It's listed in the back of the Owner's manual. Also online. Basically driving around constant speed at 35-45mph and tipping in throttle a little. Note that I drove weeks in Chicago and NEVER had the chance to activate the sequence, so if you drive in traffic it is possible to NEVER get the sequence active. If you do a little googling, you can find the procedure.

 

I failed my smog test today because the technician said I had the same problem with the MIL/Check Engine Light. I have a 2006 S2k.

He said it could be an issue with the wiring or circuit. I'd rather not pay an arm and a leg to the dealership to run diagnostics and sort this out.

I'm just wondering if this method ended up working out for you?

 

Ray, are you in CA? If you are, your smog tech doesn't know what he's doing. The ECU is CAN, and the monitors don't need to be set to ready, nor does even a active CEL matter. However I'm not sure if this goes the same for the OP, which is an 05.

I always though it took 300+ miles to reset the monitors? OP when you get a CEL, it sets your monitors to a not-ready state. You have to drive X miles without another CEL, for the monitors to set itself to ready.

 

Ray, I did pass the smog after driving the car around for a few days. Seems once the battery is pulled, the ECU resets and you need to drive a certain "cycle" for the ECU to reset and re calibrate (as posters above mentioned) i think if you search, there's even a list of all the parameters that need to be met before your car's good to go. something like a certain amount of time at each RPM range and certain speed for a extended duration. i can see if i still have the info somewhere saved from when i was researching if you need it.

but as whiteflash mentioned above, i have an 05 and 06+ have slightly diff electronics...

 

Most s2ks will complete all monitors in 10-20 miles tops. I know this from experience. Provided you do some around town driving, and some highway steady cruising above 55mph.

Once the monitors are complete, they will stay that way unless battery power is interrupted.

If a monitor completes, and a fault is found during that trip, it will turn on the CEL. some CEL codes take two trips to set. In other words, the fault must be recognized two trips in a row to consider it a fault and turn on the CEL.

If the back-up fuse is missing or blown, the monitors will reset to INCOMPLETE each time you turn off the key. and since some of the monitors are a two-trip type, they will never complete with a blown/missing fuse.

In NY, a 1996-2000 car can pass the emmissions test with two monitors incomplete. A 2001 and up car is allowed one monitor to be incomplete. Provided there is no CEL.

So lets say you have a 2005 s2k with a bad cat and need to pass inspection. You can clear the CEL, drive around with the scanner hooked up and watch the monitors. Drive till all monitor complete but the CAT monitor, then drive it in for inspection. it will pass.