OBD Cycle Shortcut for Smog
 

Does it really work? I'd rather avoid driving 25-50 miles without tags if possible.

Here is the link:

https://www.google.com/amp/www.instr...famp_page=true

Why not just get a temporary operating permit from the DMV?

That's a pain in the ass and costs money...

From my reading over on e46fanatics, that does work but finding the conditions to achieve all the steps properly is something that would have to be done outside of city limits. For instance, steady speed 30 MPH for 3 minutes and then steady speed 40-60 MPH for 15 minutes? Not going to happen anytime of day here so if you can meet those conditions, it will work.

I certainly hope it does...if it doesn't then the developed FTP (federal test protocol) is a SHAM!!! :yikes:

The FTP protocol was developed to prevent owners from trying to skate by by disconnecting the battery or other methods to do a quick fix just to pass inspection...knowing that the vehicle is not running correctly. The "drive cycle" as defined by the 4 "test loops" allows the multiple emission areas to be tested to make sure the vehicle is in compliance with the federal mandate.

The FTP OBD II Drive Cycle only needs to be performed if you're going in for testing and you've done what the 1st sentence states (at the link provided). If you do NOT have a CEL/SES/MIL illuminated at the present time...nor have had one...or if you haven't disconnected the battery recently etc...then doing the "drive cycle" shouldn't be necessary.

The other thing is...it seems that some think that you have to follow the cycle in one drive...that is incorrect. The drive cycle chart just shows what area of the emissions system is being checked under the specific speed & time interval. So if you can do #1 & #2 right away...but #3 takes a bit longer to do because it takes longer to get to a road where you can drive between 40-60 MPH for 15 minutes...you can start the "clock" when you can get to a stretch of road to meet the criteria. The system will measure those things listed on the bottom half of the chart for section #3. If the sensors don't detect any faults...then those things will be good to go. Same for #4.

Here's another FTP OBD II Drive Cycle chart that has a few of the numbers changed but still works. And if you have the high cluster/high MID (or Nav)...you can use the OBD's stop watch to keep track of the timed intervals:

I just replaced my battery.

Ahhh, OK. Then...you don't have to run all the test back-to-back...you just need to find a road (or roads) that you can maintain the speed for the time interval listed in the "FTP OBD Drive Cycle Chart".

For example the first two might be able to be accomplished in your driveway/garage...then down your street out of your addition or on your way to a stretch of road where you can perform Test 3. Then Test 3 & 4 could possible be done on a lonely country road or interstate highway where you won't have to rev the engine past 3K RPM...then 4 can be accomplished after coming off an interstate ramp...pulling off to the side of the road or into a parking lot. :)

So it doesn't need to be run in order?

I live in the city but I think i could possibly wait until late at night and do the highway portion uninterrupted. I would use cruise control to maintain proper speeds and just use the hazards when going 30mph. Could just pull to shoulder for the last part...