Hey guys, I don't typically post in this forum, however I recently picked up a '97 ranger 2.3, it needed a little work, but otherwise runs pretty good. When I got it, it didn't have a battery in it, so now it has a new battery and alternator. There are no check engine lights, low battery lights or any other indicators on, and everything seems in order. The only OBDII scanner I have is a Scangauge II which isn't really very good for scanning codes, but does better for monitoring live data, I use it mainly for my 6.0 diesel. Anyhow, when I scan for codes, none come up, and it shows "ready" indicating the the computer has run through it's cycles. I've had it at the shop to get emissions tested 3 times in the past couple of weeks, and every time they hook up the tester, it says the computer in the "not ready" stage. They're telling me the O2 sensor and the catalyst haven't set, and that was the reason why the computer is still "not ready". I've only driven the truck about 30 miles, a few miles at a time, shouldn't the computer have set by now? I know on my diesel in can take upwards of a week to fully cycle, but how long is long enough? Is it based on time, mileage, number of starts. etc? I'm just wondering if I just need to drive it some more, or if I need to dig in and start looking as something.

Thanks for any input.

 

Sometimes it takes more than 30 miles. I've seen it take over 150 miles. You also might need to take it for a long drive, keeping the fuel tank between 1/4 and 3/4 full and running it at various speeds.

 

If it's only 2 parameters that are not ready, it's probably not a KAM/keep alive memory problem, but see if the horn works. On most Fords the KAM & horn are wired to the same always hot fuse.

 

I think may just have to drive it for a few days, but being that it's not registered yet, since I can't get the emissions test done, it makes me nervous driving around.

 

Yes the horn does work.

 

contact your dmv, see if they have temp 'repair' tag available so you can 'drive ' it to the repair shop. Here in Az they have temp tags for 1 to a couple of days. only cost a couple of $$

 

I'll check into that, thanks for the heads up.

 

Scroll down to the "drive cycle" info here https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/2...ml#post1469870, have you done this drive cycle, so the emissions registers will reset????
The inexpensive ELM scantool running FORScan software to the viewing device of your choice discussed here https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...-scantool.html can check for emissions readiness & a whole bunch of other diagnostic things & is a good investment for our electronic tool box.
More thoughts for consideration, let us know how it goes.

 

Thanks, look like some very useful info.

On the drive cycles, is it only necessary to go through the ones needed to clear specific codes, or do I have to go through the entire process for everything?

Thanks

 

We don't know which registers haven't reset, nor how they may interact with a different drive cycle, so no way with the info you've provided to make a prediction. This is Fords prescribed drive cycle to reset the emissions registers & is what the Dealers use. Use the prescribed sequence, or try whatever sequence you like & report the results here so we can all learn.

 

Focus on the one(s) that are a PITA first.

Be aware that there is usually an allowance for certain "incompletes" in the self test monitors when doing most e-tests, but the catalyst test is usually a mandatory one to be passed. If your O2 sensors haven't passed, then the catalyst monitor will not run so you may need to focus specifically on that O2 monitor drive cycle.

 

So just to update,

As I read through the drive cycle computer reset procedure, it seemed that, for the most part, most things that are discussed were covered in my daily driving for the past week. Once I drove the truck about 100 miles or so, the catalyst and O2 sensors cycled through and reset, the next issue I ran into was the P0125 code, the engine wasn't getting up to temp., and the temp gauge wasn't moving at all. Turned out to be a failed thermostat. I swapped out the bad thermostat, drove it a few miles, and the Open Loop code disappeared. Had the emissions test done, and passed (finally) and all is good. I do appreciate everyone' help.

 

Ok good feedback on the stuck thermostat. Yup that'll muck up it going into closed loop, run rich & screw up fuel trim & the emission registers resetting. Good to hear all now seems well, its passed emissions testing & your on the road again.