Well I didn't get a chance to try the MAP gas but I did reset the monitors Went through the drive cycles and the catalyst cycle once again did not set. Prior to that one of the lean codes disappeared before the reset. And that was after only driving about 5 miles.


I also checked fuel trims and they do not go towards 0 when I rev to 2500.


If I am not searching for a vacuum leak (although not completely ruled out) what else can be causing the catalyst monitor. There are no check engine lights involved here and Ive put on a few hundred miles trying to set the monitors. If it were a huge issue id assume Id get a check engine light like when my speed sensor was bad. What else can this be? I can only think my catalytics or 02's as they are what would give or cause a lean condition....If not a vacumm leak. I had bought new 02's as part of my tuneup protocol (I always change them in older cars with no history of replacement) Think that can be an issue? And if the catalytics are on the fringe Id assume that can also give me a screwed reading (although I wouldn't think lean)


And as I said.....those lean bank codes are gone..errgghh

 

There are faults that can only be flagged if it can get the associated monitor(s) to set, so it can be Catch 22.

If the trims aren't close to zero then chase them as to why. Are the 2 banks alike (and at varying revs)?

You're looking for clues, that's all codes are when you have them.

 

The banks seem to vary. Wish I could datalog. Ill get more in depth this weekend when I really have time. I really appreciate the tidbits of help and guidance. I need an inspection....But I also want to start modifying the car...


One last question. If the previous owner happened to gut out the catalytic I would definitely get a check engine light correct? Exhaust odor alone makes me think he did not. The catalytics do have 160,000 miles on them however and one blown motor (motor was replaced not to long ago.) Im not sure of the nature of the blown motor however that definitely could have affected the 02's and or catalytic


AGAIN MANY THANKS....I will eventually bring good news!

 

Strange that I had a comprehensive component not ready monitor even though I thought 2001 didn't have that...REGARDLESS after going through the drive cycle once again all monitors set including the comprehensive EXCEPT for my catalyst.


I had time today to check for vacuum leaks and could not find a one. The only thing I found was when running a system scan my scanner would flag the value under Sensor Period, The value was 2621.40 when the max was listed at 1336.92 seconds. Unsure what that means.


At this point I should pass as Im allowed one monitor to not be ready. I was planning a complete new exhaust from the cats to the rear tail pipes. In that the cats will be changed as well as the 02's...So if there is an issue there hopefully it will resolve my little monitor issue. I did check the fuel pumps via the relay test and all seems ok as far as operation. I am wondering however how well the pumps may be working after 158,000 miles. They are cheap enough to buy when replacing them yourself.


Im still open for suggestions with my catalyst monitor:O) It will bug me forever if it doesn't set.

 

Hope you pass and that afterwards it flags a code that points to something that's the cause.

 

Well here is my update. Car passed inspection. 2001 and up are allowed 1 monitor not to set in NYC and well.....with that being said the catalyst monitor never set and I passed regardless. Not ever dealing with OBDII before I learned that even the inspectors go CRAZZZZYYYYY getting these monitors all to set. My advice


1) DO NOT wait till your inspection is up to take care of an issue causing a check engine light. EVEN if you fix that issue it will take some time to ready the monitors.


2) Complete the OBDII drive cycle after clearing codes and especially before going for an inspection. Even though the drive cycle is relatively straight forward the test will not even start if the initial ambient and engine temps are not where they should be. That's an issue


Now to see if I can figure out what this catalyst monitor issue is all about:O)


THANK YOU EVERYONE FOR YOUR HELP!!

 

At least, now that you have the pass, the time pressure is off - let us know what else you find.

 

I will. The mechanic I know feels either the cats arent getting to temperature (which I highly doubt) or they may just not be doing thier job. Im going to be redoing the exhuats soon with new cats so lets see how that works out

 

This suggestion might seem a little weird. I've learned to search this forum and the stickies for solutions that seemingly have nothing to do with the OBD codes you're getting. In one instance, replacing a blown 10 amp fuse in the fuse box under the bonnet cleared totally unrelated codes. In another case, cleaning the wheel speed sensors cleared codes for throttle position sensor, mass air flow sensor, as well as ending a ASC, Trac and fail-safe mode issues. Otherwise, I would have spent a ton of money on issues that didn't need repaired.

 

I checked the other day and the catalyst monitor was set...Beats me!

 

Beats me too but it's good news