I am due for Massachusetts state inspection in October, yes I am running out of time, and they use the onboard ODB2 as the emission test. Unfortunately before I was able to get in for inspection the starter went. Hence I disconnected the battery to get this done which wiped out the past history needed for inspection. I did not think to check status before disconnecting the battery as I had to quickly fix the jeep where it died. I am assuming all was good as there were no lights on the dash and the "check Engine" lights in the start up sequence.

Now when I check the state inspection with my ODB reader I do not pass state inspection because the Catalytic Monitor is incomplete. I am assuming that this is because I have not had enough good start up cycles.

My first questions is: Is this a valid assumption?

Looking at the FSM it appears that I need to get in 40 “good” start cycles as defined by the engine temperature getting higher than 160°F and the temperature rise for the each start up is at least 40°F.

My second questions is: If the first assumption is correct, then is my conclusion correct that I need to get in at least 40 “good starts” before checking the ODB 2 again?

Before the starter issue I had to do the water pump and reinstall my APN manifold due to an exhaust leak at the head and the doughnut. The flange at the doughnut was installed with too much pipe sticking out so the doughnut was not making good contact with the exhaust pipe. Small Leaks at the head on cylinders 1 and 6. These should now be corrected. The O2 sensors are two years old and are not issuing codes.

My third question is: Should I be checking for anything else while working to get the 40 “good starts” done?

Vehicle is a 1999, 6cyl, AT, California emissions package unfortunately. The APN header fit with no manifold interference issues so earlier intake manifold. Installed when I believed it was CARB complant.

The jeep is running normally otherwise.

In my searching I was not able to find answers to my questions, hints that I was in the right direction with my assumptions, but not answers. Thanks for any advise you can provide

 

Your downstream O2S heater may be on the fritz, causing the "Catalytic Monitor is incomplete". Even though there's no O2S codes showing.

 

Thanks for the suggestion on what to check if the incomplete does not resolve.

I still am interested in the answers to my question:

If it is not the O2 heater could the incomplete catalytic monitor due to not enough starts?

 

Yes, this is possible. I've heard from emissions testing techs in Ontario that there's a way out for this, however. I think if you get "incomplete" enough times you get a temporary tag. We just started this OBD-2 junk this year. Absolutely pursue the O2S heater issue. From RockAuto.com the sensors are very cheap. Check the fuses and codes like CCKen suggests

 

first. have you driven it over 50 miles sence the disco?

 

The driving I have done has been relatively short trips that are enough to get the engine up to temperature. I do not think I have gotten in 50 miles.

Getting mileage in is a good suggestion as there may be a hidden requirement in the computer on the starts that may be more than just the temperature rise. Having the operating time be enough minutes with the engine at temperature to get the monitoring analysis done with consistent results.

Unfortunately the weekend plans did not allow me to get a good road trip in. Girlfriend wanted to take her car as it gets way better gas mileage.

I'll be getting a highway run on Tuesday, if not before.

I am going to try getting more miles in and a few more good starts before I start checking the O2 heater resistance. The O2 sensors are only a couple of years old with not a lot of miles on them. So I do not suspect them, but I do understand they can fail early. I'll check the fuse for the heater as it is easy and quick to do.

I am beginning to suspect that I need to be patient and get the starts and mileage in before making a problem that is not there.

 

From the Factory Service Manual in the emissions control system section:

In this context the emissions testing system wants to see the full history of data.

Mileage matters pretty much only to the gauge cluster's odometer.

 

I'm not sure how mass works compared to illinois so you may need to read up on that. but here if the car is 1997 - 1996 you can get away with two monitors NOT READY. after 1998 you can get by with one monitor NOT READY. as long as all other ones pass. however if all are completed and the check engine light is illuminated it is an automatic failure. and if you fail for a catalyst fault then the catalyst monitor MUST be "COMPLETED" before with no MIL when you return to retest. Again check your state laws because I know some cars can be a royal PITA. however most likely you will need to get the vehicle on the hwy and drive it for 35 minutes or so... cruise around 60mph-55mph for five minutes straight and when safe to do so allow the car to coast down until 30-35 and accelerate again up to 55. you should be able to get it to flip after 30 minutes or so. i dont have the drive pattern in front of me. good luck check your state laws about the exception to having one NOT READY

 

So you guys have the same outrageous scam eh? Any one of the zillion non-emissions-effecting codes will somehow disqualify your vehicle from being relicensed? What in the hell does an aux fan relay problem have to do with NOX?

 

As a fellow Ontarian you know that the old way wasn't fleecing enough taxpayers. Just think of all the taxes they weren't collecting on the repairs crap like fan relays.
I've even heard(but not confirmed yet) that the testing facility will the only place you will be able to get any repairs done. You won't be able to bring it home, fix it or even another facility, and bring it back.

Understand now Kommrad?

 

I doubt that. A lot of places like Oil Changers will probably pay a lot to keep the status quo! Business as usual, citizen.

Cheers from a few KM downwind of the new home of the natural gas power plant!