The Honda Accord 2006 utilizes the OBD-II (On-Board Diagnostics) system to monitor emissions and engine performance. If your Accord has failed a smog test due to incomplete readiness monitors, completing a specific drive cycle can help. This article outlines the OBD-II drive cycle for a Honda Accord 2006 to prepare it for a smog test.
Understanding the Honda Accord 2006 OBD2 Drive Cycle
The OBD-II drive cycle is a series of driving conditions designed to allow the vehicle’s computer to run diagnostic tests on various emissions-related components. A “cold start” initiates the process, meaning the engine coolant temperature is below 122°F (50°C), and the coolant and air temperature sensor readings are within 11°F (6°C) of each other. Important: Avoid turning the ignition key on before the cold start; this can prevent the heated oxygen sensor diagnostic from running.
Honda Accord 2006 OBD2 Drive Cycle Steps
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Idle and Initial Checks (2.5 minutes): Immediately after starting the engine, let it idle in drive for two and a half minutes. Turn on the air conditioning (A/C) and rear window defroster. This phase allows the OBD-II system to check the oxygen sensor heater circuits, air pump, and evaporative emission (EVAP) purge system.
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Acceleration and Steady State Driving (3 minutes): Turn off the A/C and rear defroster. Accelerate to 55 mph (88 km/h) using half throttle. The system now checks for ignition misfire, fuel trim, and canister purge. Maintain a constant speed of 55 mph for three minutes. During this period, the OBD-II system monitors the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system, air pump, oxygen sensors, and canister purge.
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Deceleration (Coast Down): Decelerate to 20 mph (32 km/h) without using the brakes or depressing the clutch. This allows the system to evaluate the EGR and purge functions.
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Second Acceleration and Steady State Driving (5 minutes): Accelerate again to 55-60 mph (88-96 km/h) using half throttle. This repeats the misfire, fuel trim, and purge checks. Maintain a steady speed of 55-60 mph for five minutes. The OBD-II system will monitor catalytic converter efficiency, misfire, EGR, fuel trim, oxygen sensors, and purge functions during this extended period.
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Final Deceleration: Come to a complete stop without applying the brakes. This enables a final check of the EGR and canister purge system.
Completing the Honda Accord 2006 OBD2 Drive Cycle
Successfully completing this drive cycle should set all the necessary readiness monitors in your Honda Accord 2006’s OBD-II system. After completion, you can use an OBD-II scanner to verify that all monitors are ready. This will allow you to proceed with your smog test.
