California requires smog stations perform inspections to vehicles as they are driven in. Unless specifically requested, a smog station is not allowed to perform any diagnosis before the smog inspection. For the smog station to learn whether your Toyota Corolla's emission monitors are ready before the smog inspection, requires the smog station perform an OBD-II scan.
If you are certain your Corolla has not had its battery disconnected or drained in the last 6 months, we'd have to assume either the drive cycle parameters have not yet been met, or the vehicle has an emission problem which is not allowing the emission monitors to run.
We'll describe the specific drive cycle patters needed for your Toyota Corolla. There are two different drive cycles for the Toyota Corolla, determined by whether your engine is equipped with an oxygen sensor or an air/fuel ratio sensor. Check your underhood emissions label for the abbreviation AFS or HAFS. This will indicate your engine is equipped with air/fuel ratio sensors instead of oxygen sensors. You may then follow the correct drive pattern.
Take extra caution when performing any drive cycle on public roadways and obey all traffic laws.
How to Perform Toyota Corolla Drive Cycle - (Air/Fuel Ratio Sensor)
Begin by: (Make sure you have between 1/4 and 3/4 fuel in the gas tank. The EVAP test will not run while your Toyota has a full tank of gas or the gas tank is near empty). Ensure there are no pending or active trouble codes and that the check engine light is not on. Start the drive cycle from a cold start.
A. Start the engine and allow it to idle for 2 minutes or more.
B. Drive the vehicle at 40-70 mph or more for at least 3 minutes. Be sure to maintain engine speed between 900 and 3,200 rpm.
C. Stop the vehicle and allow the engine to idle for 10 seconds or more.
D. Drive the vehicle at 25 mph for at least 40 seconds or more. Be sure to maintain engine speed above 900 rpm.
E. Stop the vehicle and allow the engine to idle for 10 seconds or more.
F. Perform steps “D” and “E” ten times.
G. Drive the vehicle allowing speed to fluctuate between 35-45 mph for about 16 minutes.
E. End of Drive Cycle
If readiness status of all monitors do not switch to “complete,” ensure preconditions are met, turn the
ignition switch OFF, then repeat steps “A” through “G.”
How to Perform Toyota Corolla Drive Cycle (Oxygen Sensor)
Begin by: (Make sure you have between 1/4 and 3/4 fuel in the gas tank. The EVAP test will not run while your Toyota has a full tank of gas or the gas tank is near empty). Ensure there are no pending or active trouble codes and that the check engine light is not on. Start the drive cycle from a cold start.
A. Start engine and idle for 3 minutes (until coolant temperature is 1605°f or above). If your engine temp gauge is functioning properly, it should be right around the middle point.
B. Begin driving. Accelerate to 40-55 MPH and maintain speed for seven minutes.
C. Decelerate without touching the brake pedal or clutch to 20 mph, then stop.
D. Idle the engine for one minute.
E. Accelerate to 35-45 MPH and maintain speed for seven minutes.
F. Decelerate to a complete stop and idle engine for one minute.
G. Begin driving. Accelerate the vehicle and maintain steady speed at or above 25 mph for at least 50 seconds. Maintain engine speed above 900 rpm. Stop the vehicle and allow the engine to idle for 40 seconds or more. Repeat this step nine more times.
E. End of Drive Cycle
If readiness status of all monitors do not switch to “complete,” ensure preconditions are met, turn the ignition switch OFF, then repeat steps “A” through “G.”
