It sounds like your Dodge Intrepid having been sitting for so long caused its battery to drain and computer codes (trouble codes and emission monitors) erase. Your Dodge Intrepid will need to be driven through a "drive cycle" in order to make it ready for the smog check. Usually normal driving (in both city and highway conditions) over the course of a few days is enough to get the drive cycle to run and make the emission monitors ready (or complete) for the smog test. At times however, due to individual driving habits and patterns, a drive cycle needs to be followed.
How to Complete Dodge Intrepid Drive Cycle
Following the driving instructions below will allow your Dodge Intrepid to make ready all I/M Emission Monitors. You may follow the drive cycle specific to a particular monitor which your vehicle need to complete, or you may follow the ALL monitor drive cycle which will cover all monitors.
The Dodge Intrepid drive cycle pattern will make READY/COMPLETE the emission monitors (I/M Readiness Flags) needed to get your vehicle to pass the smog check. Follow the drive cycle carefully. Take extra caution when performing the drive cycle on public roadways. If you feel you will be unable to follow the Dodge Intrepid drive cycle safely, please seek assistance from an smog check repair station or Dodge dealership. They may be able to perform the drive cycle utilizing a dynamometer, and specialized scan tools. Prior to beginning the drive cycle ensure your vehicle has between 15% to 85% fuel in the gas tank, and that the engine is cold. It is best to start the driving pattern in the morning.
All Monitor Drive Cycle - This drive trace is intended to make READY all the emission monitors listed below in one drive cycle. It is recommend to perform the driving pattern below at least two times. Due to the limited preconditions provided with this All Monitor Drive Trace, it is recommended to use the monitor specific drive traces for Dodge vehicles. Try the ALL Monitor drive cycle at least twice. If all monitors are not complete, complete individual monitors.
Pre-Conditioning Requirements
MIL (malfunction indicator lamp) must be off - Cold start (Best to start in the morning after the vehicle has sat overnight)
Driving Procedure
1) Start and warm engine up for five minutes.
2) Drive, keeping a steady throttle, at a speeds between 40 and 60 mph for 8 minutes.
3) Stop and idle for 3 minutes.
4) Drive, keeping a steady throttle at speeds between 20 and 30 mph for 2 minutes.
5) Stop, turn key off and leave off for ten minutes. This will allow the O2 sensor heater monitor to run.
Catalyst Monitor Drive Cycle
Pre-Conditioning Requirements
MIL must be off. - No DTCs (diagnostic trouble codes) present. - Fuel level is between 15% and 85% full. - ECT (engine coolant temperature) above 70º F. - Engine must have been running for at least 90 seconds, and engine must be between 1,350 & 1,900 rpm during this driving pattern.
Driving Procedure
1) Idle vehicle for five minutes.
2) Drive with a steady vehicle speed between 30 and 45 mph for 2 minutes.
EGR System Monitor Drive Cycle - Vacuum Controlled
Pre-Conditioning Requirements
MIL must be off.
Driving Procedure
1) Idle vehicle for five minutes (to reach closed loop operation).
2) Drive with a steady vehicle speed between 40 & 60 mph for 8 minutes.
EGR System Monitor Drive Cycle - Electronic
Pre-Conditioning Requirements
MIL must be off. - Engine speed between 500-850 rpm. - ECT is above 180º F. - No misfire temporary or matured fault present. - A/C system and cooling fans must be either on or off, but can not change state.
Driving Procedure
1) Idle vehicle for five (5) minutes.
2) Drive with a steady vehicle speed between 40 & 60 mph for 2 minutes.
3) Idle vehicle for three (3) minutes.
Note: This monitor evaluates EGR flow based on a change of engine roughness (idle stability). Conditions causing un-stable idle will prevent this monitor from running.
Evaporative System Monitor Drive Cycle 1
Standard Type Pre-Conditioning Requirements
MIL must be off. - No Evaporative DTCs present. - Fuel level is between 30% and 85 % full.
Driving Procedure
1) Idle vehicle for five minutes (to reach closed loop operation).
2) Drive with a steady vehicle speed between 30 and 45 mph for 2 minutes.
Evaporative System Monitor Drive Cycle 2
Pre-Conditioning Requirements
MIL must be off. - No Evaporative DTCs present. - Fuel level is between 30% and 85 % full.
Driving Procedure
1) Cold soak vehicle, start and idle vehicle for 4 minutes.
2) Drive in-town (stop and go) for 5 minutes, using smooth acceleration and deceleration.
3) Stop and idle vehicle for 4 minutes.
O2 Sensor Monitor Drive Cycle
Pre-Conditioning Requirements
MIL must be off.
Driving Procedure
1) Idle vehicle for five minutes (to reach closed loop operation).
2) Drive with a steady vehicle speed above 25 mph for 2 minutes.
3) Stop and idle for 30 seconds.
4) Smoothly accelerate to a speed between 30 and 40 mph.
5) Repeat steps 3 & 4 five (5) times.
O2 Sensor Heater Monitor Drive Cycle
Pre-Conditioning Requirements
MIL must be off.
Driving Procedure
1) Idle vehicle for five minutes (to reach closed loop operation).
2) Shut engine off and leave vehicle off for ten minutes.
