Manual

  Onboard Diagnostics 
  OBD2 MONITORS 
26 OBD2 
the downstream sensor signal voltage becomes almost the same as the 
upstream sensor signal. In this case, the monitor fails the test. 
The Catalyst Monitor is supported by “spark ignition” vehicles only. The 
Catalyst Monitor is a “Two-Trip” Monitor. If a fault is found on the first 
trip, the computer temporarily saves the fault in its memory as a 
Pending Code. The computer does not command the MIL on at this time. 
If the fault is sensed again on the second trip, the computer commands 
the MIL “On” and saves the code in its long-term memory. 
Heated Catalyst Monitor - Operation of the “heated” catalytic 
converter is similar to the catalytic converter. The main difference 
is that a heater is added to bring the catalytic converter to its operating 
temperature more quickly. This helps reduce emissions by reducing the 
converter’s down time when the engine is cold. The Heated Catalyst 
Monitor performs the same diagnostic tests as the catalyst Monitor, and 
also tests the catalytic converter’s heater for proper operation. 
The Heated Catalyst Monitor is supported by “spark ignition” vehicles 
only. This Monitor is also a “Two-Trip” Monitor. 
Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Monitor - The Exhaust Gas 
Recirculation (EGR) system helps reduce the formation of Oxides 
of Nitrogen during combustion. Temperatures above 2500°F cause 
nitrogen and oxygen to combine and form Oxides of Nitrogen in the 
combustion chamber. To reduce the formation of Oxides of Nitrogen, 
combustion temperatures must be kept below 2500°F. The EGR system 
recirculates small amounts of exhaust gas back into the intake manifold, 
where it is mixed with the incoming air/fuel mixture. This reduces 
combustion temperatures by up to 500°F. The computer determines 
when, for how long, and how much exhaust gas is recirculated back to 
the intake manifold. The EGR Monitor performs EGR system function 
tests at preset times during vehicle operation. 
The EGR Monitor is supported by both “spark ignition” vehicles and 
“compression ignition” vehicles. The EGR Monitor is a “Two-Trip” 
Monitor. If a fault is found on the first trip, the computer temporarily 
saves the fault in its memory as a Pending Code. The computer does 
not command the MIL on at this time. If the fault is sensed again on the 
second trip, the computer commands the MIL “On,” and saves the code 
in its long-term memory. 
Evaporative System (EVAP) Monitor - OBD2 vehicles are 
equipped with a fuel Evaporative system (EVAP) that helps 
prevent fuel vapors from evaporating into the air. The EVAP system 
carries fumes from the fuel tank to the engine where they are burned 
during combustion. The EVAP system may consist of a charcoal 
canister, fuel tank cap, purge solenoid, vent solenoid, flow monitor, leak 
detector and connecting tubes, lines and hoses. 
Fumes are carried from the fuel tank to the charcoal canister by hoses 
or tubes. The fumes are stored in the charcoal canister. The computer 
controls the flow of fuel vapors from the charcoal canister to the engine 
via a purge solenoid. The computer energizes or de-energizes the purge 
solenoid (depending on solenoid design). The purge solenoid opens a 
valve to allow engine vacuum to draw the fuel vapors from the canister 










