After the September-long saga of replacing all four O2 sensors and the related fun with rusted exhaust bits, I did clear the codes rather than waiting. Since then, no DTCs have returned, but I have one hold-out: the Evap readiness monitor is still showing unready. I've gone about 450 miles (1 and a half tanks of gas) since the O2 repair. All other monitors are good.

Am I just not done with a drive cycle yet? I've attempted to vary the driving a bit. I thought it would complete during the first tankful of gas when it was somewhere around half-full. Still waiting.

I have the drive cycle description... should I attempt to exactly replicate the conditions, or just keep driving and see what happens?

 

Is there a reason your in a hurry ? If so, you have to find a long stretch of road and follow the Ford Company drive cycle requirement. I think you know that. Personally , I just let it clear when it wants, don't worry about it.

Passing Inspection, that's a different story.

 

No particular hurry other than I was afraid it might be an indicator of something wrong. Fortunately, it passed inspection right after completing the O2 job despite still showing the evap monitor incomplete. I've been assuming (probably wrongly) that 450 miles of regular driving for me would have been pretty close to finishing a drive cycle.

The real issue here is that I'm saving my pennies for a new welder so I can tackle the body work it needs early next year, including a new paint job. Other than planned maintenance, I'm squeamish about spending money on the truck at the moment, so replacing evap parts would be pretty low on my wishlist for things to do.

I'm just being a worry-wart.

 

Drive cycle sets within the first 100 miles with Ford's. At 450 miles something isn't allowing the PCM to finalize. I'd do a battery terminal removal for about 10 minutes, also turn on the headlights, just to get all residual power out of the system. Then go with the set up all over. If it doesn't go complete cycle within 100 miles this time, then you will need to find the bad link. Usually, a second cycle will cure things.

 

Interesting... thank you. I'll see what happens.

 

It took about 40 or 50 miles for the EVAP to complete with the 98. I know this because the monitor failed EVAP and coughed up a 442 DTC. The truck was down for 3 months, so the battery was pulled. It got a a new set of headers, full exhaust, new O2's and a rear gear fluid change. Battery reinstalled, then put back on the road. It hasen't been driven much, so a play a play can be had, -

Since then, the 98 was driven once by me, 2 miles in the city (stop and go), 4 miles on the e-way @ 74mph on cruise. (verifying the rear end was no longer a concern, and diggen the new Borla stogie in the back).

She made a pumpkin patch run, approx 10 miles on the old highway @ 55-60mph.

She used the truck a couple times after that, same thing, 55-60 mph, rounded it to 20 miles there, some city driving in between.

The CEL illuminated today, she happened to see it light up while checking her speed. She used the expressway this time and took the old highway to get there. I'm familiar with the route taken. 3 miles @ 55-60mph, stop, about a mile @ 40-45mph, stop. Merged to the expressway, cruise set 75mph. The CEL lit up shortly after setting cruise. Monitor complete.... EVAP failed, but complete regardless.

It's still running with old gas, had her erase the DTC, see if it reappears. I might of cracked the rusty EVAP line that runs along the frame rail when working on it, just another thing to fix

Hope that helps if you haven't got it yet.

 

I pulled the battery for 30 min on Sunday and have only 20 miles since. We'll see what happens.

-T

 

Crossing fingers!

 

I've gone through another tank and a half of fuel with one whole-hearted attempt at replicating the drive cycle line-by-line. No luck yet... still shows not ready, but no codes either. I guess I'll just wait and forget about it for now. The fuel economy is down to 12.9 from 13.9 which i attribute to winter-mix fuel. Just gonna wait.