I own a 2000 Honda Accord EX sedan, A/T, V-4. I just had the front air fuel ratio sensor, rear O2 sensor and battery replaced. I will need a smog check soon. Regarding successfully completing the Drive Cycle, the mechanic told me to just drive the car as usual for ~ 60 miles. He said that should ready the car for the smog test. I found several Drive Cycle protocols on the internet. Most are similar with an idle, accelerate, decelerate, accelerate and decelerate protocol for a prescribed amount of time and speed. I have a couple of questions regarding successfully completing the Drive Cycle. Which recommendation should I follow ? And, if it's the more detailed protocol, does it need to be completed in one setting in the exact order shown ? Thanks much for any advice !

 

For the most part the drive at ~50 for a few let is slow then back up to ~50 type of cycles works for most all of them. The exception is the evap monitors but most states will allow the older ones to pass inspection without those being set. I just went through this with the 07 Accord (May - June ?) - it needed a new battery to get it running and inspection was due. There is a road near me where the speed limit is 55 so once at normal temp (close loop), a short drive of ~20 miles round trip using the "said" slow, speed up, slow down process allowed all but the evap to set. Again in the state I live the inspection laws allow that model to pass without the evap set.

If you have time, just drive it for a week or so, then check the status. If you don't have a code reader many parts stores (outside of CA) will check codes for free, you could stop by one and ask if they can also check the monitor status.

 

Check this out. Its for the wrong year, but you'll get some idea of what has to happen for each of the different readiness codes.
https://www.hondaaccordforum.com/for...s-codes-28313/

 

Thanks to both for the input. The mechanic mentioned that he can check the system status if I bring the car back. Can he check ALL systems that would be tested in a Smog test ? So, if he tells me completed and ready there should be no problem with the smog test ? It sounds like the strict speed / time protocol isn't really necessary for a successful ' drive cycle '. Just some idle time then some stop and go city and freeway driving ?