Problems Getting 97 Pathfinder Ready For Emissions

[Millertime]

I have a 97 Pathfinder that I'm trying to get ready for emissions.  I have done quite a bit of work on it.  I have put about 190 miles on it and ran it through the manufacturer's drive cycle multiple times.  This vehicle isn't my daily driver, but I'm having trouble getting the EVAP, Cat, and EGR sensors to be ready.  Do you know if these drive cycles can be completed multiple times in a day to activate these sensors or do I have to do it on different days.

 

 

[hawairish]

You can do them all in a single trip, actually. Where did you get the manufacturer’s drive cycle, by chance?  The Factory Service Manual outlines it in detail, but just checking if what you’ve got is from the FSM.  Since you’ve gotten the other monitors ready, you can do the specific tests for those that aren’t ready. 

[Millertime]

It was in the owner's manual, i'll have to see if I can find a fsm.

[hawairish]

You can get the FSM here: http://nicoclub.com/archives/nissan-pathfinder-factory-service-manuals.html

 

Specifically, check out this table on page EC-40 and the description on EC-41 here: http://www.nicoclub.com/FSM/Pathfinder/1997_Pathfinder/ec.pdf

 

If you look at the bottom of the table, it'll chart the engine state, speed, and duration to satisfy each test, if you were to do them all in one drive.  Any time I've needed to 100% set readiness on my truck (particularly in my 98 Frontier, and not so much my Pathfinder), I've followed this full chart using a stopwatch/timer, open freeway, and some side roads (particularly for the 0-35-0mph tests).  You'll see that the EVAP and EGR tests appear in Pattern 3, which requires the test I just mentioned.  Usually it's addressed by simple stop-go driving, but I follow that one pretty closely (10s stopped, 10s accelerating to 30-35, 20s cruise at 30-35, decelerate to stop, repeat a few times).  Also note the 53-60 mph range for Patterns 2 and 4...I've always found this to be the toughest test because I don't have many roads with 55-60 speed limits...65-75 here.  I end up doing this at night on the freeway, driving (legally) below the speed limit in the right lane.

 

Again, you can just do the parts you need to, but between the items you mentioned, looks like they could cover all 4 patterns.

 

 

[Millertime]

I appreciate it very much, I'll be so happy when these sensors are on.  I can't transfer a title or get plates without my emissions passed.  Thanks!

[hawairish]

No sweat, and I hear ya. I’ve had to drive that pattern more times than I care to admit to resolve an oh-crap-I’m-due-for-emissions situation. 

Edited September 23, 2018 by hawairish