Does a OBDII code reset/erase cause an internal ECM mileage reset??

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Joined
Jan 7, 2005
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Location
Lake Norman, NC
I have been getting an occasional off and on CEL/MIL (check engine light) for a PO401. My safety/emissions inspection sticker expires this month and I wanted to reset it with my OBDII code reader/scanner/eraser right before I pulled up to the inspection station (since it usually keeps the CEL off for a few days or so). I wanted to get the new sticker before I started working on my P0401 diagnosis/repair...to buy me some time just in case I screw something up.

The inspector asked if I had recently had work done on it...I told him I had just put a new battery in over the w-end (which is true) and why was he asking. He said I have to go 150 miles before they can complete the inspection and give me the sticker, but that all else is complete. I didn't ask any more questions.
Am I assuming correctly that their diagnostic tool indicates a ECM code and internal mileage(?) reset??
chip

'97 LX450 94k miles
 
anyone else out there other than RavenTai?

RavenTai, ...Did you read it? This was a totally new question...Sorry, I wont post any more questions. Anyone else out there...that read my question? instead of RavenTai?
 
Never mind

I really like this forum........when I'm researching only. I read a lot of posts of what kind of oil to use and anti-freeze, and various other issues that are basic...but when I ask specifics, I get RavenTai's answer that indicates he didn't read my Second :confused: question! Was I not specific enough?
 
Chip said:
Anyone else out there...that read my question? instead of RavenTai?

Calm down Chip. You won't get anywhere by stomping on the toes of the guys that know how to help you, and Raven is one of the best.

As I understand your question, you are wondering if the ECM tracks mileage. The answer is no, it does not.

However, it does track drive cycles as explained in Ron's reply in the other post that Raven referenced.

What will likely happen is the emissions tester will see that 2 drive cycles have not been completed since your ECM reset, and he will ask you to bring back the vehicle. They probably use the "150 miles" as a guideline that covers most OBD-II compliant vehicles without going into the explanation of drive cycles like Ron covered.

-B-
 
Chip yes I did read your question and wile it is a diffrent question from your previous the anwser is still the same,

there are some systesm that are only tested under certain driving conditions, the EGR is one of those, the ECM after bing reset knows it has not completed tests of these systesms and reports this to the state scaner, it is not necesarily milage but certain driving conditions that kick in each test, the emissions guy was basically trying to say that you need to drive it for a wile and these conditins will be found and the tests run. 150 miles is just a generic rule of thumb type anwser. ParadiseCruiser gave you the conditions for the EGR in the other thread from the FSM.

here it is put a diffrent way

EGR Monitor
(For 1FZ-FE
Engine)
Preconditions
The monitor will not run unless:
• MIL is OFF
• Altitude is 7800 feet (2400m) or less
• IAT (Intake Air) is -10°C (14°F) or greater
• ECT (Coolant Temperature) is less than 40°C (104°F)
Drive Pattern
Connect the Diagnostic Tester to DLC3 to check monitor status and
preconditions.
a) Start the engine and immediately begin driving vehicle at 43 - 56 mph
(70 - 90 km/h) for a period of 3 - 5 minutes.
• Do not allow the Throttle Position (TP) to exceed 30 %.
• Drive with smooth throttle operation and avoid sudden
acceleration.
b) Stop vehicle and let engine idle for 3 - 5 minutes.
c) Repeat steps "a" and "b" once.
Observe status of Readiness Tests monitors. If readiness status does not
switch to complete, go to the Non-Continuous Tests screen to see monitor
status. If Non-Continuous Tests screen still shows Pass, ensure
preconditions are met, turn ignition OFF, and then repeat steps "a"
through "c".
Engine Control Systems II - Course L874
NOTE
 
Great explanation!,,,Thanks!

RavenTai, sorry so 'touchy' earlier. I misunderstood your reply. Oftentimes, I am amazed with the incredible technical knowledge of various people on this forum and incorrectly assumed you were 'blowing off' my further attempt to understand specifics. I appreciate your post and additionally read cruiserdan's comment on another recent thread about "waking the sleeping dog" relating to EGR problems. My primary concern on this original post was that I had screwed something up with my code erase/reset... and the ability/inability of the inspection station's 'sophisticated' diagn.equipment to detect what I was doing to get a new sticker, and buy some more time...I wasn't sure if I could get the generic "150 miles" requirement they told me between the MIL coming on and having to erase/reset. I like to problem solve and not use band-aids unless absolutely necessary... so again, thanks for your post/reply.
 

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