1996 to 2002 Toyota OBD II Catalyst Monitor Readiness Drive Patterns

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The catalyst monitor on many Toyota vehicles can be difficult to complete.  That’s why it’s important to follow the Toyota recommended drive cycle after performing actions that are known to clear your Toyota’s computer memory.

Remember, all on-board diagnostic monitors are cleared when the battery is disconnected, or when the power train control module (PCM) is cleared with a scan tool.

CATALYST MONITOR DRIVE CYCLE INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Do not turn off the ignition switch during the test procedure.
  2. Allow the vehicle to run at idle until warmed up.
  3. Drive at a steady speed between 40 and 70 MPH for 10 minutes.  It’s a good idea to stay in the middle of this range, so 55 MPH is optimal.
  4. It may take several attempts and warm up cycles to complete the drive cycle.

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1996 to 2002 Toyota OBD II Monitor Readiness Drive Patterns

8 Replies to “1996 to 2002 Toyota OBD II Catalyst Monitor Readiness Drive Patterns”

  1. Charlie

    Do you have a drive pattern for 2004 Toyota Higlander? I am having a hard time to get the Catalyst ready.

    Reply ↓
    • Julius Post author

      Hi Charlie, sorry for the late reply. Per Toyota, the following drive cycle should run the catalyst monitor on 2004 Toyota Highlanders:

      CATALYST MONITOR DRIVE CYCLE INSTRUCTIONS

      1. The monitor will not run if active diagnostic codes are present
      2. Do not turn off the ignition switch during the test procedure.
      3. Allow the vehicle to run at idle until fully warmed up. I usually recommended letting it idle for ten to fifteen minutes after sitting overnight.
      4. After warming up the vehicle, drive at a steady speed between 40 & 70 miles per hour. Tip: try to stay around the middle of this range (55MPH). Also, in Southern California, it may only be possible to maintain these speeds early on a weekend morning.
      5. You may need to extend the drive cycle.
      6. In most cases, you should be able to complete the catalyst monitor after following the drive cycle a couple of times.

      If several reasonable attempts at running the drive cycle fail to complete the catalyst monitor, a problem may exist that is preventing your vehicle from running the monitor to completion. In that case, it may be time to have your vehicle properly diagnosed and repaired by a shop that has the training, equipment, and experience necessary to diagnose and repair OBD monitor issues.

      Reply ↓
  2. Amy C.

    We have a 2000 4Runner with the same issue of the catalyst drive monitor not being “ready.” How can I find the drive cycle for a 2000 4Runner “Per Toyota?” I’ve found several suggestions online, but they differ quite a bit from each other. I figure I better go with the manufacturer suggestion, but can’t find it. Thank you!

    Reply ↓
    • Julius Post author

      Yes, I believe that the 1996 to 2002 Toyota OBD II Catalyst Monitor Readiness Drive Patterns, should also apply to your 2002 Toyota Celica.

      Reply ↓

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