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Drive cycle to clear readiness monitors?

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3.7K views 2 replies 2 participants last post by  Jagpilot  
#1 ·
So, I went to the Mercedes dealership today to get the definitive answer for the drive cycle instructions to clear two stubborn remaining monitors: secondary air injection and catalyst efficiency. I have searched the forums for a definitive answer, but could not really find one. I have a California smog check coming up soon for my 1997 C280 and 2008 S550. I had to clear a couple of OBD codes a week ago and now have these two monitors left. In California, you can still pass smog from 1996 to 1999 with one monitor not ready yet. 2000 and later, they all have to pass.

So, attached are the instructions the dealership gave me. They look like generic info and not vehicle-specific. They said it works on any car. (I don't trust this info.) Does anyone have any specific drive cycle instructions specific to a 1997 C280 and 2008 S550?
 

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#2 ·
I have no experience with this test. The generic document is by design manufacturers independent. Although it referenced BMW in the copy, one might conclude the test is universal with the particular manufacturer having these monitors but referring to them in a proprietary language. E.g. MIL or CEL same thing 2ways of saying the same thing.

Good luck and keep us posted.
 
#3 ·
FYI, Secondary Air Injection is the worst. I have started from cold about a dozen times and still did not clear. I even followed a half dozen times, Mercedes Benz Service Bulletin S-B-14.00/17 which says start from cold, warm-up for 7 minutes, drive for 7 minutes, idle for 6 seconds, shut off for 10 seconds, restart, drive for another 7 minutes. (Still did not work. Ugh!)

The Catalyst cleared after driving for 3 minutes at 43 mph, then 48-54 mph for 3 minutes per the MB Service Bulletin.

It was good enough for me! I took it in for a smog check immediately after the catalyst cleared and passed the smog check, even though secondary air injection was not ready (per California). The technician told me that 2000 year and newer cars, all monitors need to clear except EVAP.
 
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