THSCC Forums

I've got a friend with a 98 Dodge Ram who is having trouble getting it inspected.

I'm looking at the sheet that says why he is failing and it has certain components that read "not ready". Does anyone know what this means?
His MIL is off, and has never come on (except when he starts it for a moment).

I was wondering if George could shed some light on the subject.

Are these components failing, or not being tested b/c his truck doesn't have enough miles on it (intermitent ECU reset?)

TIA

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2001 Honda S2000 - SOLD
2012 Boss 302
2003 BMW 330i

Intermittent ECU reset is the problem. When I swapped out my race ECU for the stock one, I need to drive about 350 miles in order to make the 'Not Ready' change to 'Ready'. Tell him to get some miles on it, otherwise, talk to a Dodge dealer on what might be causing it if that doesn't do it. - AB

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'14 Toyota Sequoia Platinum 4WD
Super Westerfield Bros - '93 Integra - LeChump Du Jour
STX 93 - Scion FR-S

Not ready usually means that the obd II brains have not gone through enough drive cycles to test the items. This usually happens when the codes have been cleared from the computer or the battery has been disconnected and the memory is cleared. Some cars have a problem after a battery swap and will not clear the not ready codes ( some Volvos come to mind). I dont recall any Dodges having that problem. If his battery is weak the ECU might be resetting itself. My bosses '97 Chevy van kept showing a not ready on one of the O2 sensors before it went bad, It would also flash the MIL light every once in a while before the failure. How many items are showing not ready?

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George Bright Member # 141
One of the youngest of the old farts.
Yes I voted against you joining the club.

98 Ram 1500 V-6

Catalyst: Not Ready
O2 Sensor: Not Ready
O2 Sensor Heater: Not Ready

All other are "ready" or "not supported"

What is the "O2 sensor heater" I wouldn't think that even had whatever this is.

We are suspecting a dying battery.

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2001 Honda S2000 - SOLD
2012 Boss 302
2003 BMW 330i

The O2 sensors have heating elements in them to warm them up to operating temp faster than the exhaust would do it alone. The heater test checks for a valid O2 signal quickly in some cars. The Cat and O2 sensor tests are related. The ECU uses the before and after O2 sensors to test for cat function. Also check the ground cables. A bad ground can cause all kinds of ECU problems. Just ask the Subaru boys.

I'm typing like Mark V today. I have had to edit this 4 times.

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George Bright Member # 141
One of the youngest of the old farts.
Yes I voted against you joining the club.

Another opinon; A lot of cars require a certain sequence of events for a code to be checked. For instance, for the ecu to check the catalyst on a '96 S10, the truck must be driven at 50mph for 10 seconds, then down to 30mph for 10 seconds, then back up/down again 3 times, followed by 1 minute idle. Have your buddy call up the Dodge dealer and ask if there are any specific drive cycle procedures for his truck.

Thanks for the replies... I'm sure we'll get to the bottom of this.

_________________
2001 Honda S2000 - SOLD
2012 Boss 302
2003 BMW 330i