Question about MAPs and Modules

[Outback2.5XT-05]

I recently brought my 2007 OutbackXT with APv3 Stage 1 ACN/91 OTS MAP into a smog station where they plugged in their smog scanner and quickly determined that 2 of the modules were "not ready".

 

When I bought the vehicle (used), I remember the shop which I took it to have a pre-purchase inspection pulling up the same issue. His advice was to drive it on the freeway a while and that it would PROBABLY be ok thereafter. As far as I know, the computer was unmodified at this point, it could have been a"stock-simulated" MAP, but appeared to be sluggish throttle stock tune.

 

I've had the car worked on by professionals and so far as I know this was never an issue, never caused any CELs, etc and was likely the oem tune as no one ever mentioned it.

 

Fast forward a year and here we are today. IIRC, I believe that the same modules read "not ready" as during the initial inspection.

 

Does anyone know if the AP disables certain "modules" in this way?

If so, will un-marrying the access port and driving most likely "fix" this?

 

And that leads to the next question. When un-marrying an AP(or reflashing the same OTS Stage 1 as I have installed now after re-marrying the AP) is it recommended I go through the same datalog procedures again or can I expect the ecu and motor to operate consistently once the same map is reflashed? (as it was kind of a PITA but I'm really not trying to blow up my motor)

 

I've been looking around here for a few days and haven't quite found anything that would address these questions. Any help is really appreciated!

[Phate]

You should be able to check the ready monitor status right on the accessport. Don't remember the name of the section on the main menu offhand, but look for a "diagnostics" section with a check engine light icon.

[Outback2.5XT-05]

I believe you are correct about accessing those monitors, however, I have not disconnected by battery in +/-5000 miles and have been running my OTS cobb stage 1 tune for at least 500 miles now with no problems, so those monitors should be ready if the AP doesn't disconnect them.

 

I can't imagine that flashing maps back and forth is good for the ecu in the long run. I am wondering if the "Not Ready" status could be indicative of other issues before I take the steps to unmarry the AP and do a hard reset on the ECU or if this is usually even necessary?

 

Thanks for your input!

[Phate]

Which monitors are not ready? They usually have a specific order they need to set in.

[Outback2.5XT-05]

Earlier today I had my OTS Stage 1 tune active for +-500 miles of inconsistent city driving, and the only monitor that just wouldn't load was the catalyst monitor.

 

I talked to Cobb tech support and they said their stage 1 OTS shouldn't cause any issues like that and everything is generally loaded within 500 miles.

 

Since then, and upon my mechanic's advice I unmarried the AP and have driven about 40 miles and have every monitor loaded except the same "catalyst" and "evap" now as well, most likely due to the oem reflash I assume.

 

I've been reading here all day and found http://legacygt.com/forums/showthread.php/new-ca-smog-obdii-info-thread-199919.html?highlight=catalyst with some interesting info. I am about to go run another drive cycle attempt now and will update asap.

[Outback2.5XT-05]

Update:

After unmarrying the AP (which may not have been necessary) and performing both procedures listed here (http://legacygt.com/forums/showthread.php/new-ca-smog-obdii-info-thread-199919.html) and in under 40 miles total, I seem to have "readied" all monitors/modules and had no issues passing.

 

FWIW it appears to be necessary to hold steady speed/throttle position in gear and without applying brakes to ready the catalyst. As I mentioned before, nearly 500 miles of city driving and countless starts did not do what that procedure did in about 40 miles and in 3 "drive cycles".

 

Hopefully this helps anyone going through the same crap, thanks for your input phate.