2000 Mercury Cougar Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 236

Maintenance and care Readiness for inspection/ maintenance (I/M) testing In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass an I/M test of the onĆboard diagnostic (OBDĆII) system. If your check engine" light is on, refer to the description in the Warning Lights and Chimes section of the Instrumentation chapter. Your vehicle may not pass the I/M test with the check engine" light on. If the vehicle's powertrain system or battery has just been serviced, the OBĆII system is reset to a not ready for I/M test" condition. To ready the OBDĆII system for I/M testing, a minimum of 30 minutes of city and highway driving is necessary as described below: • First, at least 10 minutes of driving on an expressway or highway. • Next, at least 20 minutes of driving in stopĆandĆgo, cityĆtype driving with at least four idle periods. Allow the vehicle to sit for at least eight hours without starting the engine. Then, start the engine and complete the above driving cycle. The engine must warm up to its normal operating temperature. Once started, do not turn off the engine until the above driving cycle is complete. 236