The purpose of this test is to satisfy the enable criteria necessary to execute I/M readiness diagnostics for the catalyst system. The test may be used to set the I/M System Status indicators to YES. Ensure the vehicle meets the requirements listed in Conditions for Running before performing this test. Failure to meet the necessary requirements may produce inaccurate test results.

The control module runs a maximum of 12 tests per trip until the catalyst System Status updates to YES. If the status does not update, the test outlined in this procedure can be repeated until the I/M System Status updates to YES.

The I/M System Status does not indicate whether the test has passed or failed, only that a decision was made. When all of the diagnostics for a specific system have run and passed, the I/M System Status updates to YES. If a test for a specific system has failed, the I/M System Status updates to YES, indicating a determination was made, even if all of the required tests have not run. When a failure occurs, the Emission Related DTC portion of the I/M System Status display indicates the MIL is requested. The I/M System Status also registers the number of DTCs.

The first failure of a type B DTC does not constitute a final determination of pass or fail, and will not update the I/M System Status to YES. A second trip is required and all the conditions to run must be met in order for the test to run again. These conditions may include a partial to complete engine cool down.

The I/M System Status updates only when the DTC fails the second time, or all of the tests pass.

If there is an impending failure, the system may require more time to run the diagnostic than was allotted in the set procedure. If the test does not run after numerous attempts and no DTC is set, review the appropriate scan tool data list and the service information for an indication of why the test does not complete. Some tests may abort due to changes in the conditions while the test is running. For example, changes in engine load such as a cooling fan or A/C compressor clutch turning on may cause the test to abort.

If a diagnostic test is difficult to run, observe the I/M System Status display while maintaining the necessary enable conditions until the system status updates to YES.

The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.

1. Make sure you perform the I/M System Check before performing this test. Failure to do so may result in difficulty updating the status to YES.

2. Beginning with model year 1998, most vehicles run the Catalyst Test during the idle period immediately following the cruise period. The following vehicles run the Catalyst Test during the specified cruise period:

•	1995-1997 and some 1998 North American Operations (NAO)

•	Cadillac Catera, all model years

•	Chevrolet Metro, all model years

•	Chevrolet Prizm, all model years

•	Chevrolet Tracker, all model years

3. This step identifies a first failure of a type B DTC. A DTC only appears on the I/M System Status display when the DTC becomes a MIL illuminating DTC. This occurs on the second failure of a type B DTC. A first failure of a type B DTC will not allow the I/M System Status to update to YES. Refer to Diagnostic Aids.

4. This step helps identify any unique criteria or unusual criteria required to run the diagnostic test in the event the universal set procedure does not. This information is located in the service information under Conditions for Running the DTC.

5. The I/M System Status only reports on whether or not a diagnostic has run, not the outcome of the test. If any Emission Related DTC sets after the tests are complete, the DTC will require diagnosis.