I have a 2001 Maxima and I purchased one of diagnostic code checking devices, "OBD II" I belive it is called, but it does not give me any codes. It just says "CAT monitor not ready". Any ideas?

 

...is your CEL on?

If not, then why do you believe you'd get codes?

Ideas on what, why you've got a system monitor not ready?

 

The Check Engine Light WAS on, but I unplugged the battery recently and it has not been on since. I just wanted to run the test again just out of curiosity.

And yes, why would a system monitor not be ready?

 

How far have you driven since the reset?

 

BTW, CEL is not an acronym in the 5th gen world, it's SES around here. IIRC, CEL went away in 96 or 97

 

Yea the CEL has to be on to get any codes... and I'm new and just trying to get my first 15 posts out of the way

 

Codes may be stored and not illuminate the light right of way. And you're supposed to post 15 USEFUL posts.

 

I am going to say...30-50 miles?

 

CEL == SES == (for people around here's thoughts) MIL. So bah...don't make me start on collector vs UIM again...

Hence why you have not ready monitors. You need to complete a full drive cycle (defined in the FSM) for everything to check out.

 

MIL FTW, I was hoping you'd say that.

 

You know me all too well.

Of course, MIL could also be an ABS light, brake light (contextually, anyway) or any number of lamps on the dash.

 

SES
ABS
BRAKE

 

monitor not ready just means that computer hasn't received all tests from the monitors. after a good trip it'll have enough to determine a MIL, SES, or whatever