State emission testing (U.S. only)
308
observed, there are no stored diagnos-
tic trouble codes, and the OBDII readi-
ness monitors are all complete.
A vehicle fails the OBDII inspection if
the “CHECK ENGINE” warning light is
not properly operating (light is illumi-
nated or is not working due to faulty
LED [Light Emitting Diode]) or there is
one or more diagnostic trouble codes
stored in the vehicle’s computer.
A state emission inspection may reject
(not pass or fail) a vehicle if the number
of OBDII system readiness monitors
“NOT READY” is greater than one. If
the vehicle’s battery has been recently
replaced or disconnected, the OBDII
system inspection may indicate that the
vehicle is not ready for the emission
test. Under this condition, the vehicle
driver should be instructed to drive his/
her vehicle for a few days to reset the
readiness monitors and return for an
emission re-inspection.
one place. Prior to your vehicle being put
on a dynamometer, tell your emission
inspector not to place your SUBARU
AWD vehicle on a two-wheel dynam-
ometer. Otherwise, serious transmis-
sion damage will result.
its contractors or licensees.
California and a number of federal states
have Inspection/Maintenance programs to
inspect your vehicle’s emission control
system. If your vehicle does not pass this
test, some states may deny renewal of
your vehicle’s registration.
.
.
The U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) and states using two-wheel
dynamometers in their emission testing
program have EXEMPTED SUBARU
AWD vehicles from the portion of the
testing program that involves a two-wheel
dynamometer. There are some states that
use four-wheel dynamometers in their
testing program. When properly used, this
equipment should not damage a SUBARU
AWD vehicle.
Your vehicle is equipped with a computer
that monitors the performance of the
engine’s emission control system. Certi-
fied emission inspectors will inspect the
On-Board Diagnostic (OBDII) system as
part of the state emission inspection
process. The OBDII system is designed
to detect engine and transmission pro-
blems that might cause the vehicle emis-
sions to exceed allowable limits. OBDII
inspections apply to all 1996 model year
and newer passenger cars and trucks.
Over 30 states plus the District of Colum-
bia have implemented emission inspection
of the OBDII system.
Under no circumstances should the rear
wheels be jacked off the ground, nor
should the driveshaft be disconnected in
an attempt to bypass AWD for state
emission testing. An AWD vehicle must
be tested using an AWD dynamometer
with all 4 wheels driven and loaded.
.
Owners of rejected or failing vehicles
should contact their SUBARU dealer
for service.
.
The inspection of the OBDII system
consists of a visual operational check of
the “CHECK ENGINE” warning light/
malfunction indicator light (MIL) and an
examination of the OBDII system with
an electronic scan tool.
A vehicle passes the OBDII system
inspection if proper operation of the
“CHECK ENGINE” warning light is
Some states still use dynamometers in
their emission inspection program. A
dynamometer is a treadmill or roller-like
testing device that allows your vehicle’s
wheels to turn while the vehicle remains in
.
