7-6Starting and operating
inspect your vehicle’s emission controlsystem. If your vehicle does not pass thistest, some states may deny renewal ofyour vehicle’s registration.
Your vehicle is equipped with a computerthat monitors the performance of theengine’s emission control system. Certi-fied emissioninspectors will inspect theOn-Board Diagnostic (OBDII) system aspart of the state emission inspectionprocess. The OBDII system is designedto detect engine and transmission pro-blems that might cause the vehicle emis-sions to exceed allowable limits. OBDIIinspectionsapply to all 1996 model yearand newer passenger cars and trucks.Over 30 states plus the District of Colum-bia have implemented emission inspec-tion of the OBDII system.
.The inspection of the OBDII systemconsists of a visual operational check ofthe“CHECK ENGINE”warning light/mal-function indicator light (MIL) and anexamination of the OBDII system with anelectronic scan tool.
.A vehiclepasses the OBDII systeminspection if proper operation of the“CHECK ENGINE”warning light is ob-served, there are no stored diagnostictrouble codes, and the OBDII readinessmonitors are all complete.
.A vehiclefails the OBDII inspection ifthe“CHECK ENGINE”warning light is notproperly operating (light is illuminated or isnot working due to a burned out bulb) orthere is one or more diagnostic troublecodes stored in the vehicle’s computer.
.A state emission inspection may reject(not pass or fail) a vehicle if the number ofOBDII system readiness monitors“NOTREADY”is greater than one. If thevehicle’s battery has been recently re-placed or disconnected, the OBDII systeminspection may indicate that the vehicle isnot ready for the emission test. Under thiscondition, the vehicle driver should beinstructed to drive his/her vehicle for a fewdays to reset the readiness monitors andreturn for an emission re-inspection.
.Owners of rejected or failing vehiclesshould contact their SUBARU Dealer forservice.
Some states still use dynamometers intheir emission inspection program. Adynamometer is a treadmill or roller-liketesting device that allows your vehicle’swheels to turn while the vehicle remains inone place. Prior to your vehicle being puton a dynamometer, tell your emissioninspectornot to place your SUBARUAWD vehicle on a two-wheel dynam-ometer.Otherwise, serious transmis-sion damage will result.
The U.S. Environmental ProtectionAgency (EPA) and states using two-wheeldynamometers in their emission testingprogram have EXEMPTED SUBARUAWD vehicles from the portion of thetesting program that involves a two-wheeldynamometer. There are some states thatuse four-wheel dynamometers in theirtesting program. When properly used, thisequipment should not damage a SUBARUAWD vehicle.
Under no circumstances should the rearwheels be jacked off the ground, norshould the driveshaft be disconnected forstate emission testing.
