2003 Subaru Outback Owner's Manual - Page 258
2003 Subaru Outback Manual
Page 258 highlights
more accurate measurement of tailpipe emitted pollution than the basic emission test. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and states using twowheel dynamometers in their emission testing programs 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 programs. When properly used, that equipment will not damage an AWD Subaru vehicle. Under no circumstances should the rear wheels be jacked off the ground, nor should the driveshaft be disconnected for state emission testing. The EPA has issued regulations for inspecting the On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) system as part of the state emissions inspection. The OBD system is designed to detect engine and transmission problems that might cause vehicle emissions to exceed allowable limits. These inspections apply to all 1996 model year and newer passenger cars and light trucks. Several states plus the District of Columbia have opted to start the OBD system inspection prior to the required EPA regulation effective date of January 1, 2002. Other states will add OBD system inspection in 2002. D The inspection of the OBD system consists of a visual operational check of the "CHECK ENGINE" warning light/malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) and an examination of the OBD system with an electronic scan tool while the engine is running. D A vehicle passes the OBD system inspection if proper the "CHECK ENGINE" warning light/MIL illumination is observed, there is no stored diagnostic trouble codes, and the OBD system readiness monitors are complete. D A vehicle fails the OBD inspection if the "CHECK ENGINE" warning light/MIL is not properly operating or there is one or more diagnostic trouble codes stored in vehicle's computer with the "CHECK ENGINE" warning light/MIL illuminated. D A state emission inspection may reject (not pass or fail) a vehicle if the number of OBD system readiness monitors "Not Ready" is greater 7-8