2005 Subaru Forester Owner's Manual - Page 265

Starting and operating inspection program or its contractors or licensees. The EPA has issued regulations for inspecting the OnBoard 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. 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 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. A vehicle fails the OBD inspection if the "CHECK ENGINE" warning light/MIL is not properly operating 7-8 or there is one or more diagnostic trouble codes stored in vehicle's computer with the "CHECK ENGINE" warning light/MIL illuminated. A state emission inspection may reject (not pass or fail) a vehicle if the number of OBD system readiness monitors "Not Ready" is greater than three. Under this condition, the vehicle operator should be instructed to drive his/her vehicle for a few days to set the monitors and return for an emission re-inspection. Owners of rejected or failing vehicles should contact their SUBARU Dealer for service.