Get Starting and operating -> State emission testing (U.S. only) Guide for Subaru Outback SUV Second Generation (2000-2004)

Starting and operating

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D If the fuel filler cap is not tightened until it clicks or if the tether

is caught under the cap, the CHECK ENGINE warning light may

come on. Refer to the “Warning and indicator lights” section lo-

cated in chapter 3.

State emission testing (U.S. only)

WARNING

Testing of an All-Wheel Drive vehicle must NEVER be performed

on a single two-wheel dynamometer. Attempting to do so will

result in uncontrolled vehicle movement and may cause an acci-

dent or injuries to persons nearby.

CAUTION

Resultant vehicle damage due to improper testing is not covered

under the SUBARU Limited Warranty and is the responsibility of

the state inspection program or its contractors or licensees.

At state inspection time, remember to tell your inspection or service

station in advance not to place your Subaru AWD vehicle on a two-

wheel dynamometer. Otherwise, serious transmission damage will

result.

Some states have started using dynamometers in their state inspection

programs in order to meet their obligation under federal law to implement

stricter vehicle emission standards to reduce air pollution from cars. A

dynamometer is a treadmill or roller-like testing device that allows your

car’s wheels to turn while the car remains in one place. Depending on

the severity of a state’s air pollution problems, the states must adopt

either a “basic” or “enhanced” vehicle emission inspection test. Nor-

mally, a portion of the basic emission test consists of an emission

inspector inserting an analyzer probe into the exhaust pipe of an idling

vehicle for a short period of time. States with more severe air pollution

problems are required to adopt an enhanced vehicle emission test. This

test simulates actual driving conditions on a dynamometer and permits

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more accurate measurement of tailpipe emitted pollution than the basic

emission test.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and states using two-

wheel dynamometers in their emission testing programs have

EXEMPTED Subaru AWD vehicles from the portion of the testing pro-

gram 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 sys-

tem 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

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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.

D Owners of rejected or failing vehicles should contact their Subaru

Dealer for service.

Preparing to drive

You should perform the following checks and adjustments every day be-

fore you start driving.

1. Check that all windows, mirrors, and lights are clean and unob-

structed.

2. Check the appearance and condition of the tires. Also check tires for

proper inflation.

3. Look under the vehicle for any sign of leaks.

4. Check that the hood, trunk and rear gate are fully closed.

5. Check the adjustment of the seat.

6. Check the adjustment of the inside and outside mirrors.

7. Fasten your seatbelt. Check that your passengers have fastened their

seatbelts.

8. Check the operation of the warning and indicator lights when the igni-

tion switch is turned to the “ON” position.

9. Check the gauges, indicator and warning lights after starting the en-

gine.

NOTE

Engine oil, engine coolant, brake fluid, washer fluid and other fluid

levels should be checked daily, weekly or at fuel stops.

Starting and operating -> State emission testing (U.S. only) for Your Subaru Outback SUV Second Generation (2000-2004)

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