7-8 Starting and operating/Preparing to drive
. A vehicle fails the OBDII inspection if
The U.S. Environmental Protection
Preparing to drive
the “CHECK ENGINE” warning light is not
Agency (EPA) and states using two-wheel
properly operating (light is illuminated or is
dynamometers in their emission testing
You should perform the following checks
not working due to a burned out bulb) or
program have EXEMPTED SUBARU
and adjustments every day before you
there is one or more diagnostic trouble
AWD vehicles from the portion of the
start driving.
codes stored in the vehicle’s computer.
testing program that involves a two-wheel
1. Check that all windows, mirrors, and
dynamometer. There are some states that
. A state emission inspection may reject
lights are clean and unobstructed.
use four-wheel dynamometers in their
(not pass or fail) a vehicle if the number of
2. Check the appearance and condition
testing program. When properly used, this
OBDII system readiness monitors “NOT
of the tires. Also check tires for proper
equipment should not damage a SUBARU
READY” is greater than one. If the
inflation.
AWD vehicle.
vehicle’s battery has been recently re-
3. Look under the vehicle for any sign of
placed or disconnected, the OBDII system
Under no circumstances should the rear
leaks.
inspection may indicate that the vehicle is
wheels be jacked off the ground, nor
not ready for the emission test. Under this
4. Check that the hood, trunk (4-door)
should the driveshaft be disconnected for
condition, the vehicle driver should be
and rear gate (5-door) are fully closed.
state emission testing.
instructed to drive his/her vehicle for a few
5. Check the adjustment of the seat.
days to reset the readiness monitors and
6. Check the adjustment of the inside
return for an emission re-inspection.
and outside mirrors.
. Owners of rejected or failing vehicles
7. Fasten your seatbelt. Check that your
should contact their SUBARU Dealer for
passengers have fastened their seatbelts.
service.
8. Check the operation of the warning
and indicator lights when the ignition
Some states still use dynamometers in
switch is turned to the “ON” position.
their emission inspection program. A
9. Check the gauges, indicator and warn-
dynamometer is a treadmill or roller-like
ing lights after starting the engine.
testing device that allows your vehicle’s
wheels to turn while the vehicle remains in
one place. Prior to your vehicle being put
NOTE
on a dynamometer, tell your emission
Engine oil, engine coolant, brake fluid,
inspector not to place your SUBARU
washer fluid and other fluid levels
AWD vehicle on a two-wheel dynam-
should be checked daily, weekly or at
ometer. Otherwise, serious transmis-
fuel stops.
sion damage will result.
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