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Starting and operating / State emission testing ( U . S . only )
its contractors or licensees .
California and a number of federal states have Inspection / Maintenance programs to inspect your vehicle ’ s emission control system . If your vehicle does not pass this test , some states may deny renewal of your vehicle ’ s registration .
Your vehicle is equipped with a computer that monitors the performance of the engine ’ s emission control system . Certified emission inspectors will inspect the On-Board Diagnostic ( OBDII ) system as part of the state emission inspection process . The OBDII system is designed to detect engine and transmission problems that might cause the vehicle emissions to exceed allowable limits . OBDII inspections apply to all 1996 model year and newer passenger cars and trucks . Over 30 states plus the District of Columbia have implemented emission inspection of the OBDII system .
. The inspection of the OBDII system consists of a visual operational check of the “ CHECK ENGINE ” warning light / malfunction indicator light ( MIL ) and an examination of the OBDII system with an electronic scan tool .
. A vehicle passes the OBDII system inspection if proper operation of the “ CHECK ENGINE ” warning light is observed , there are no stored diagnostic trouble codes , and the OBDII readiness monitors are all complete .
. A vehicle fails the OBDII inspection if the “ CHECK ENGINE ” warning light is not properly operating ( light is illuminated or is not working due to faulty LED [ Light Emitting Diode ]) or there is one or more diagnostic trouble codes stored in the vehicle ’ s computer .
. A state emission inspection may reject ( not pass or fail ) a vehicle if the number of OBDII system readiness monitors “ NOT READY ” is greater than one . If the vehicle ’ s battery has been recently replaced or disconnected , the OBDII system inspection may indicate that the vehicle is not ready for the emission test . Under this condition , the vehicle driver should be instructed to drive his / her vehicle for a few days to reset the readiness monitors and return for an emission re-inspection .
. Owners of rejected or failing vehicles should contact their SUBARU Dealer for service .
Some states still use dynamometers in their emission inspection program . A dynamometer is a treadmill or roller-like testing device that allows your vehicle ’ s wheels to turn while the vehicle remains in one place . Prior to your vehicle being put on a dynamometer , tell your emission inspector not to place your SUBARU AWD vehicle on a two-wheel dynamometer . Otherwise , serious transmission damage will result .
The U . S . Environmental Protection Agency ( EPA ) and states using two-wheel dynamometers in their emission testing program 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 program . When properly used , this equipment should not damage a SUBARU AWD vehicle .
Under no circumstances should the rear wheels be jacked off the ground , nor should the driveshaft be disconnected in an attempt to bypass AWD for state emission testing . An AWD vehicle must be tested using an AWD dynamometer with all 4 wheels driven and loaded .