OBD-II Subaru Diagnostic Systems:
Generic Scan Tools:
One of the biggest advances that OBD-II brought to vehicle repair was the ability of a “generic scan tool” to communicate with any OBD-II compliant vehicle. OBD-II regulations spell out a specific way that all vehicles must communicate with these generic scan tools. It’s no longer necessary to have a drawer full of adapters and testers to communicate with the various vehicles your shop may happen to work on.
Since all 1996 and later Subaru vehicles must comply with OBD-II regulations, we decided to try out an assortment of generic scan tools on an OBD-II compliant 1995 Subaru Legacy. The Legacy came on line with OBD-II capability during the 1995 model year, while the Impreza made the 1996 deadline. All Forester and Outback models are also OBD-II compliant. If you already own or plan to purchase a generic scan tool with OBD-II updates, at the very least, you will be able to retrieve the following information from an OBD-II compliant Subaru using a generic scan tool:
• Automatic determination of the communications protocol.
• Display of the Readiness Test status.
• Display of the vehicle’s Current Data parameters.
• Display of Freeze Frame Data saved by the control unit.
• Display of Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) saved by the control unit.
• Clearing Emission-Related Diagnostic Information (DTCs and diagnostic parameters).
• Display of O2 Sensor Test Results.
• Display of the On-Board Monitoring Test Results for Non-Continuously Monitored Systems.
• Display of the On-Board Monitoring Test Results for Continuously Monitored Systems.
Although OBD-II compliance was not required by EPA regulations until the 1996 model year, Legacy models began receiving OBD-II equipment during the 1995 model year. The 1995 Legacy wagon we used for our testing was fully OBD-II compliant.
The three generic OBD-II scan tools we tried out were the OTC Monitor 4000 Enhanced, the Vetronix Mastertech and the Snap-on Scanner. All three scanners successfully interfaced and retrieved information from our Subaru wagon, but each took a slightly different method to get there. All three scanners have the ability to save information, print it, or store it to a PC. We’ll use a series of photos and short captions to show you what we found.
SUBARU OBD-2 DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES
OBD2 Scanners:
Panlong Bluetooth OBD2 OBDII Car Diagnostic Adapter Check Engine Light for Android – Compatible with Torque Pro
Donop Professional U480 CAN OBD2 OBD II Car Diagnostic Scanner Engine Code Reader Tool
Memo U581 Scanner Live Data OBD2 Code Reader CAN OBDII EOBDII Diagnostic Scan Tool Support Multiple Language with CD
