State Emission Testing
NUMBER: 11-52-98DATE: 5/22/98
APPLICABILITY
All 1999 Model Subaru AWD Models
SUBJECT
State Emission Testing
This bulletin provides additional information to SUBARU Bulletin 11-50-97, which covers state emission testing of 1987-1998 Full-Time 4WD and AWD equipped models.
!WARNING!
Under no circumstances should any SUBARU All-Wheel-Drive (AWD) vehicle be tested on a two-wheel dynamometer. Attempting to do so will result in serious transmission damage. It may also result in uncontrolled vehicle movement and may cause an accident or injuries to persons nearby.
The 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments required the Environmental Protection Agency to implement stricter vehicle emission control inspection programs to reduce air pollution from motor vehicles. Depending on the severity of a state's air pollution problems, states must adopt either a "basic" or "enhanced" vehicle emission inspection test to fulfill Federal requirements. Typically, a basic I/M emission test consists of a 2-speed idle tailpipe test. States with more severe air pollution problems are required to implement an enhanced I/M emission test, which simulates actual driving conditions on a dynamometer. By 1999, approximately 18 states are expected to have implemented some form of loaded mode testing (i.e., IM240, ASM5015, ASM2525, etc.) in their enhanced I/M emission test program.
The Environmental Protection Agency has EXEMPTED all 1999 Subaru AWD vehicles from the enhanced I/M emission tests listed below. The exemption language is stated on the underhood Vehicle Emission Control Information (VECI) label as shown in Figure 1.
^ Loaded Test
^ Idle Test With Loaded Preconditioning
This means that SUBARU AWD vehicles must never be tested on a two-wheel dynamometer. Serious transmission damage will result. Depending upon state requirements, they may substitute a basic 2-speed idle tailpipe test. Under no circumstances should any SUBARU AWD equipped vehicle be modified for state I/M emission testing.
Four-wheel dynamometer testing is approved for SUBARU AWD 1999 models listed below.
^ Legacy Sedan AWD Impreza Sedan AWD
^ Legacy Sedan SUS AWD Impreza Wagon AWD
^ Legacy Station Wagon AWD Impreza Outback AWD
^ Legacy Outback AWD Forester AWD
^ Impreza Coupe AWD
Remember resultant vehicle damage due to improper testing is not covered under the SUBARU Limited Warranty and is the responsibility of the State I/M Program or its contractors or licensees.