FREE REPAIR MANUALS & LABOR GUIDES 1982-2013 Vehicles
Courtesy of Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.

Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview

On-board Diagnosis System

GENERAL

- The on-board diagnosis system detects and indicates a fault by generating a code corresponding to each fault location. The engine malfunction indicator light on the combination meter indicates occurrence of a fault or abnormality.
- When the engine malfunction indicator light comes on as a result of detection of a fault by the ECM, the corresponding diagnostic trouble code (DTC) and freeze frame engine condition are stored in the ECM.
- On the OBD-II conformable car, it is necessary to connect the SUBARU Select Monitor (SSM) or General Scan Tool (GST) to the data link connector in order to check the DTC.
- The SSM and GST can erase DTCs. This can also read freeze frame data in addition to other pieces of engine data.
- If there is a failure involving sensors which may affect drive control of the vehicle, the fail-safe function ensures minimum level of driveability.