Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Reading OBD Readiness Code (TIPS 1199-03)
Reference number: TIPS 1199-03
READING OBD READINESS CODE
TECHNICAL INFORMATION TIP - MANUFACTURER
READING OBD READINESS CODES
Model(s): All Subaru Models
Category: Subaru Technical Support T.I.P.S.
Group: 11 - Emission System
Bulletin No.: Tips 1199-03
Date: November 1999
SERVICE INFORMATION
As some of you may know, many states are including an inspection of the OBD system as part of their emissions test procedure. It includes, but may not be limited to, inspection of the MIL or Check Engine Light for proper illumination, operation, and status of the Readiness Codes.
Readiness Codes can be checked with a generic scan tool and the New Select Monitor (NSM).
Follow the tree below to access the Readiness Codes with the New Select Monitor:
- Each System Check
- EGI
- OBD System
- 12 Data Display
Any item that is a Readiness Code will have an indicator to the right that tells you complete or incomplete. See Fig 1 . Complete means that the system has been tested by the onboard diagnostic system. Incomplete means that the system has not been tested. In either case the results of the test are not indicated. A vehicle must have all of the Readiness Codes reading Complete before it can be inspected for proper emissions.
The Readiness Codes will all indicate incomplete after the memory of an ECM has been cleared.
Follow the steps below to activate the Readiness Codes to complete:
- 96MY: Connect the Test Mode (inspection mode connector) and drive on a flat road (highway) at approximately 50 to 55 mph for 20 to 30 minutes.
- 97MY and after: Drive on flat road (highway) at approximately 50 to 55 mph for 30 minutes for warmup. Then perform 10 minutes at steady speed (without any throttle angle change) at 50-60 mph.
NO RELATED
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.