96 Legacy 2.2 failing emissions - no codes - no check engine - help

[milty60]

I am thinking of purchasing a 96 Subaru Legacy 112,000 miles. Per owner it failed emissions - no stored codes - no check engine light - this guy is a DIYer as I am - oil change, tune up - plugs filters - etc - done  recently. Any know issues with this make/model for failing emissions - I don't want to purchase car and have a killer repair bill to pass emissions. 

 

Thanks....Milty 

[idosubaru]

1996 legacy's are exempt from emissions readiness monitors - that's state/federal law.  The car needs zero work - you just need a competent inspector that knows the laws for 1996 vehicles, most of which are rusted away here in the rust belt so new hires never see them. 

 

inspect away and ask them first if they're familiar with 1996 readiness monitor exmeptions first so you're not wasting your time. 

[Fairtax4me]

Need to find out exactly WHY it failed emissions. Some states require a tail pipe sniffer test regardless of IM monitor testing.

 

There are several reasons an engine may not pass a sniffer test, and not all of them are related to sensors, nor will they always set a code.

[ocei77]

CT does emissions tests via the OBD  port.

Since the 96 Subaru monitors are always reset on key off, they will never show ready and thus cannot be read.

96 Subaru are exempt . Just tell them to look up their exemption list. You can call a station beforehand to make sure they are aware.

 

O,

[idosubaru]

oh right - fairtax has second possibility: 

 

1. readiness monitors i mentioned (if these fail and the shop isn't familiar with 1996 exemptions, which is common, they won't even do a sniffer test)

2. it failed the actual sniffer test - pipe up the exhaust testing actual output.  this is usually remedied by a tune up - plugs, wires, filter, O2 sensor, but could be other less likely things too. 

[Bushwick]

When was the last time it had it's timing belt changed? When were the vacuum lines replaced last? Is the check engine light flashing on at start up at all? (some people pull the bulbs hoping you won't notice)

 

At 112,000k miles, it probably needs a full tune-up by you. Very easy to do. Ignore the owner's work and do it yourself i.e. new plugs (gap yourself), fresh 10w 30, NEW air and fuel filters, NEW plug wires, and put a FRESH tank of gas in it. Then, replace ALL the vacuum lines and run a new timing belt with idler, pulleys, etc.

 

After all that, run it a good 100 miles (say 50 highway first, then 50 city if running OK). If it feel down on power at all at wide open throttle, it might have a failing cat. Can swap in a $100 universal one if needed, but make SURE it's not storing codes. A $15 vacuum gauge connected to the vacuum source on the manifold will tell you if cat is clogged or not, as well as general issues like ring, valves, etc. issues.

[milty60]

I will check the emissions shop I go to for the 96 subaru exemption awareness . No codes are saved. Timing belt done recently as well as tune up. Don't know about Cat or vacuum lines - will check. 

 

Thanks for all then info ..... Milty

[Bushwick]

A leaking/missing/broken vacuum line can fail a test marginally, as it leans out.

 

A failing/clogged/damaged cat will definitely fail a test. Normally they seem to last awhile, but if the engine wasn't routinely maintained previously (like leaving in factory plugs for 100k miles) and/or car was idled heavily, or even someone running the incorrect gas tank additives, they can fail. Can be semi-dangerous as I've entire cats glow orange/red from excessive heat which is VERY hot.

[Ballenxj]

1996 legacy's are exempt from emissions readiness monitors - that's state/federal law.  The car needs zero work -

Does that apply only to 1996 Legacy's, or is that for Legacy's at least that old? I have a 93 Legacy AWD Wagon, and live in Idaho.

Thanks in advance for the info.

[Fairtax4me]

Emissions I/M monitor testing can only be done on OBD2 vehicles. Which will be only 1995 and newer vehicles.

OBD1 does not use emissions monitors. So Subarus and most other vehicles made between 1990 and 1994 will not qualify for monitor testing. They will only be subject to tail pipe testing, though they will still fail an emissions test if the check engine light is on at the time of testing.

[golucky66]

Emissions I/M monitor testing can only be done on OBD2 vehicles. Which will be only 1995 and newer vehicles.

OBD1 does not use emissions monitors. So Subarus and most other vehicles made between 1990 and 1994 will not qualify for monitor testing. They will only be subject to tail pipe testing, though they will still fail an emissions test if the check engine light is on at the time of testing.

 

Just went through emissions with my 94 SVX. Tail pipe emissions with the CEL one code of which was Left O2 Sensor issue. Connecticut emissions fyi

So, CEL doesn't matter if they gotta use the sniffer?

Edited September 4, 2016 by golucky66

[Ballenxj]

Emissions I/M monitor testing can only be done on OBD2 vehicles. Which will be only 1995 and newer vehicles.

OBD1 does not use emissions monitors. So Subarus and most other vehicles made between 1990 and 1994 will not qualify for monitor testing. They will only be subject to tail pipe testing, though they will still fail an emissions test if the check engine light is on at the time of testing.

Thank You!

[Fairtax4me]

Maybe there is a provision in CT that the CEL can be on but still pass if it passes the sniffer test. The laws very by state, so it's hard to know all of them.

[Bushwick]

Just went through emissions with my 94 SVX. Tail pipe emissions with the CEL one code of which was Left O2 Sensor issue. Connecticut emissions fyi

So, CEL doesn't matter if they gotta use the sniffer?

 

Yeah, Ohio for instance will fail you for CEL, leaky o-ring on gas cap, or emissions, though the tailpipe portion seems to have relaxed in the past 20 years as they used to be more stringent. If they can't connect to the OBDII, they'll run only tailpipe. 

 

Although rare, it is possible to pass a sniffer test despite sensors failing, so long as it's still below the limit. If ever in doubt, call a testing station and ask if the dash lights being on matter or not. Don't say anything else.