Found this link searching earlier threads (thanks ferret):

http://www.obddiagnostics.com/

 

Anyone used this on a '97 Impreza (or similar) and what kind of results did you get? The software looks impressive; I've just heard that Subaru doesn't adhere to the standard wiring.

The 16-pin connector used for OBD-II is standardized. There are, however, a few protocols that determine which pins of the connector are used. Subaru, like other Asian companies, uses the ISO 9141-2 protocol; it requires a minimum of pins 4, 5, 7 and 16. However, my own '99 OB has connections to pins 8, 12, and 13 in addition to the required ones. It's likely that the Subaru Select Monitor uses those pins for its own protocols, but that shouldn't prevent generic OBD-II scan hardware/software from properly interfacing. I've got an Equus Innova 3130 that works just fine on the OB.

 

For some info on the connector and protocols, see:

http://www.myscantool.com/Documentation/Topics/Hardware/Determine_Protocol.htm

http://www.obdii.com/connector.html

http://www.cardlabs.com/CardLabs_obd2.htm

Anyone use this system?

I use the Harrison OBDIIunit USB with CAN on a laptop. Works great!

 

http://www.obdscan.net/

Ed,

Since you contacted me about it, I can tell you, being a neighborhood mechanic, I've used this on a lot of vehicles since 2000. Mopars, Fords, Subaru's Toyota's, Etc. It automatically sets the Protocol. You can manually override it also.

So it will work on your 1997 Subaru which uses the ISO-9141 protocol. When I bought it, it was the best $59 I spent. I would still recommend it since it can also map the sensors, show realtime whats going on with a laptop sitting on the passenger seat as I drive.

I know I'm only 1 person here, but I highly recommend it.

I agree with Ferret. On his recommendation, I bot it and use it on my 2001 Forester. Love it. Any cheap old laptop will work. Just pick up a p2 or p3 processor laptop and you will be smiling.