Failed to Pass Inspection...(Need suggestions!)

  • Thread starter Thread starter MedigoFlame
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sounds like 02 sensor and possibly a misfire (either that or the knock sensor is bad) the misfire could be caused by bad ignition does the car have coil on plug or a distributor?
 
Replace the O2 sensor first, clear the codes by removing the ground from the battery and leave it off for 15 seconds then reattach and see how things go from their.
 
Sounds good (the suggestions I mean). I'm actually going to get the car re-inspected for more information on the reasons for it not inspection at a collision center that my parents know and are friends with an employee. At this point however, my parents are suggesting I may as well go and buy myself another car. :/ I'm glad they approved of it, however the Subaru does have a history in our family... Gotta hate getting attached to a car. X_X
 
Unless you have missed telling us something I'm not sure why they are telling you to get a new car, is something broken on this one?
 
I probably did miss something... Sorry. :( They just suggested that purchasing a different car would be better off. The Subaru's been a bit of a trouble child in the family. It's died before (once again, I don't really know the reason) and currently is considered (by my parents at least) to be a pain (cost wise). The car has many other issues with it, such as the problems with the transmission not shifting too smoothly (a flush, possibly?), misaligned steering (nothing too difficult about that), knocking sound and feel when turning at a slow speed. To be honest, I'm not sure as well why my parents consider it undriveable...
 
^Well that sounds like you could buy it off your parents for really cheap ;)
 
MedigoFlame
I probably did miss something... Sorry. :( They just suggested that purchasing a different car would be better off. The Subaru's been a bit of a trouble child in the family. It's died before (once again, I don't really know the reason) and currently is considered (by my parents at least) to be a pain (cost wise). The car has many other issues with it, such as the problems with the transmission not shifting too smoothly (a flush, possibly?), misaligned steering (nothing too difficult about that), knocking sound and feel when turning at a slow speed. To be honest, I'm not sure as well why my parents consider it undriveable...
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Drain the transmission fluid, replace filter(is needed), get suspension checked out.

The knocking could be the control arm.
 
Grayfox
Drain the transmission fluid, replace filter(is needed), get suspension checked out.

The knocking could be the control arm.
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Knock Sensor has nothing to do with a control arm. :crazy: Knock Sensor controls what amount of timing the ECU should input or not input.

MedigoFlame, 1997 have one O2 Sensor right after the exhaust manifold and one after the Catalytic Converter. They are not cheap at all. Also results from any OBDII readers can be mean any numerous of things. Not sure if there is a manual on the car available online?

Certain that P0141 has to be replaced since I have seen Rear O2's not heat up propperly and throwing codes. As for the rest, you should really read up on it and see what others might of done to resolve their issues. Again the codes are just an advisory of what problems it sees and others things maybe the cause. So spending lots of money to end up with a problem still should be avoided.

Also if you can find out what the Smog Check print out was it would help. They give readings on A/F which should read Stoich., HC, CO & NO. It would give you a better idea of things.

P0130 (O2 Sensor malfunction),...this should be Pre Catalytic Converter. Lamba AKA Air Fuel Ratio...it's primery job is to add or deduct Fuel depending on what readings it sees. Readings go from Negative = Rich to Possitive = Lean.

P0304 (Cylinder 4 misfire),...Could be triggering P0130

P0325 (Knock Sensor 1 Circuit Malfunction),...check wiring and may need new sensor

P0141 (O2 Sensor Heater Circuit Malfunction -Bank 1 Sensor 2-),...the post O2 sensor is not heating up correctly and should be replaced.
 
This may be a little late but here goes.

Are you sure the smoke is not just the condensation clearing? All cars do this, and you said it came only during cold weather. Also, if not condensation, how are all your gaskets and seals? Make sure all of your fluid levels are okay. These cars have head gasket issues and I've seen burning fluids from other bad seals on Outbacks.

You might be able to pass inspection by getting someone to clear all the codes and running the car through emissions again without actually fixing anything. I believe that on newer cars with the OBDII, they just scan the computer so you can probably convince it that everything is running alright.

Finally, what's your mileage? Just about every single one of the 1996-2001 Outbacks will blow their head gaskets between 90,000 and 140,000 miles. This is a $2,500+ job and you would probably be better off getting rid of the car (you can probably still sell it for $7k, at least that's what they're going for in Seattle) before that goes and finding something else. Also, if you're going through oil or coolant, or you have oil and coolant mixing in one of the reservoirs, your HG is already going.

That knocking sound you hear is probably normal for high mileage Subarus. The old engines tend to knock when they're cold and that will go away when it heats up. Many of the old cars have a knock from the suspension going over bumps or turning. I work at a Subaru service lot and see at least one car doing this a day.

Sorry, I know that none of this is really related to your sensor problems. Might be related though. Hope it helps.
 
I failed my CA emissions test the other day... Cause? Someone had stolen my fuel cap, and I hadnt checked. Whoops.

O2 sensors are, as i recall, somewhat expensive on a Toyota, which is fairly common. Not to say that a Legacy isn't, but there are certainly fewer than there are Camrys.... Anyways, the O2 sensor for the camry was a bit pricey...
 
DiersZee1
Knock Sensor has nothing to do with a control arm. :crazy: Knock Sensor controls what amount of timing the ECU should input or not input.
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I know what a knock sensor is and what it does.

A knock sensor has nothing to do with a suspension noise when turning at low speeds.

Make sure you read the responses before you jump to any conclusions.
 
Grayfox
I know what a knock sensor is and what it does.

A knock sensor has nothing to do with a suspension noise when turning at low speeds.

Make sure you read the responses before you jump to any conclusions.
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You obvioulsy do know :dunce:. As the scanner runs the diagnostic with the car off. Codes are only triggered when after a few attempts it fails to read sufficient data.

If it was related to suspension and all the rubber bushings were gone, he would not only hear it, but feel it. Also you forget the fact that what the code states. Please reframe from nonsens.
 
DiersZee1
You obvioulsy do know :dunce:. As the scanner runs the diagnostic with the car off. Codes are only triggered when after a few attempts it fails to read sufficient data.

If it was related to suspension and all the rubber bushings were gone, he would not only hear it, but feel it. Also you forget the fact that what the code states. Please reframe from nonsens.
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Just to be clear he said he can hear and FEEL a knocking sound when turning at low speeds (a separate issue from his emissions problems), almost certainly something suspension related. I'm not sure why you're arguing about it.
 
Thanks for all the advice everyone. :D Unfortunately, the fate of the Subaru still rests on whether I can get more information from a garage on the problems. The garage my parents suggested, which turned out to be a dead end. Along with that, the car that they suggested to have a look at to replace my Outback is a wrecked fifth gen Nissan Sentra... A friend of mine found a local place that specializes in Subarus. So I may end up going there and see if they can not only diagnose the problems for it's failure, but also fix it. If it ends up to be too much, I may just end up having to get a different car. Might just end up making another car purchasing question thread or something. X_X (Currently looking at a 1985 Toyota Cressida and Nissan 200SX/Silvia S12)
 
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