What is Subaru OBD?
OBD stands for On-Board Diagnostics. It refers to a communication protocol for the ECU.
Why do I care if my car is OBD1 vs. OBD2?
If your car is OBD1, it means that there is a basic level of communication with the ECU that can only be accessed by a Subaru scan tool called an SSM (Subaru Select Monitor). OBD1 is essentially a very rudimentary way to tell you there is a general problem. Normally, to see what an issue is, plug in the test mode connector, and your check engine light flashes in a sequence that represents a code. You can also pull these codes from stored memory for when the light comes and goes, via the Read Memory Connectors. OBD2 is a more advanced communication protocol that can provide more specific information, revealing much more about the nature of the issue. Any standard scan tool can plug into the OBD2 and read the codes. It also means you can communicate with the ECU and access more advanced live data.
If I Want to Upgrade, How Do I Switch from OBD1 to OBD2?
The communication protocol is hard-wired into the ECU, so to upgrade to OBD2, you have to use an OBD2-equipped ECU. Generally, as a byproduct of this, you would also have to do an engine swap because the requirements for the engine that goes with an OBD2 ECU are going to be different than the engine that goes with an OBD1 ECU.
Can I Switch from OBD2 to OBD1?
Yes, you can, but we do not recommend it. Since you are downgrading the On-Board Diagnostics communication type, you can no longer pass emissions or SMOG because a standard scan tool can no longer read it . There is no way around this except to replace the ECU with an OBD2-compatible one.
Is there an OBD3?
Well, sort of. With CANBUS-equipped cars, the OBD2 port has more capabilities because the communication language is more advanced. It's the same basic idea as OBD2, but since the data is coming from the ECU through a different type of connection (CAN), it is faster and can send more information at one time.
Purchase an OBD2 Port from iWire
Need Subaru DIY Items? Check Out the Links Below:
