2 or 3 Os sensors, OBD1 or OBD2 for 1997 Canadian LSi?

[Old Davy]

I have a 1997 (build Oct 96) Canadian spec SVX that has very few problems. In the course of correcting them both my Service Manager and I have some confusion.

After much deep-diving research in the Forums I 'was' under the impression that I have 2 pre-cat O2 sensors and Subaru added a 3rd after the cat for 1997.
I was also under the impression that 1997 SVXs with the OBD connector behind the door on the dashboard were OBD2. Those with the connectors under the kick panel are OBD1?

Perhaps all of this only applies to California spec SVXs?

The Mechanic's first OBD check for the engine light on was done using OBD1 after he found and fixed a broken wire on the dash connector. It was slightly less than conclusive and at $89/hr I'd like to give him as much help as possible. I was in having the AC system evaluated.

Please, someone who knows for sure or has hands on experience please set me straight on this puzzling contradiction. Thank you.

[smc]

1996 and 1997 SVX's are all OBD II cars. There is a 3rd o2 sensor on top of the exhaust pipe by the end of the transmission. Its wire connector is on top of the heat shield, rather well hidden.

[Green1995SVX]

Originally Posted by Old Davy

I have a 1997 (build Oct 96) Canadian spec SVX that has very few problems. In the course of correcting them both my Service Manager and I have some confusion.

After much deep-diving research in the Forums I 'was' under the impression that I have 2 pre-cat O2 sensors and Subaru added a 3rd after the cat for 1997.
I was also under the impression that 1997 SVXs with the OBD connector behind the door on the dashboard were OBD2. Those with the connectors under the kick panel are OBD1?

Perhaps all of this only applies to California spec SVXs?

The Mechanic's first OBD check for the engine light on was done using OBD1 after he found and fixed a broken wire on the dash connector. It was slightly less than conclusive and at $89/hr I'd like to give him as much help as possible. I was in having the AC system evaluated.

Please, someone who knows for sure or has hands on experience please set me straight on this puzzling contradiction. Thank you.

All of your speculations are correct except for the fact that OBD2 started in 1996. This applies to all cars sold in the United States as the OBD2 standard became federal law in 1996.

[b3lha]

OBD2 SVXes only exist in the USA. The rest of the world didn't get them. Basically if it has an OBD2 socket then it's OBD2, otherwise it's not.

[jetboy]

Originally Posted by b3lha

OBD2 SVXes only exist in the USA. The rest of the world didn't get them. Basically if it has an OBD2 socket then it's OBD2, otherwise it's not.

Partly confirmed by my Norway MY96 which has OBD1 (with ports and whatnot in the kickpanel left side).

[steamer99]

According to the attached PDF OBDII was required in Canada in 1996 as well

[Old Davy]

Thanks for that, steamer99.
And to everyone for your valued input.
It's easy enough to guess but better to actually know.
Between this group and SVX World Forums the true answer to this niggling question is emerging.

Here's the thing - although my '97 SVX has all original body stickers intact, the underhood Emissions Declaration makes no mention of OBD.
But, it has the two black OBD connectors under the kick panel as well as the 16 pin OBDII socket in the dash under the flip up door.
I took possession of the car with the engine light constantly on with no effect on performance. The CEL would go out again for short periods during gentle city driving but came back on under spirited hiway runs.
Diagnosis at the dealership threw out the code for a right O2 sensor and the MAF. This after a lengthy and somewhat shifty/dubious explanation that the shop had to use 'outdated' OBDI software. They were, of course, only too eager to change those parts for me at great expense. :-) Not gonna happen since the engine is running top-notch as is.

Back home in my own driveway, armed with intuition and the wealth of information from the site, changing the green cone intake filter back to the OEM airbox & paper filter, and giving the MAF a good cleaning of K&N oil contamination, the CEL has stayed off the past week. I believe the EGU is gratefully relearning to run on 100% 94 and 91 octane rather than the 89 mix it was getting before.
I intend to keep this car for the rest of my life. Due to its relative rarity up here in Canada and gradual natural withdrawal of support from Subaru North America I have been gathering every scrap of technical information I can find off the web and sticking it all in a 3-ring binder for myself and subsequent owners.
I didn't know squat about OBD but I'm learning fast. To this end I have located a good basic OBDII scanner reader through Amazon.ca (sure wish I had an address in the USA). I'm looking forward to getting my own readings should the CEL begin acting up again and having the ability to clear old codes/resetting the CEL without having to sip bad coffee at a Dealership.
After Labour Day when my work schedule drops from 60 hour weeks to 40 I'll get this Canadian car up on ramps and be able to determine if in fact I have a third O2 sensor to be concerned about.
As stated above - It's easy enough to guess but better to actually know.

First things first, tho. Next week the new AC Condenser rad gets installed and that will be very cool...