Smogging and OBDS Failure - California

[decalsvx]

After 26 years no problem my car passed all pre-registration smog checks at certified test station but failed the "OBDS Communication" test. Sparing all the gory details, here are the facts: All 1996 Legacy and SVX Subarus have a special EPA exemption to the "Monitor Readiness Test." All '96 Subarus clear the readiness monitors when the key is turned off. Scanners will not get a signal from the EGR or oxygen sensors (typically) in the readiness test. The tester should have documentation but maybe they don't (they get swamped with paper, so it may be explicable). Most OBDS2 systems (the '96's were the first to get one) communicate when plugged in or, at worst, when the key is turned on. Mine -- and possibly yours -- will not communicate unless the engine is running.
To be ready in case of denial, at least in California: Download the Environmental Protection Agency's most current "OBD Readiness Testability Issues" document. My most current was June 2012, numbered as "EPA-420-B-12-044." Makes are listed alphabetically; under "Subaru" model year "1996" "All Models" the problem is listed as "Readiness Cleared at key-off." The recommended EPA action is "Scan vehicle MIL illumination without regard to readiness." The smog center manual also should have a chart listing "Subaru," "1996," "Impreza, Legacy, SVX" with the instruction "Complete Inspection as prompted by the EIS." Finally, explain to the technician that the OBDS Communication test must be done with the engine running. In my case the scanner got no power when plugged into the OBDS port, even when the ignition switched to "On," which provoked the technician to report a failed test. This took far longer than it should have — almost three months — to unknot. I'd be interested to learn of any variances to this approach that you may encounter.

[Blacky]

So...did they pass it?

[decalsvx]

Yes, the original smog shop read my paperwork and followed my instructions and passed. The state approved and I have my tags.