MA state emissions inspection for AWD

[John]

I was reading on the End Wrench website an archive from spring 98 that
states that all Subaru full-time and AWD vehicles are exempt from the
two-wheel dynomometer testing for state emmisions inpections. Is this still
true? I ask because the last time my 95 Legacy was inspected in MA two
years ago (MA requires the emissions test every other year), the mechanic
(not at a dealer) put the car through its emission tests in neutral, not
simply the idle test that is mentioned on endwrech. I'm due for emissions
inspection again in April and I'll be going back to the same garage. Will I
be able to mention this to the mechanic or has the law (in MA) changed?

 

[Ed Fortmiller]

I was reading on the End Wrench website an archive from spring 98 that
states that all Subaru full-time and AWD vehicles are exempt from the
two-wheel dynomometer testing for state emmisions inpections. Is this still
true? I ask because the last time my 95 Legacy was inspected in MA two
years ago (MA requires the emissions test every other year), the mechanic
(not at a dealer) put the car through its emission tests in neutral, not
simply the idle test that is mentioned on endwrech. I'm due for emissions
inspection again in April and I'll be going back to the same garage. Will I
be able to mention this to the mechanic or has the law (in MA) changed?

As far as I know if it is a 1995 or earlier AWD you get a non dyno tail pipe
only. If 1996 or later they just plug directly into your OBD-II plug and
get the readings from there. If you are concerned call the station and ask
them. Might also be able to find something on the RMV web site.

http://www.state.ma.us/rmv/

--
Ed Fortmiller | (e-mail address removed) | Hudson MA
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[Greg]

Sounds like the same test as CA for all wheel drive. Here it's a 2 speed
idle test, one part at 2500 rpm and one part at idle both parts in park or
neutral.

 

[Dominic Richens]

I was reading on the End Wrench website an archive from spring 98 that
states that all Subaru full-time and AWD vehicles are exempt from the
two-wheel dynomometer testing for state emmisions inpections.

Yes, because you'll damage the centre differential. To do it properly, you
need a four wheel dyno.