ATTENTION:

GENERAL MANAGER o PARTS MANAGER o

CLAIMS PERSONNEL o SERVICE MANAGER o
IMPORTANT - All Service Personnel Should Read and Initial

STATE I/M PROGRAM ADVISORY BULLETIN

APPLICABILITY: All 1996-1999 MY Subaru Vehicles NUMBER: 11-54-99

DATE: 03/01/99
SUBJECT: On-Board Diagnostic System
Diagnostic Link Connector (DLC) Location

THIS BULLETIN IS FOR INFORMATION ONLY.

Recently, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a regulation that requires the addition
of On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) system checks in Basic and Enhanced State Inspection/Maintenance
programs beginning in January 2001. Some states have voluntarily elected to conduct the OBD system
checks prior to this date. From these programs, the U.S. EPA has learned that some manufacturers
have misunderstood the OBD DLC location guidelines established by SAE. The OBD DLC location
on all 1996-1999 model Subaru vehicles is in compliance with established regulations.
This bulletin serves to provide a quick reference chart for DLC location by model year. The certified
engine families listed on the following chart is found on the underhood Vehicle Emission Control
Information (VECI) label. Also specified on the chart is a mapping grid number, which corresponds to
the EPA Diagnostic Link Connector Mapping Diagram, which is also included in this bulletin.
For pictorial OBD DLC locations, please consult the applicable 1996 through 1999 model year
Technical Service Manual.
Supplemental bulletins will provide the DLC location on 2000 and newer model year vehicles as
needed.

SUMMARY OF SUBARU 1996-1999 MODEL ENGINE FAMILY

OBD CONNECTOR LOCATIONS

Model Subaru Certified Exhaust Engine Subaru Model OBD DLC EPAMap
Year Engine Family Standard Size Location* Number

1996 TFJ2.2VJG2EK CA TLEV 2.2L Legacy Sedan L MT5 254mm Left #2

2.2L Legacy Sedan L 4EAT 254mm Left #2
2.2L Legacy Sedan L FAWD MT5 254mm Left #2
2.2L Legacy Sedan LS FAWD 4EAT 254mm Left #2
2.2L Legacy Wagon L 4EAT 254mm Left #2
2.2L Legacy Wagon L FAWD MT5 Brighton 254mm Left #2
2.2L Legacy Wagon L FAWD 4EAT Brighton 254mm Left #2
2.2L Legacy Wagon L FAWD MT5 254mm Left #2
2.2L Legacy Wagon L FAWD 4EAT 254mm Left #2
* The connector location is measured horizontally (left or right) from the centerline of the steering wheel
housing assembly on the lower instrument panel cover.
Continued on next page...
CAUTION
VEHICLE SERVICING PERFORMED BY UNTRAINED PERSONS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY TO THOSE PERSONS OR TO OTHERS.
Subaru Service Bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians ONLY. They are written to inform those technicians of conditions that may occur in some vehicles, or to provide
information that could assist in the proper servicing of the vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions, and know-how to do the job correctly and safely.
If a condition is described, DO NOT assume that this Service Bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition.
Number: 11-54-99; Date 03/01/99 Page 2

Model Subaru Certified Exhaust Engine Subaru Model OBD DLC EPAMap
Year Engine Family Standard Size Location* Number

1996 TFJ2.2VJG2EK CA TLEV 2.2L Legacy Wagon LS FAWD 4EAT 254mm Left #2
2.2L Legacy Wagon Postal L FAWD 4EAT 254mm Left #2
2.2L Legacy Outback FAWD MT5 254mm Left #2
TFJ1.8VJGFEK 50-S 1.8L Impreza Sedan L 4EAT 254mm Left #2
Tier 1 1.8L Impreza Coupe L 4EAT 254mm Left #2
1.8L Impreza Coupe FAWD MT5 Brighton 254mm Left #2
TFJ2.2VJGKEK 50-S 2.2L Legacy Sedan L MT5 254mm Left #2
Tier 1 2.2L Legacy Sedan L 4EAT 254mm Left #2
2.2L Legacy Sedan L FAWD MT5 254mm Left #2
2.2L Legacy Sedan L FAWD 4EAT 254mm Left #2
2.2L Legacy Sedan LS FAWD 4EAT 254mm Left #2
2.2L Legacy Wagon L 4EAT 254mm Left #2
2.2L Legacy Wagon L FAWD MT5 Brighton 254mm Left #2
2.2L Legacy Wagon L FAWD 4EAT Brighton 254mm Left #2
2.2L Legacy Wagon L FAWD MT5 254mm Left #2
2.2L Legacy Wagon L FAWD 4EAT 254mm Left #2
2.2L Legacy Wagon LS FAWD 4EAT 254mm Left #2
2.2L Legacy Wagon Postal L FAWD 4EAT 254mm Left #2
2.2L Legacy Outback FAWD MT5 254mm Left #2
TFJ2.2VJGKEK 50-S 2.2L Impreza Sedan L FAWD MT5 254mm Left #2
Tier 1 2.2L Impreza Sedan L FAWD 4EAT 254mm Left #2
2.2L Impreza Sedan LX FAWD 4EAT 254mm Left #2
2.2L Impreza Wagon L FAWD MT5 254mm Left #2
2.2L Impreza Outback Wagon FAWD MT5 254mm Left #2
2.2L Impreza Wagon LX FAWD 4EAT 254mm Left #2
2.2L Impreza Outback Wagon FAWD 4EAT 254mm Left #2
2.2L Impreza Coupe L FAWD MT5 254mm Left #2
2.2L Impreza Coupe L FAWD 4EAT 254mm Left #2
2.2L Impreza Coupe LX FAWD MT5 254mm Left #2
2.2L Impreza Coupe LX FAWD 4EAT 254mm Left #2
TFJ2.5VJGFEK 50-S 2.5L Legacy Sedan Lsi FAWD 4EAT 254mm Left #2
Tier 1 2.5L Legacy Sedan GT FAWD 4EAT 254mm Left #2
2.5L Legacy Wagon Lsi FAWD 4EAT 254mm Left #2
2.5L Legacy Wagon GT FAWD 4EAT 254mm Left #2
2.5L Leagacy Outback FAWD 4EAT 254mm Left #2
TFJ3.3VJGFEK 50-S 3.3L SVX L FAWD 4EAT 140MM Right #1
Tier 1 3.3L SVX LSi FAWD 4EAT 140MM Right #1
1997 VFJ2.2VJG2EK CA TLEV 2.2L Legacy Sedan L AWD MT5 254mm Left #2
2.2L Legacy Sedan L AWD 4EAT 254mm Left #2
2.2L Legacy Wagon AWD MT5 Brighton 254mm Left #2
2.2L Legacy Wagon AWD 4EAT Brighton 254mm Left #2
2.2L Legacy Wagon L AWD MT5 254mm Left #2
2.2L Legacy Wagon L AWD 4EAT 254mm Left #2
2.2L Legacy Wagon Postal AWD 4EAT 254mm Left #2
VFJ1.8VJGFEK 50-S 1.8L Impreza Coupe AWD MT5 Brighton 254mm Left #2
Tier 1

* The connector location is measured horizontally (left or right) from centerline of steering wheel
housing assembly on the lower instrument panel cover.

Continued on next page...

Number: 11-54-99; Date 03/01/99 Page 3

Model Subaru Certified Exhaust Engine Subaru Model OBD DLC EPAMap
Year Engine Family Standard Size Location* Number

1997 VFJ2.2VJGKEK 50-S 2.2L Legacy Sedan L FWD 4EAT** 254mm Left #2
Tier 1 2.2L Legacy Wagon L FWD 4EAT** 254mm Left #2
2.2L Legacy Sedan L AWD MT5 254mm Left #2
2.2L Legacy Sedan L AWD 4EAT 254mm Left #2
2.2L Legacy Wagon AWD MT5 Brighton 254mm Left #2
2.2L Legacy Wagon AWD 4EAT Brighton 254mm Left #2
2.2L Legacy Wagon L AWD MT5 254mm Left #2
2.2L Legacy Wagon L AWD 4EAT 254mm Left #2
2.2L Legacy Wagon Postal AWD 4EAT 254mm Left #2
2.2L Impreza Coupe AWD 4EAT Brighton 254mm Left #2
2.2L Impreza Coupe L AWD MT5 254mm Left #2
2.2L Impreza Coupe L AWD 4EAT 254mm Left #2
2.2L Impreza Sedan L AWD MT5 254mm Left #2
2.2L Impreza Sedan L AWD 4EAT 254mm Left #2
2.2L Impreza Wagon L AWD MT5 254mm Left #2
2.2L Impreza Wagon L AWD 4EAT 254mm Left #2
2.2L Impreza Outback AWD MT5 254mm Left #2
2.2L Impreza Outback AWD 4EAT 254mm Left #2
VFJ2.5VJGKEK 50-S 2.5L Legacy Sedan GT AWD MT5 254mm Left #2
Tier 1 2.5L Legacy Sedan GT AWD 4EAT 254mm Left #2
2.5L Legacy Sedan LSi AWD 4EAT 254mm Left #2
2.5L Legacy Wagon GT AWD MT5 254mm Left #2
2.5L Legacy Wagon GT AWD 4EAT 254mm Left #2
2.5L Legacy Wagon LSi AWD 4EAT 254mm Left #2
2.5L Legacy Outback AWD MT5 254mm Left #2
2.5L Legacy Outback AWD MT5 254mm Left #2
2.5L Legacy Outback AWD 4EAT 254mm Left #2
2.5L Legacy Outback Limited AWD MT5 254mm Left #2
2.5L Legacy Outback Limited AWD 4EAT 254mm Left #2
VFJ3.3VJGFEK 50-S 3.3L SVX L AWD 4EAT 140MM Right #1
Tier 1 3.3L SVX LSi AWD 4EAT 140MM Right #1
1998 WFJXV02.2BCB CA TLEV 2.2L Legacy Sedan L AWD MT5 254mm Left #2
2.2L Legacy Sedan L AWD 4EAT 254mm Left #2
2.2L Legacy Wagon AWD MT5 Brighton 254mm Left #2
2.2L Legacy Wagon AWD 4EAT Brighton 254mm Left #2
2.2L Legacy Wagon L AWD MT5 254mm Left #2
2.2L Legacy Wagon L AWD 4EAT 254mm Left #2
2.2L Legacy Wagon Postal AWD 4EAT 254mm Left #2
2.2L Impreza Sedan L AWD MT5 152mm Left #1
2.2L Impreza Sedan L AWD 4EAT 152mm Left #1
2.2L Impreza Wagon L AWD MT5 152mm Left #1
2.2L Impreza Wagon L 4EAT 152mm Left #1
2.2L Impreza Outback AWD MT5 152mm Left #1
2.2L Impreza Outback AWD 4EAT 152mm Left #1
2.2L Impreza Coupe L AWD MT5 152mm Left #1
2.2L Impreza Coupe L AWD 4EAT 152mm Left #1

* The connector location is measured horizontally (left or right) from centerline of steering wheel
housing assembly on the lower instrument panel cover.
** Implies 1997Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) models are available only in Hawaii.
Continued on next page...
Number: 11-54-99; Date 03/01/99 Page 4

Model Subaru Certified Exhaust Engine Subaru Model OBD DLC EPAMap
Year Engine Family Standard Size Location* Number

1998 WFJXV02.5DCD CA TLEV 2.5L Legacy Sedan GT AWD MT5 254mm Left #2
2.5L Legacy Sedan GT AWD 4EAT 254mm Left #2
2.5L Legacy Sedan GT LTD AWD 4EAT 254mm Left #2
2.5L Legacy Sedan SUS AWD 4EAT 254mm Left #2
2.5L Legacy Wagon GT AWD MT5 254mm Left #2
2.5L Legacy Wagon GT AWD 4EAT 254mm Left #2
2.5L Legacy Outback AWD MT5 254mm Left #2
2.5L Legacy Outback AWD 4EAT 254mm Left #2
2.5L Legacy Outback LTD S/R AWD 4EAT 254mm Left #2
2.5L Forester AWD MT5 152mm Left #1
2.5L Forester L AWD MT5 152mm Left #1
2.5L Forester L AWD 4EAT 152mm Left #1
2.5L Forester S AWD MT5 152mm Left #1
2.5L Forester S AWD 4EAT 152mm Left #1
2.5L Impreza Coupe RS AWD MT5 152mm Left #1
2.5L Impreza Coupe RS AWD 4EAT 152mm Left #1
WFJXV02.2AAA Federal 2.2L Legacy Sedan L FWD 4EAT ** 254mm Left #2
Tier 1 2.2L Legacy Wagon L FWD 4EAT** 254mm Left #2
2.2L Legacy Sedan L AWD MT5 254mm Left #2
2.2L Legacy Sedan L AWD 4EAT 254mm Left #2
2.2L Legacy Wagon AWD MT5 Brighton 254mm Left #2
2.2L Legacy Wagon AWD 4EAT Brighton 254mm Left #2
2.2L Legacy Wagon L AWD MT5 254mm Left #2
2.2L Legacy Wagon L AWD 4EAT 254mm Left #2
2.2L Legacy Wagon Postal AWD 4EAT 254mm Left #2
2.2L Impreza Sedan L AWD MT5 152mm Left #1
2.2L Impreza Sedan L AWD 4EAT 152mm Left #1
2.2L Impreza Wagon L AWD MT5 152mm Left #1
2.2L Impreza Wagon L 4EAT 152mm Left #1
2.2L Impreza Outback AWD MT5 152mm Left #1
2.2L Impreza Outback AWD 4EAT 152mm Left #1
2.2L Impreza Coupe L AWD MT5 152mm Left #1
2.2L Impreza Coupe L AWD 4EAT 152mm Left #1
WFJXV02.5CAC Federal 2.5L Legacy Sedan GT AWD MT5 254mm Left #2
Tier 1 2.5L Legacy Sedan GT AWD 4EAT 254mm Left #2
2.5L Legacy Sedan GT LTD AWD 4EAT 254mm Left #2
2.5L Legacy Sedan SUS AWD 4EAT 254mm Left #2
2.5L Legacy Wagon GT AWD MT5 254mm Left #2
2.5L Legacy Wagon GT AWD 4EAT 254mm Left #2
2.5L Legacy Outback AWD MT5 254mm Left #2
2.5L Legacy Outback AWD 4EAT 254mm Left #2
2.5L Legacy Outback LTD S/R AWD 4EAT 254mm Left #2
2.5L Forester AWD MT5 152mm Left #1
2.5L Forester L AWD MT5 152mm Left #1
2.5L Forester L AWD 4EAT 152mm Left #1
2.5L Forester S AWD MT5 152mm Left #1
2.5L Forester S AWD 4EAT 152mm Left #1
* The connector location is measured horizontally (left or right) from centerline of steering wheel
housing assembly on the lower instrument panel cover.
** Implies 1998 Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) models are available only in Hawaii.
Continued on next page...
Number: 11-54-99; Date 03/01/99 Page 5

Model Subaru Certified Exhaust Engine Subaru Model OBD DLC EPAMap
Year Engine Family Standard Size Location* Number

1998 WFJXV02.5CAC Federal 2.5L Impreza Coupe RS AWD MT5 152mm Left #1
Tier 1 2.5L Impreza Coupe RS AWD 4EAT 152mm Left #1
1999 XFJXV02.2FEF CA LEV 2.2L Legacy Sedan L AWD MT5 254mm Left #2
2.2L Legacy Sedan L AWD 4EAT 254mm Left #2
2.2L Legacy Wagon AWD MT5 Brighton 254mm Left #2
2.2L Legacy Wagon AWD 4EAT Brighton 254mm Left #2
2.2L Legacy Wagon L AWD MT5 254mm Left #2
2.2L Legacy Wagon L AWD 4EAT 254mm Left #2
2.2L Legacy Wagon Postal AWD 4EAT 254mm Left #2
2.2L Impreza Sedan L AWD MT5 152mm Left #1
2.2L Impreza Sedan L AWD 4EAT 152mm Left #1
2.2L Impreza Wagon L AWD MT5 152mm Left #1
2.2L Impreza Wagon L AWD 4EAT 152mm Left #1
2.2L Impreza Outback Sport AWD MT5 152mm Left #1
2.2L Impreza Outback Sport AWD 4EAT 152mm Left #1
2.2L Impreza Coupe L AWD MT5 152mm Left #1
2.2L Impreza Coupe L AWD 4EAT 152mm Left #1
XFJXV02.5HEG CA TLEV 2.5L Impreza Coupe RS AWD MT5 152mm Left #1
2.5L Impreza Coupe RS AWD 4EAT 152mm Left #1
2.5L Forester AWD MT5 152mm Left #1
2.5L Forester L AWD MT5 152mm Left #1
2.5L Forester L AWD 4EAT 152mm Left #1
2.5L Forester S AWD MT5 152mm Left #1
2.5L Forester S AWD 4EAT 152mm Left #1
XFJXV02.5DCD CA TLEV 2.5L Legacy Sedan GT AWD MT5 254mm Left #2
2.5L Legacy Sedan GT AWD 4EAT 254mm Left #2
2.5L Legacy Sedan GT LTD AWD MT5 254mm Left #2
2.5L Legacy Sedan GT LTD AWD 4EAT 254mm Left #2
2.5L Legacy Wagon GT AWD MT5 254mm Left #2
2.5L Legacy Wagon GT AWD 4EAT 254mm Left #2
2.5L Legacy Sedan SUS AWD 4EAT 254mm Left #2
2.5L Legacy Sedan SUS LTD AWD 4EAT 254mm Left #2
2.5L Legacy Outback SSV AWD 4EAT 254mm Left #2
2.5L Legacy Outback AWD MT5 254mm Left #2
2.5L Legacy Outback AWD 4EAT 254mm Left #2
2.5L Legacy Outback C/W AWD MT5 254mm Left #2
2.5L Legacy Outback C.W AWD 4EAT 254mm Left #2
2.5L Legacy Outback LTD AWD MT5 254mm Left #2
2.5L Legacy Outback LTD AWD 4EAT 254mm Left #2
2.5L Legacy Outback LTD S/R AWD 4EAT 254mm Left #2
XFJXV02.5GDE Federal 2.2L Legacy Sedan L AWD MT5 254mm Left #2
Tier 1 2.2L Legacy Sedan L AWD 4EAT 254mm Left #2
2.2L Legacy Wagon AWD MT5 Brighton 254mm Left #2
2.2L Legacy Wagon AWD 4EAT Brighton 254mm Left #2
2.2L Legacy Wagon L AWD MT5 254mm Left #2
2.2L Legacy Wagon L AWD 4EAT 254mm Left #2

* The connector location is measured horizontally (left or right) from centerline of steering wheel
housing assembly on the lower instrument panel cover.

Continued on next page...

Number: 11-54-99; Date 03/01/99 Page 6

Model Subaru Certified Exhaust Engine Subaru Model OBD DLC EPAMap
Year Engine Family Standard Size Location* Number

1999 XFJXV02.5GDE Federal 2.2L Legacy Wagon Postal AWD 4EAT 254mm Left #2
Tier 1 2.2L Impreza Sedan L AWD MT5 152mm Left #1
2.2L Impreza Sedan L AWD 4EAT 152mm Left #1
2.2L Impreza Wagon L AWD MT5 152mm Left #1
2.2L Impreza Wagon L AWD 4EAT 152mm Left #1
2.2L Impreza Outback Sport AWD MT5 152mm Left #1
2.2L Impreza Outback Sport AWD 4EAT 152mm Left #1
2.2L Impreza Coupe L AWD MT5 152mm Left #1
2.2L Impreza Coupe L AWD 4EAT 152mm Left #1
2.5L Impreza Coupe RS AWD MT5 152mm Left #1
2.5L Impreza Coupe RS AWD 4EAT 152mm Left #1
2.5L Forester AWD MT5 152mm Left #1
2.5L Forester L AWD MT5 152mm Left #1
2.5L Forester L AWD 4EAT 152mm Left #1
2.5L Forester S AWD MT5 152mm Left #1
2.5L Forester S AWD 4EAT 152mm Left #1
XFJXV02.5CAC Federal 2.5L Legacy Sedan GT AWD MT5 254mm Left #2
Tier 1 2.5L Legacy Sedan GT AWD 4EAT 254mm Left #2
2.5L Legacy Sedan GT LTD AWD MT5 254mm Left #2
2.5L Legacy Sedan GT LTD AWD 4EAT 254mm Left #2
2.5L Legacy Wagon GT AWD MT5 254mm Left #2
2.5L Legacy Wagon GT AWD 4EAT 254mm Left #2
2.5L Legacy Sedan SUS AWD 4EAT 254mm Left #2
2.5L Legacy Sedan SUS LTD AWD 4EAT 254mm Left #2
2.5L Legacy Outback SSV AWD 4EAT 254mm Left #2
2.5L Legacy Outback AWD MT5 254mm Left #2
2.5L Legacy Outback AWD 4EAT 254mm Left #2
2.5L Legacy Outback C/W AWD MT5 254mm Left #2
2.5L Legacy Outback C.W AWD 4EAT 254mm Left #2
2.5L Legacy Outback LTD AWD MT5 254mm Left #2
2.5L Legacy Outback LTD AWD 4EAT 254mm Left #2
2.5L Legacy Outback LTD S/R AWD 4EAT 254mm Left #2

* The connector location is measured horizontally (left or right) from centerline of steering wheel
housing assembly on the lower instrument panel cover.
Number: 11-54-99; Date 03/01/99 Page 7