OBD2 software for a Legacy Outback (99-)
Discussion
Hi chaps,
I've just bought a very cheap Legacy Outback for the Mrs, and while at the moment it is in fine fettle (everything save the sunroof is working fully, the AC is icy cold too!) I'm mindful that, at some point, it will go wrong.
I've found the workshop manual, which at 4k pages is quite comprehensive, but I need diagnostic software as well. I'm assuming standard OBD2 stuff won't work for the more advanced diagnostics, is the dealer software available? I see there's an open-source approximation in SSMI, is it any good?
Thanks guys, apologies for my noobyness, but I've never played with diag software before.
I've just bought a very cheap Legacy Outback for the Mrs, and while at the moment it is in fine fettle (everything save the sunroof is working fully, the AC is icy cold too!) I'm mindful that, at some point, it will go wrong.
I've found the workshop manual, which at 4k pages is quite comprehensive, but I need diagnostic software as well. I'm assuming standard OBD2 stuff won't work for the more advanced diagnostics, is the dealer software available? I see there's an open-source approximation in SSMI, is it any good?
Thanks guys, apologies for my noobyness, but I've never played with diag software before.
If you have an OBDII type diagnostic port in the car then you might find OBDII will work even on a 99car. If it does then there is a good chance you can go a bit further. I know with certain Open Source software you can log 99-00 Impreza so i'm guessing it will be the same for your Legacy.
You could try purchasing one of the blue VAGcom cables off eBay and downloading some software called FreeSSM. Will give you fairly comprehensive diagnostics and works very well with Impreza. It's a cheap enough solution that if it doesn;t work you've not lost much.
You could try purchasing one of the blue VAGcom cables off eBay and downloading some software called FreeSSM. Will give you fairly comprehensive diagnostics and works very well with Impreza. It's a cheap enough solution that if it doesn;t work you've not lost much.
Just wanted to bump this thread to finish off all the unanswered bits and pieces.
Tried a VAGCOM cable (KKL v409.1) with no success using FreeSSM, it won't connect. Remembered to try a copy of ECUexplorer and it worked first time without issue. Since diagnosed a stroppy knock sensor, so a replacement has cured all ills.
Still a bit miffed I can't use SSM mind, would be nice to interrogate the TCU and see if it's in rude health. The gigantic thread over at the Outback forums suggests there was a transitional period in the builds where it won't communicate fully, and being an early 1999 built car mine falls into that period unfortunately.
Tried a VAGCOM cable (KKL v409.1) with no success using FreeSSM, it won't connect. Remembered to try a copy of ECUexplorer and it worked first time without issue. Since diagnosed a stroppy knock sensor, so a replacement has cured all ills.
Still a bit miffed I can't use SSM mind, would be nice to interrogate the TCU and see if it's in rude health. The gigantic thread over at the Outback forums suggests there was a transitional period in the builds where it won't communicate fully, and being an early 1999 built car mine falls into that period unfortunately.
Edited by Krikkit on Tuesday 5th November 10:27
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