1997 Subaru Outback O2 Sensor Location

Suggested Repair

Confirm the O2 sensor count with a parts listing for California versus federal emissions specs. A 1997 Outback likely has one sensor in the exhaust manifold near the engine; if a second is fitted, it is behind the catalytic converter.

Conversation Summary

The owner of a 1997 Subaru Outback with 192,000 miles was told an O2 sensor was bad after a check-engine diagnostic and asked how many sensors there are and where they are located. The expert said a 1997 likely has one sensor in the exhaust manifold near the engine, and if it has two the second is behind the catalytic converter. The count can differ between California and federal specs, so it should be confirmed with a parts listing.