Obd2 Scanner for a Late model Subaru Forester
- Thread starter Charmet37
- Start date
https://www.walmart.com/ip/409856222?sid=2627747a-1821-4f6c-b33e-e1bd9c9e4537
I have used this one from Walmart and it works perfectly fine with a smartphone app.
I have used this one from Walmart and it works perfectly fine with a smartphone app.
The Innova 5510/5512 should be good for your Forester. If you want bidirectional capability, there's the 5610
An 01 Forester is about as archaic an engine management system as there is in an OBD II car. There is not much more data available in the factory SSM2 and SSM3 scan tools than there is in global OBD II. Bidirectional controls are also nonexistant on a subaru of that vintage, connecting the green d-check connectors under the dash puts the car into dealer check mode which cycles all of the PCM outputs for testing.
FreeSSM and the correct cable is about the best you can do on this, @Timmastertech is right. It’s a simple system and not much monitoring. You can use ELM327 but what exactly are you aiming to do with this?
Indeed, the best bidirectional you can get is the plug under the dash. Used it several times myself, almost always for EVAP of course. A URaBus of this era will force you to speak EVAP in short order, like dropping you in a foreign country you must learn the language quickly 
- Joined
- Dec 10, 2025
- Messages
- 13
Yeah a Bluetooth OBD2 dongle can work on a 2001 Forester, just make sure the app supports Subaru protocols. For under $200, I’ve used OBDLink, BlueDriver, or Ancel for live data. If you want something standalone, youcanic or a cheap Autel tablet works too.
