SeattleSubieNubie

Well, I've yet to pull the codes from the TCU. I'm going back out today(rain break here in the Puget Sound area) to identify the diagnois connector with a flashlight and a little more patience. Why does the front O2 sensor need to be OE? I assumed the ECU compared values between the front and back O2 sensors and that it would be more important that both sensors were from the same manufacturer. I would like to thank everyone in advance for their assistance.

1) Warm up the engine 2) Turn the ignition switch OFF 3) Turn the ignition switch ON 4) Start the engine 5) Drive the vehicle at speeds greater than 12 MPH 6) Stop the vehicle 7) Depress the brake pedal and move the gear selector to "1" 8) Turn the ignition switch to OFF 9) Turn the ignition switch to ON 10) Move the gear selector to "2" 11) Move the gear selector to "1" 12) Move the gear selector to "2" 13) Move the gear selector to "3" 14) Move the gear selector to "D" I think this may apply to newer than 1996 Subarus. I'm thinking I may need to do something additionally with the diagnosis connector and terminals?

Unfortunately, not much. I may try contacting the 2 previous owners to see what they can tell me. The wholesaler she purchased it from had a "once over" done on it and they said the right valve cover gasket is leaky. Would an exhaust leak cause the O2 sensor to trip the CEL? or would that be a different sensor? I was unable to get the "secret handshake" technique to retrieve the codes from the TCU/TCM. Does anyone know the name of the diagnostic tool used to retrieve these codes?

My girlfriend just purchased a 2.5L AT 1996 OBW with 125K miles. I was not able to inspect/drive it before she bought it, so I'm now finding out that the AT Oil Temp light was indicating an issue when she purchased it. It is experiencing the much discussed torque bind and I've become fully versed(thanks to this board) on the diagnostic/repair steps to take with that. Yesterday, on a short day trip the Check Engine Light came on. The code it produced is P0420 - reduced Catalyst Sytem Efficiency. MY QUESTION: Because the TCU is displaying a trouble code can this cause the ECU to show code P0420 even if the only problem is with the transmission? Should I start with solving the torque binding problem first and see if the CEL goes off?

I'm a first time Subaru owner and first time turbo owner. Under harder acceleration at highway speed the turbo causes the engine to hesitate and black smoke comes out the tailpipe. Do any of you knowledgable folk know what the problem is? how much it should cause to have it fixed? or if I can just have the turbo turned off? Also, is there anyone in the Seattle area who feels experienced enough to replace my CV joints for a little cash? Thanks for your help!